When the water stops running in your house, or the pressure becomes too weak, it’s time to go take a look at your water well pressure tank. This article will cover the following:
- How to reset your well pump pressure switch with a lever
- How to reset your well pump pressure switch without a lever
- How to add air into the pressure bladder inside the tank when the PSI is too low
- How to check the pump system inside the well
Well pressure tanks are usually located in the basement or outside. They have a pressure switch and pressure gauge located close to them.
Sometimes these switches have a lever on the side of them, while others do not.
Table of Contents
Reset the Pressure Switch with Lever
Be careful and use caution. The pressure switch and conductors have high voltage running through them, so do not touch them.
After unscrewing the switch’s plastic cover, push the lever up to a 45-degree angle. You should see the contactors close. Hold it there for about 20 to 30 seconds.
The pressure gauge will reach the kick-on PSI for your water tank, and it should start running again. Replace the lid on the pressure switch.
Reset the Pressure Switch without Lever
Once again, be careful and use caution.
Use the corner of the pressure switch’s plastic lid to flick the contactors open/closed. Plastic does not conduct electricity, which makes the lid a perfect tool.
Sometimes carbon builds up on the contactors and this prevents electricity from flowing through. By flicking the contacts with the lid, your tank may start working again.
If flicking the contactors does not result in sparks, you may try replacing the pressure switch.
Add Air into the Bladder of the Water Tank to Restore PSI
Whenever there’s a water pressure drop in your home, you may need to add air to the pressure bladder inside the tank.
At the top of the water tank, there’s a port used for this very purpose. You can use a pressure gauge to read the current PSI in the tank.
Before adding air, be sure to cut off power to the well and get all the water out of the tank. Leave faucets on so that any water may escape during the process.
Once the water has drained, use a portable electric air pump to restore the air pressure. To find what pressure to fill it to, look at the inside of the plastic lid that covers the pressure switch.
Always fill your tank to 2 PSI below the kick-on measurement. For example, if your tank kicks on at 40 PSI, fill it to 38 PSI.
When the correct pressure is reached, turn the faucets off and restore power to the tank. You should be able to hear running water or some indication that everything is working properly.
If you’re still experiencing water pressure issues or no water is reaching the house, you may want to take a look at the long pipe and pump that drops down into the well.
Check the Pump System Inside the Well
This long pipe, wires, and pump at the end can be referred to as the pump system. The most common damage found on the pump system are cracks in the pipe, corroded clamps, or exposed copper wiring.
The pump is submerged underwater, which makes the last 10 feet or so of the pump system the most likely stretch to need repairs. The thicker the pipe, the more reliable it is.
Electrical tape is used on this new pump system to cover the stainless steel clamps above the pump and secure loose wires that travel along the pipe. This increases protection against damage and leaks.
Replacing broken or corroded clamps with stainless steel clamps is the way to go.
If you find one or more damaged areas on your pump system, I recommend replacing the entire pipe and wiring. Depending on the quality of your pump, you may need to replace that as well.
Final Thoughts
It can be extremely frustrating when a water well tank stops working. Whatever the issue turns out to be, it’s better to invest money into thorough and reliable repairs than to choose cheaper alternatives.
Can you imagine fixing the water tank/pump only to have it give out one year later while hosting a holiday dinner with your in-laws?
Please note that if your tank is 10 years old or older, you may have to replace it.
I hope this article helped to get your water tank operating properly again.
