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Author:
jhjenningsiii (VA)
I have a well system with a pump ( 400 ft well ), pressure tank and switch. Approximately 19 years old. In the last month, there's been 2 mornings where there was no water ( I have a filtration system that backwashes at night ).Verified power, no water leaks at tank. Gauge reads 0 psi. Lever on the switch is horozontal. I raise the lever on the pressure tank switch and it fills up. No problem.
First, I'm unsure if the lever on the switch is in the correct position. Should it be left at 0 degrees ( horzontal ) or 45 degrees? It's been 0 degrees.
Second, what is the most likely cause for this- pump failing, well running dry, bad pressure tank .... ?
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Author:
jhjenningsiii (VA)
Bump- any input on this? Is there some troubleshooting tree I could follow somewhere?
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Author:
Fixitangel (NC)
Something is causing your pressure to drop overnight. You could have a bad check valve in the well line, or underslab leak somewhere that is causing the pressure to drop overnight. The lever on the pressure switch is a safety device that shuts off the pump during a very low pressure event. Check the documentation for the switch to see what is normal. Check your toilets for leaky flappers or siphoning. Make sure the tank tee and switch nipple are not clogged with sediment.
Edited 4 times.
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Author:
North Carolina Plumber (NC)
The low water cutoff pressure switch is part of the problem. The water pressure is dropping faster than the pump can replenish it, and the pressure switch is turning the power off to the pump. Its likely happening when the softner is flushing.
1.A clogged nipple can delay the pumps starting and cause your problem.
2. A worn pump could also cause it.
One would need to be onsite, manually flush the softener while taking some pressure readings, watching the switch, and checking the amp draw to locate the exact cause.
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Author:
North Carolina Plumber (NC)
For those not familiar with a low water cutoff pressure switch, they are mostly used on a low production well. When the pressure drops below a predetermined threshold ( usually 5 PSI below the cut in setting ) the switch will trip and turn the power off to the pump. It must be manually reset via lever before it will operate automatically again.
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Author:
m & m (MD)
LWCO switches serve a purpose, but if not absolutely necessary, they should be avoided.
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Author:
jhjenningsiii (VA)
Thanks all. That gives me some things to start with.
Edited 1 times.
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Author:
hj (AZ)
IF the switch is off, and we cannot tell you HOW the lever should be positioned for it to be on, the filter backwash would deplete the water supply during the night.
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