pump running continually; pressure too high?

Recently our well pump began running continually. I did a search of the archives and found some good info, but nothing that seemed to apply to my specific problem.

As said, the pump is continually running, and the pressure gauge reads around 65 psi. The information I got from the expansion tank etc. is as follows:

Well-X-Trol expansion tank; 1/2 HP Franklin Electric pump; Pumptrol pressure switch.

I tried turning off the pump for awhile, and the pressure went to 0 psi, but then returned to 65 psi after a short while. I also tried turning off the main valve to the house, but the pressure remained at 65 psi with the pump still running.

Do the pressure switches burn out? Could it be something else causing the high pressure?

Thank you for any help with this.

Jeff Nichols

 

Hi Jeff, and welcome to DIY Forums,
- the pressure switch may be at fault, but they generally fault the other way, (ie won't switch on.) If you are very careful, you can do a test on this. Power will be on, so take care. Remove the lid of Pressure switch. There's a nut in centre with a spring under it. Preferably with an insulated 3/8 nut driver, turn the nut counter clockwise and the pump should turn off. If it does not the P/S is shot.
Are we dealing with a sub pump here? And if so is there a control box ( grey, about 4x8x3, )
I will be here for next hour or so, will look for your answers.

Do it Right - Do it once.

 

Thanks for the quick reply. I removed the cover andd there were actually two screws. One was on a longer post, with a spring underneath, while the other was smaller and had no spring underneath.

Anyway, I turned the screw with the spring underneath probably 1-2 turns counter-clockwise, but the pump continues to run.

As for the pump, it is a submersible (at least according to the info on the panels).

Jeff

 

Hi Jeff,
- I'd say the P/S is most likely shot then. This is easy to change. First turn off power at breaker, drain tank of water,remove wires from P/S, (make sure you mark or photo them to replace correctly) Now remove P/S and the 1/4 pipe it stands on. replace both. P/S is around $20 and pipe 1.50-2.00. Should get gauge too about $5. All are available at HD. The P/S should be a 9013 FSG-2. Take with you to store to make sure it's same. This comes factory set to 30/50. While pieces are apart, check tank air at the fitting on top. Should be 28 psi.

Do it Right - Do it once.

 

Hi Jeff,
- you also need pipe dope (blue) and teflon tape, if you don't already have them. Post back when you're ready to fit and I'll help if needed.

Do it Right - do it once

 

Ok, thanks for the info. I'll get the new parts and replace them and see if that fixes everything. Easy enough to do and probably cheaper than calling out the pump company.

I have the teflon tape, but why the pipe dope?

Thanks again.

Jeff

 

Thanks to nomind, I replaced the pressure switch and everything is working fine again. Although I doubt it was the switch per se, but rather the sediment buildup in the vertical pipe connected to the switch--it was clogged, preventing the p/s from "seeing" the true pressure.

Thanks for the help.

Jeff