I had a submersible well pump installed in my shallow well 8 years ago. As of recently, the 15A breaker keeps tripping. To make sure that it wasn't the breaker, I swapped it with another 15A breaker.

It now trips about once per week but sometimes as little as once a day.

About 2 years ago, I replaced the well pressure switch. The contacts on it had carbon from clicking on and off.

Whoever installed the well installed some adjustable switch, but my local plumbing store said that I could just go to Lowes and get a non adjustable one.

Not sure if that was right, but it has worked fine for 2 years.

What are some causes of the breaker tripping?

The well is 38 feet deep and has 22 feet of water in it.

My neighbor (who has his own plumbing business) said that pulling the pump is no big deal...just pull it up by the rope. Not sure if I have to go that far.

Thanks!

 

Your pump may be going bad. The switch only turns the pump on and off. It does not consume power which leaves the pump motor.

 

Do you have a well control box between the pressure switch and the submersible well pump ?

 

Not that I can see. Thanks

 

Anyone know if a tool like a clamp type ammeter might help me observe and verify too much current draw in this case?

Just curious...seems like a good idea.

Thanks

 

Yes, that's exactly the sort of thing they are made for. But since you've already swapped out the breaker and still have the problem the odds are good that the pump is pulling too much current.

 

Yes, the thought has crossed my mind. It is almost like why bother unless I want to be a scientific dork I guess lol.