Here are just a few of the problems that can arise with your drinking water pumping system.
- Lack of pressure
- Pump starts and stops frequently
- Air in the piping
- Power failure
Follow these tips to diagnose the problem and possibly fix it yourself. Contact a technician if the problem persists.
1) How to check and calibrate your tank
2) How to reset your low-level pressure switch.
- Start by closing your main valve located at the outlet of the pressure tank.
- Then activate the small arm by pushing it upwards (Position 2 on the photo).
Be careful not to push too high (position 3 in the photo), as this position turns the switch off. - If your pump works, you will see the pressure rise and between 20 and 30 psi the small arm will be relaxed, you have reprimed your pump.
- Open the main valve slowly to avoid water hammer.
3- Steps to follow to maintain your water pump system.
- Connect a garden hose to the bottom of the tank, see photo below.
- Close the main valve of your tank
- Open the drain valve and run the water.
- Watch at what pressure your pump starts, you will hear a click.
- When you hear the click, watch the pressure and close the drain valve.
- You have just seen the “starting” pressure of the pump.
- Keep looking to see the “stop” pressure.
- Take note of both pressures
- There should be a 20 psi difference between start and stop. ex: 30-50 psi or 40-60 psi
- If you have more than 20 psi difference it is better to replace the switch. 2 to 4 psi is tolerable
- Tank air pressure should be 2 psi less than starting eg starting at 40 psi your tank pressure should be 38 psi. The air pressure must always be taken without water, to do this follow the next steps.
- Close the pump’s circuit breaker.
- Empty the tank until there is no more pressure.
- When your tank is empty of water it is a good time to check the integrity of the tank, move the tank from left to right, if you hear water being taken inside the tank your balloon is perforated and you need to replace it.
- Take a minimum 50 psi tire gauge.
- Check tank pressure.
- Calibrate the air with a compressor according to the starting pressure, minus 2 psi
- Open the tank drain valve and hold it there. (you will probably need someone to help you)
- Go to the circuit breaker and switch it back to the “on” position.
- Let the water flow by closing the drain valve and letting the pump fill the tank make 4 start-stop cycles.
- Let the pump stop and open your main valve.
4) Identify the parts of your drinking water system inside your home or business.
Outside is the pump, the electrical connection and the pipe in the well.
We recommend checking your well and pumping system at least once a year, to avoid problems.