Effective tips for troubleshooting and repairing a well pump

Posted by xylem AU on June 21st, 2022

Even if you use the best water well pumps Brisbane, there are times when your pumps will potentially malfunction. Troubles with your pumps can hit at the worst moment and off-hours repairs are more expensive compared to repairs at normal working hours. Some of the most common troubles are when your well doesn’t have water at all, the well pump running constantly and pulsing water pressure. If you experience these problems, there is a chance you can fix the problem yourself.

Ensure the power is on

You should begin by checking if the switch located close to the pressure tank is on. Then check the double pole circuit breaker of the well to see that it has not tripped. If it has tripped, reset it. A circuit breaker that keeps on tripping means that there is a problem with your pump and you will need to call a professional for that. 

Check the pressure switch

The pressure switch is mounted on a quarter-in tube close to the pressure tank. It senses when water pressure has reduced to the point where the tank needs more water. The switch powers up the pump. If your switch is bad then it will not start the pump and you will not have water. You should, therefore, start by testing the switch.

Now carefully remove the cover and bang the handle of your screwdriver sharply against the tube just below the switch. If you notice a spark and your pump starts, the pump’s pressure switchis the problem and you will need to get a new one from your water well pump suppliers.

Replacing a bad switch

If the pressure switch is bad, you should test the pressure tank and ensure it is not waterlogged. To replace your switch, you should begin by removing the wires to the old switch. Now unscrew the switch and ensure you label the wires.

Coat the tubing threads with Teflon tape or pipe dope and screw on the brand new switch so that it is installed in the same orientation. Now, reconnect the wires.

Quick fix

The contact surfaces of electrical contacts are burned or pitted if banging on the tube or kicking on the well pump. This means that the contact surfaces of the contacts are burned or pitted causing a bad connection. You can restore the surfaces to keep them going on until you can purchase a replacement switch.

You should start by turning off the power and double-checking with a voltage tester. Now pull the contacts open and file off the pitted and burned areas using an emery board or ordinary nail. Now replace the pressure switch as soon as you can because this quick fix will not last.

Replacing the controller

To remove the controller of Water well pumps , you should start by removing the screw at the control cover and lift the cover off the box. Buy an exact replacement from the store. Now snap the new cover onto the box. Start the pump. It is important to note that you cannot test the controller so you should either risk blowing your money by replacing a good one.