Well Pump Question

[Randy Rooster]

I have a well with a submersible pump- I had the pressure switch relaced a couple years ago. At that time the pump was cutting off at about 50 pounds of pressure - now if the pressure gauge on the line is to be believed it is cutting off at only 30 pounds pressure - my question is - is it possible for the pressure switch to change the setting of the cut off pressure on its own? What caused it to start cutting out at 30 psi when it was formerly set at 50 psi? I know how to change the cut off pressure but could it be another problem possibly with the pump?

[woodsy]

Not uncommon for the cut off pressure to vary from 20 years at this location.

If you are drawing water steady it will probably cut out at the lower end
of 30 but should jump back up some after it stops drawing for awhile too.

No expert, just my observations.

[sammyd]

If it actually cuts out at 30 then the switch is cutting out. If the pump keeps running trying to get to 50 then you have a problem with either the pump or the system.
If you can verify the switch is opening and closing, readjust to the desired psi.

[Wanda]

Make sure the gauge is getting a true reading! Sometimes the fitting that it screws into fills with rust or sediment and causes a bad reading. Always verify why you have to make changes.

[agmantoo]

I would replace the cheap pressure gauge first. Then I would observe where the system is cutting out and in and go from there.

[jwal10]

The pressure switch is regulated against a spring, over time and the heat that builds up it can change the spring tension. I also would double check the pressure first to see if the guage is correct....James

[Ozarks Tom]

Mineral buildup in the gauge could keep it from showing true pressure. Gauges are cheap, and easy to replace. I'd try that first. If your gauge is off 20 pounds, and you push the regulator up to where it's showing 50, you could really have 70 and blow out a weak joint.