Don’t let weak water pressure get you down
Adjusting a well pressure switch changes your water pressure by turning the cut-in and cut-out nuts, which control when your pump starts and stops.
Turning off the power breaker before you adjust the pressure switch keeps you safe from electrical hazards while working on your well system.
Test your new pressure settings by recording the PSI when your pump turns on and off, then adjust again if needed for comfortable water flow.
Hiring a local electrical professional provides reliable help with pressure switch adjustments and diagnosing long-term pressure problems, keeping your well system running smoothly.
From a slow trickle to a hose jet stream, the wrong water pressure can take the comfort out of your shower. Fortunately, adjusting the pressure switch on your well pump is a quick and easy skill to learn that can bring peace back to your shower time. Whether you’re turning up or toning down, this guide will walk you through the steps to get your pressure switch set just right.
Calling in a professional to adjust the pressure can cost between $100 to $150 for a house call, whereas adjusting it on your own only requires a wrench.
If you have a non-automatic switch, you might need to adjust it to get the right level of water pressure in your faucets, sinks, showers, and other water fixtures. Even if you have an automatic switch, you can adjust it to change the pressure to something you find more comfortable.
Once you’ve grabbed your wrench, you can follow these steps to adjust your well pump’s pressure switch.
Always start by disconnecting the power to your pressure switch before you make any adjustments. Your pressure switch power supply can usually be found on your main power breaker, sometimes under a label like “well pump” or “water pump.”
If you’re not sure which switch connects to your well system, give your local electrician a quick call—it never pays to take risks when you’re working with electricity.
The pressure switch cover is typically a small plastic cube, usually gray or black in color. It’s often held in place by a nut that you can untwist by hand or with a wrench.
Inside the cover, you’ll find a guide to your pressure switch’s factory settings. This can also include important details like upper and lower pressure limits.
Well pump pressure switches include two settings: cut-in and cut-out. Cut-in pressure is the low-pressure point where your well pump starts, while cut-out pressure is the high point that turns off the pump.
There’s a range between these two points, called the differential. For example, it could go from 30 to 50 PSI (pounds per square inch). The standard differential is 20 PSI. Lowering the cut-in point reduces your water pressure, say from 30 to 50 PSI to 20 to 40 PSI, whereas raising it will give you a more forceful pressure.
You’ll usually find two nuts inside your pressure switch: a large center nut and a small nut above or below. It’s always a good idea to look at the inside of the cover to check which is which, but on most systems, the larger center nut controls cut-in and cut-out pressure.
Turning the large center nut will adjust both your cut-in and cut-out pressure, lowering or raising the overall pressure. You’ll still have the same differential (normally about 20 PSI).
Measure and record the nut position before you make any adjustments. This can help you track how many PSI you’ve adjusted and return to the factory settings if you ever want to reset your pressure switch.
To lower your pressure, turn the nut counterclockwise. To raise it, turn the nut clockwise. As a general rule, one full turn of the nut will change your pressure by about 2 to 3 PSI.
The second nut on your pressure switch changes the differential—for example, you could go from 30 to 50 PSI to 30 to 45 PSI. This is rarely used, and you won’t need it if you only want to raise or lower your water pressure.
Changing the differential can also prevent your pump from properly turning off, and can ultimately shorten the lifespan leading to a costly well pump replacement or pump repair. It’s generally not advisable to turn this nut unless you have a specific need, like if the previous owner had set the differential to something other than 20 PSI.
Once you’ve adjusted your pressure switch, replace the switch cover and turn the power back on. When the pump turns on, record the low PSI and then record the high PSI again when the pump turns off. This will show you your new cut-in and cut-out pressures.
It can sometimes take a few tries to get the pressure where you want it, but it’s always a good idea to start slow and then adjust more later. If you need to make any adjustments, remember to turn off the power before you start.
If you’re finding that even after a few tries you still can’t get the pressure to change, it may be a sign that it’s time for a new well pump.
Adjusting the pressure switch on a well pump takes less than half an hour and only requires a wrench, which makes it an approachable DIY task. However, to do this safely, you’ll need to switch your electricity on and off. If you aren’t comfortable with this, it’s better to call a professional to adjust your well pump’s pressure switch.
If you’re dealing with consistently low water pressure, a pump that switches on and off quickly, or a pump that won’t turn on or off, there might be a problem with your well pump pressure switch. Before calling a pro, you may be able to fix the issue with one of these troubleshooting tips:
Look for leaks: Sometimes, water can seep into the switch housing. If you notice any water in this area, cut the power immediately and call a pro to replace the switch. Otherwise, if the leak is near the plumbing connection, you may be able to tighten it yourself.
Clear the pressure sensor: With the power turned off, clear out any sediment or other debris in the tube that connects the switch to the water supply.
Test the water pump cycle: When the switch’s internal spring gets loose, it can prevent the switch from working. You can test this by opening a faucet and allowing the pump to complete a full cycle. If the switch fails to turn on, you might have a spring issue.
Joseph did a great job with the staircase and trim. Timely and efficient, clear communication about the work, very fair pricing. For the stairs in particular, done very skillfully in an old house (1893) in a tight spiral, and very creative with how to do the handrail. Did a nice job with...
Vouis Trim Carpentry L.L.C.Great experience!! Dion was prompt, professional and very polite. He is hands down the best plumber I have ever used.
Mercenary Remodeling & HandyworksCole has been handling plumbing and general contracting for our four properties over the past three years, and he’s always done a great job. Most recently, he installed a sink and countertop in our retail store where none existed before, and it turned out exactly how we needed. He’s...
ANB Renovations LLCMatt is a consummate professional. The work turned out to be far more difficult than expected and rather than turn the job down, Matt rose to the occasion and completed a near impossible task. I can not recommend Greene's Plumbing Service more highly. On a scale of 1-5 I would give Matt a...
Greene's Plumbing ServiceThe technician was very professional and friendly. He answered all my questions and was very thorough. He left the fireplace area very clean . He inspected from the roof and advised me as to other work that might need to be done. There was no pressure there. I was very satisfied with the...
Supreme brick & chimneyCustom Paint Jobs LLC pays attention to every detail, ensuring a job well done every time.
Custom Paint Jobs, LLCWhen we had the winter freeze, I called Quantum Waterworks Waterline & Drain Cleaning Services and within 1 hour I received an e-mail and he sent someone out the next day and he was on time, he was nice and did the job quickly and cleaned up after himself. We had a leak in our kitchen from...
Quantum Waterworks Waterline & Drain Cleaning Services, LLCFrom the beginning , every appointment was met with punctuality! The day of installation, they arrived on time and worked tirelessly all day until the job was finished. ( Even through a very heavy down pour) Ilia, the owner is a professional, knowledgeable, and fair man. He is absolutely, and...
Window Depot USA of Central OhioThe service was excellent! They gave me a quote, and had it done 4 days later. My driveway looks amazing, very professional! I would definitely recommend their service to anyone. I have had neighbors stop by and ask for their information as well.
All Star Paving and SealingThey are very reliable and available. They the drains all the time
The WaterworksFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Your solar well pump cost depends on your well depth and flow rate. Explore these cost factors and more to budget for an eco-friendly pump.
Your well tank replacement cost will vary depending on a few key factors, such as the size and capacity of the well pressure tank.
A water pressure booster can add a lot of volume for a small price. Discover booster pump installation costs and cost factors in this guide.
Well pump pressure helps water get where it needs to go. Learn how much pressure a well pump should have before you start adjusting.
Not happy with the amount of water coming out of your shower, faucets, and fixtures? Here’s how to increase water pressure from a well.
Well pump pressure switch problems leaving you dry? Get flowing again with our guide on how to tell if it’s failed or needs repairing.
