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herbenus
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Reged: 12/20/02
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Posts: 79
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Loc: Magnolia, TX
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Sticking pressure switch
09/08/03 11:21 AM
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Does anyone have any suggestions for maintenance of a pressure switch? Mine sticks sometimes. Pressure goes to zero, usually when I'm in the shower of course. I go out. Take cap off. And bump one of the switches, usually by lifting off contact and letting it spring back, using a non-metallic probe of course. This is enough to get pump back working. Should I: file contacts with nail file, spray everything down with WD40, blow switch out with air, etc? Any suggested fixes are appreciated. Problem seems to be getting more frequent.
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WVBill
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Reged: 09/12/02
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Loc: Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia
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Re: Sticking pressure switch
[re: herbenus]
09/08/03 12:24 PM
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Does the switch fail to spring over to the "make contact" side (meaning it is physically stuck open) or does it make contact but just doesn't allow electric to flow?
If it's physically stuck, I'd try blowing it out with air. I don't think they're factory lubricated so I doubt adding lubrication would help. If it's just not making electrical contact, you could try filing them to remove corrosion. (Turn electricity off first).
Ultimately, I'd probably just replace it. They're about $20 or so - available at Tractor Supply or on-line at Plumbing Supply.com
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Hondo
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Re: Sticking pressure switch
[re: herbenus]
09/08/03 12:28 PM
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In reply to:
Pressure goes to zero, usually when I'm in the shower of course. I go out. Take cap off.
Now that might spark your neighbors' interest! 
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herbenus
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Loc: Magnolia, TX
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Re: Sticking pressure switch
[re: Hondo]
09/08/03 01:04 PM
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Once it was in the winter, cold. I went out in just a towel and shampoo. Luckily my neighbors are too far off to see much.
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herbenus
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Reged: 12/20/02
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Posts: 79
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Loc: Magnolia, TX
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Re: Sticking pressure switch
[re: WVBill]
09/08/03 01:08 PM
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"Does the switch fail to spring over to the "make contact" side (meaning it is physically stuck open) or does it make contact but just doesn't allow electric to flow?"
Good question and I'm not sure. I believe last time it looked closed. I'll have to check a little better next time.
In fact I have a spare switch from an old well. If filing contacts doesn't work, I'll probably change out. Winter's coming...
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CJDave
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Re: Sticking pressure switch
[re: herbenus]
09/09/03 02:25 PM
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Dear Herb-inside: The chief culprit and causation of the sticking pressure switch syndrome is crud in the pipe nipple that the switch is mounted on  ....AND if the switch is mounted with the pipe nipple horizontal, crud buildup under the diaphram. Since there is little or no movement of water, sediment and other types of secondary deposits can accumulate and hold the diaphram back as if there was pressure from water....hence no closing action on the switch.  Most switches can be dismantled by removing the circle of screws that clamp the diaphram.  Horizontal-mounted pressure switches are far more trouble than the vertical mounted units.  
CJDave
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herbenus
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Re: Sticking pressure switch
[re: CJDave]
09/09/03 04:14 PM
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Mine is vertical. And now you mention it, the old switch that I have has the 1/4" pipe still attached, and it does look nasty inside.
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chrisjbell
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Re: Sticking pressure switch
[re: herbenus]
09/11/03 10:20 PM
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I went out in just a towel and shampoo. Luckily my neighbors are too far off to see much.
That isn't a pretty thought, though  ...
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herbenus
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Posts: 79
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Loc: Magnolia, TX
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Re: Sticking pressure switch
[re: chrisjbell]
09/13/03 08:58 PM
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No, but I couldn't see dressing up with soap all over me. But it wasn't a pretty sight. Cold kind of makes you not care though.
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