Water System

[A-37]

Well water system:

Time to replace the Squared D 30-50 psi pressure switch. Looking for more pressure.

Is it safe to replace with a 40-60 psi switch or am I risking some plumbing joint separation?

 

[steelslaver]

If that blows your plumbing you were doomed anyway. Your system should be able to test at 100 psi. Just what king of plumbing do you have and how old?

Guys run threaded steel, copper, PVC and Pex for 100+ psi air systems in their shops.

 

[DeathGrip]

I've installed 40/60s in hundreds of homes both new and old with zero issues.

You'll need to drain the bladder/pressure tank and bump the air up to 38 psi.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

When I installed the well tanks at the farm, the old well was such low yield, I had a30-40 pound switch about as low as it would go! (22 psi) So the all the diapers and laundry and bathing and dishwashing wouldn't drain the well. As the kids grew older the water usage got smaller, So I raised the pressure until as the kids moved out I changed to a 40/60 psi switch.

I never thought about Pex for air lines, that makes it sooooo easy! (thanks!!)

Ivan

 

[A-37]

Thanks for the info.

The house is 47 years old. Copper plumbing.

 

[JohnHL]

Recently, the galvanized, NON bladder, 75 gallon pressure tank on our well finally rusted through and sprang a small leak.

I replaced it with a new 86 gallon bladder tank and fittings (that was a tough job and happy I should never need to do it again) and considered replacing the old 20-40 lb. pressure switch with a 30-50.

Instead I just bought a new 20-40 switch and I'm glad I did.

It and the new, larger bladder tank, is easier on the pump and seems to keep the pressure (which is adequate) and flow more uniform than the old tank and no more occasional recharging, which also makes me happy, because the tank and fittings are VERY hard to access.

John