A common question we hear is "How can I raise my water pressure". Following is a step by step list of how to do just that.
Using your existing pumping equipment, you may be able to increase your
water pressure. If the pump is able to produce more pressure, you can adjust
the pressure and rebalance the pressure tank to achieve greater pressure in
the home. Use caution when deciding to undertake this mini-project. As you
increase the pressure range you will be reducing the storage capacity of
your pressure tank. This will cause the pump to turn on and off more often,
increasing the wear. This usually reduces the lifespan of the pump. Do not raise the pressure above the rating of any of your water using appliances.
If we assume that the pressure switch is a Square D Pumptrol Model FSG-2 (a
common model), you can adjust the pressure using the following directions.
You will need a 3/8 hollow stemmed nut drive, a volt meter, a tire gauge and
an air compressor or bike pump (and a lot of energy).
Run water from a faucet and note the pressure at which the pump turns on
and off. Choose a new pressure range as a goal. For example if your
pressure range is 20/40 your goal may be to raise the range to 30/50.
Turn power to the pump off.
Turn faucet on until the pressure gauge reads 0 and the water stops.
Check the air pressure in the pressure tank with a tire gauge at the
air valve located on the tank.
Adjust the air pressure in the tank with your compressor (or bike pump)
to 2 PSI less than the desired pump turn-on point.
Remove the cover from the pressure switch.
With the volt meter, check for power at the pressure switch (Line 1 to
Line 2, Load 1 to Load 2) To ensure the power is off.
Then with the 3/8" nut driver, tighten the nut on the taller spring
clockwise. A quarter turn for 1 PSI change is the rule of thumb; however,
this varies greatly from switch to switch. We also don't recommend that
you raise your pressure over 65 PSI with this type of switch.
Replace the cover on the switch and turn on the power.
Watch the pressure gauge as the pump fills the pressure tank. When the
pressure gets to the cut off point you desire shut the power off and loosen
(counter-clockwise) the nut until the electrical contacts on the pressure
switch open. Or repeat steps 6, 7, 8, and 9 until you achieve your desired
pressure.
Turn the power back on
Run the water again and verify that the pressure when the pump turns on
and off is your desired range. The switch comes factory preset to have a 20
PSI range. We do not recommend that you attempt to adjust the range of the
switch.
