Well pump won’t shut off

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plassey

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Sep 21, 2019
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Location
Kennebunk, Maine
My well pump (jet pump with two inlets in my basement) is constantly running and tops out at around 43psi. It’s pumping plenty of water, I have troubleshot it to determine that I don’t have a leak anywhere above the tank, nor do I have a wet spot in my lawn. I backed off the differential on the switch to lower the cut off pressure, but it still won’t shut off. This is a new switch I replaced because of this same issue. However, when I shut the breaker off and turn it on again, the pump shuts off. It works normally until the pressure lower. When the pump cuts on at 30 psi, it just keeps running, topping out at 43psi, but won’t shut off unlesss I throw the breaker off again. Stumped. Any thoughts?

I should note, this is an old pump. I know I should replace it, but am hoping for a temporarily cheaper solution.
 
I should clarify - When the pump is off and I use water, the pressure drops and then the pump cuts on like it should, maxing out at 43psi, but won't shut off. When I switch the breaker off and then turn it back on again, the pump runs for a half-second and then shuts off immediately, as if the switch is working. When it cuts on again at 30psi, it runs non-stop until I shut it off with the breaker. If it reached 43psi or so, and I turn the breaker on again, it works as I described. Strange.

Also, I just replaced the switch, thinking it would solve the problem, but it didn't. In the process, I cleaned out the tube running from the pump to the switch, so that doesn't seem to be the cause either.
 
I am thinking the back pressure valve is bad or needs adjusting. Those type pumps cannot build enough pressure without the back pressure valve set properly.
 
I am thinking the back pressure valve is bad or needs adjusting. Those type pumps cannot build enough pressure without the back pressure valve set properly.

Where is the back pressure valve? If it is what I think it is, there is no way to adjust it due to all the rust on my pump. Like I said, it's old. Do you think this is the reason the switch is acting the way it is - not shutting off unless I switch the breaker off then on?
 
A 30/50 switch turns the pump on at 30 but won't turn the pump off until if gets to 50. If it is not getting to 50 most likely the back pressure valve is not working. First thing out of the pump should be the back pressure valve with a bolt to adjust.
 

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