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Q: How do I stop my pump from turning on and off constantly (cycling)?

To stop your pump from constantly turning on and off (a behavior known as cycling), you must ensure the Cut-Out pressure is set high enough above your system's normal running pressure to provide a stable buffer.
The method to fix this depends on which pressure switch you have installed.
1. Compact Diaphragm Switch (Nut/Grub Screw Type)
This switch is small and uses a single internal screw for adjustment.
  • Tools Needed: A 3mm Allen key.
  • The Problem: This switch has a fixed, factory-set differential of about 7–10 PSI. If your Cut-Out pressure is set too close to the pressure the pump produces while running, the tiny 7 PSI drop happens instantly when the pump stops, causing it to restart immediately.
  • The Fix (Stopping the Cycle):
    1. Remove the rubber cover to access the adjustment grub screw.
    2. Turn the screw clockwise by a quarter turn (90 degrees) to increase the Cut-Out pressure.
    3. Test the system. If it still cycles, turn it another quarter turn clockwise until the cycling stops.
    4. Caution: Ensure your Cut-Out pressure does not exceed the burst pressure of your pipes (typically 115 PSI for standard poly pipe).
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2. Differential Pressure Switch
This switch is larger, often has a grey or white plastic cover, and features two adjustment screws.
  • Identify the Screws: One screw adjusts the Range (Cut-off) and the other adjusts the Differential.
  • The Fix (Stopping the Cycle):
    1. Set the Cut-Out Point: While the pump is running, observe your pressure gauge. Locate the Cut-off adjustment screw (often marked "Range" or circled in red in the manual).
    2. Adjust this screw so that the pump stops at a pressure at least 15 PSI (1 BAR) higher than your normal running pressure.
    3. Adjust the Restart Point: If the pump restarts too quickly after stopping, use the Differential adjustment screw (often marked "Diff" or circled in green).
    4. Turning this screw changes how much the pressure must drop before the pump is allowed to turn back on. Increasing this gap prevents rapid cycling.
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General "Fine-Tuning" Method for Both Switches
If you are starting from scratch or the settings are very messy, follow this universal process to find the "sweet spot":
  1. Start at Max: Use your 3mm Allen key to turn the adjustment screw all the way clockwise (this prevents the pump from stopping early while you are testing).
  2. Find the Running Pressure: Run the system with all valves open and water flowing freely. Note the PSI on your gauge.
  3. Find the Cut-Out Point: Slowly turn the screw counter-clockwise until the inverter screen displays "Off (Tank)" and the pump stops.
  4. Add the Safety Buffer: From that exact stopping point, turn the screw clockwise half a turn (180 degrees). This adds the recommended 15+ PSI buffer above your running pressure to ensure the pump stays off until you actually need it.
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Check Your Pressure Tank (If Installed)
If you have a pressure tank and the pump is "chattering" (turning on and off every 1-2 seconds), the issue is likely the air pressure in the tank rather than the switch settings.
  • The Rule: The air-charge in your pressure tank must be 3 PSI below the cut-in (start) pressure.
  • The Fix: Use an air compressor and a tire gauge to adjust the tank's internal bladder to the correct pressure while the pump is off and the water lines are empty.