Controller won’t shut off well pump

User26 · September 30, 2022, 4:14am

Hey I’m having trouble ever since installed Rachio Gen 2 controller. I only have 2 zones & the app will never shut off the power to the well pump.

Only way to water it is if i plug in well pump, run each zone for little while, & unplug the pump right after.

If I keep the well pump plug plugged in for long period of time it gets hot. My previous manual/schedule controller didn’t have problem of turning on or off power to the pump. I tried to reach out to irrigation tech but keeps diving calls for last few years. Posting pics below.

Pic of previous controller info

Thomas_Lerman · September 30, 2022, 1:26pm

Maybe post screenshot of how Rachio app is configured for the pump?

User26 · September 30, 2022, 3:50pm

Ok see pics below. Hope this helps.

Thomas_Lerman · September 30, 2022, 10:37pm

Looks like you have it configured correctly. If you unplug the Rachio when the pump is running, does the pump shut off?

tmcgahey · October 5, 2022, 11:00pm

You do have a pump start relay there somewhere, correct? Can you take a picture of that?

User26 · October 7, 2022, 9:41pm

No it doesn’t shut off

Thomas_Lerman · October 7, 2022, 10:23pm

The first three problem areas that I can think of are:

Rachio: Since the pump does not shut off when the Rachio is unplugged, I would say it is unlikely to be this
Pump start relay: I suppose it could be stuck in the on position
Pump: something stuck with the valve, but unlikely since needs power to run and it probably gets the power through the relay

User26 · October 12, 2022, 6:53pm

I don’t think I have a pump start relay. If you want I can post a pic of wiring from pump to rachio?
Old manual schedule controller never needed a relay. I can post a pic of device if it will help, but it’s weird that ‘dumb’ one didn’t need & a Rachio Gen 2 needs one.

Thomas_Lerman · October 12, 2022, 7:56pm

It is possible that you have a 24VAC pump. Can you provide specs on the pump, specifically voltage and watts/amps please?

User26 · October 13, 2022, 6:02pm

I did post 2 sides of pump info but hard cuz there is a tank I think on top. See pics

Thomas_Lerman · October 14, 2022, 4:05am

I am noticing they pump is 115/230 VAC. Sprinkler controllers usually output 24 VAC. So, the controller must be connected to a relay that turns on the pump.

User26 · October 19, 2022, 3:36pm

@Thomas_Lerman is this what u talking about? This is wiring pic on the pump

tmcgahey · October 19, 2022, 3:50pm

[quote=“User26, post:12, topic:35739”]

This is a pressure switch, not a relay. I suppose it is possible that the pump activates based on a pressure switch, and would only run when the system runs and the valves are open…possibly the pressure switch is bad?

Where does the blue wire that you have plugged into the M terminal of the Rachio go? If you follow that, it should take you to the relay. Do you have a master valve in the system as well?

Also, do you have pictures of your previous controller wiring?

Gene · October 19, 2022, 4:56pm

The pump is running on a pressure switch, meaning that it turns on when the valve activation causes the line pressure to drop.
Do any of the zone sprinklers keep running after rachio shutoff? Please take a closeup of your power supply, are you using original or have you replaced the rachio power supply?