If you have a water well, you may have noticed that the water pressure isn’t always as strong as it could be. If you’re interested in increasing your water pressure from your well, you can do a few things.
While you may think that poor water pressure is simply a result of insufficient water in your well, that’s not always the case.
So let’s discuss some of the reasons for low water pressure so that you can determine what, if anything, you need to do to increase water pressure from your well. And then, we will look into some solutions to fix low water pressure.
Table of Contents
- Common Causes Of Low Well Water Pressure & Ways To Fix Them
- 5 Proven Ways To Increase Water Pressure From A Well
- Tips And Warnings
- Don’t Settle For Poor Water Pressure
Common Causes Of Low Well Water Pressure & Ways To Fix Them
There can be a number of reasons for low well water pressure. To give a better understanding, we’ve divided them into two categories:
1. Water Pressure Tank & Water Pump Problems
2. Water Pipes, Fixtures & Appliances Problems
3. Volume of Aquifer & Demand Problems
Understanding the difference between the three can help you target the problem in your water supply and find a solution more quickly.
Water Pressure Tank & Water Pump Problems
There are several reasons why your home’s water pressure tank or water pump could be the reason for dropping the pressure in your home’s well water system.
Cycling Problem
If your water pump is constantly cycling on and off, it could be that your home’s pressure tank is set too low.
When the well water pump turns on, it will fill the well’s pressure tank with water until it reaches adequate pressure, called “cut-in” pressure. Once the cut-in pressure is reached, the water pump will turn off again.
The problem is that if the cut-in pressure is set too low, the water pump will turn on and off more frequently, which can lead to low water pressure in the water tank.
You’ll need to adjust the cut-in pressure to fix this water pressure problem. This is typically done by opening or closing the control switch nuts on the pressure tank.
Pressure Tank Leaking
If your pressure tank is leaking, water is likely slowly seeping through a crack or hole. This can obviously lead to low water pressure on the well, as there’s less water available to be pumped into your home.
You’ll need to replace the entire tank to fix a leaking pressure tank. Depending on the size of your tank, this can be a fairly big job, so it’s best to hire a professional if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself.
Pressure Tank Settings
If your pressure tank is set too low, it can result in the water pump constantly cycling on and off (as we discussed above). This can obviously cause low pressure in your home’s water system.
Typically, standard pressure settings are 20|40, 30|50, or 40|60, in which the low number is the cut-in pressure, and the high number is the cutoff pressure in the tank.
You can increase the cutoff and cut-on pressure settings and expect to increase well water pressure in your home.
Air Fill Valve
If the air fill valve on your pressure tank is set too low, it can cause low water pressure. The air fill valve is what controls the amount of air in the pressure tank, and if it’s not set correctly, it can impact the water pressure.
Changing the setting is typically a fairly easy fix. Simply turn the valve clockwise to increase the air pressure and counterclockwise to decrease it.
Aging Well Pump
If your well pump is getting old, it may not be able to generate as much water pressure as it used to. This is especially true if the pump hasn’t been properly maintained over the years.
If you suspect that your well pump is the cause of low water pressure, the best thing to do is to test the pressure or consult a professional. They’ll be able to tell you if the pump needs to be replaced or if another issue is causing the problem.
Water Pipes, Fixtures & Appliances Problems
Apart from the above-discussed pressure issues with water pressure tanks and water pumps, there are also a few issues that can arise with the actual pipes, fixtures, and appliances in your home. These issues can also lead to low water pressure.
Blocked Or Narrow Pipes
If your pipes are blocked or narrowed, it can obviously lead to low water pressure. This is because the water has a harder time flowing through the pipes when they’re blocked or narrowed.
Hard water and mineral deposits are the most common culprits for blocked or narrowed pipes. This is because hard water leaves behind mineral deposits (such as calcium and magnesium) that can build up over time and narrow the pipes.
This deposition results in poor water flow and low water pressure in the fixtures even when the water is turned on full blast.
The best way to clean your pipes is to clean them professionally. But you can also DIY it by using a plumbing snake or a homemade cleaner.
Clogged Shower Heads Or Aerators
This is the most common cause of low water pressure in the home. In addition, over time, your shower heads and aerators can become clogged with mineral deposits, which restrict the flow of water.
Even if the well pumping system is running at full capacity, you’ll still experience low tank pressure if your shower heads and/or aerators are clogged.
The good news is that this is an easy fix. Simply remove the shower head or aerator and clean it with white vinegar or a store-bought cleaner. A needle or paper clip can also be used to clear out any small clogs.
Read More: How To Clean A Showerhead? – Answered From Your Pantry!
Clogged Water Filter Or Water Softener
If you have a water filter or water softener, it’s important to change the filter regularly. If the filter gets clogged, it can obviously lead to low water pressure.
Depending on the type of water filter or water softener you have, the frequency with which you need to change the filter will vary. But as a general rule of thumb, changing your water filter every 3 months and your water softener every 6 months is a good idea.
Also, an improperly sized water filter or water softener can also cause low water pressure. If you’re not sure if your water filter or water softener is the right size, it’s best to consult a professional.
Volume of Aquifer & Demand Problems
Maybe everything at your home is in working order, but you’re still experiencing low water pressure. If this is the case, it could be due to problems with the volume of your aquifer or the demand for water in your home.
Aquifers can naturally run low on water, which obviously impacts the water pressure. The groundwater levels can also drop due to drought conditions.
The good news is that nature will eventually recharge the aquifer, but it could take years. In the meantime, you can try to conserve water as much as possible to ease the demand on the system.
Another issue that can lead to low water pressure is a high demand for water in your home. This is usually the case in homes with large families or homes with a lot of appliances that use water (such as dishwashers and washing machines).
If you’re experiencing low water pressure and you suspect it’s due to the volume of your aquifer or the demand for water in your home, the best thing to do is consult a professional. They’ll be able to advise you on the best course of action.
5 Proven Ways To Increase Water Pressure From A Well
There can be many reasons for water pressure drop in a well system. Now that you know some of the most common causes, let’s take a look at some ways you can increase water pressure.
- Fix & Repair The Existing Pump And Plumbing System
Before you invest in a new water pump or plumbing system, it’s always a good idea to have the existing one repaired or replaced. As we mentioned earlier, low water pressure is usually caused by a problem with the pump or plumbing system.
One of the most common issues is a problem with the pressure tank. If the pressure tank is old or poorly maintained, it can cause low water pressure. The same goes for the pressure switch. If the pressure switch is not working correctly, it can also lead to low water pressure.
Another common issue is a leak in the plumbing system. Even a small leak can lead to a significant drop in water pressure. So, if you suspect there’s a leak, it’s important to have it fixed as soon as possible.
Clogged aerators, shower heads, and water filters can also lead to low water pressure. So before going for any big fixes, it’s always a good idea to check and clean these components.
- Install A Constant Pressure Valve
It is a mechanical device that is installed in the water line, and it helps maintain constant water pressure in the system by reducing the number of pump cycles. Thus, it’s also called a pressure-reducing valve or cycle-stop valve.
Typically, a water pressure system relies on the pressure tank and well pump to maintain water pressure. The wear and tear on these components can lead to low water pressure over time.
Additionally, the fluctuations in water cycling can also be a major contributing factor to low water pressure. So, a constant pressure valve is a great option if you want to maintain consistent water pressure.
A constant pressure valve reduces the wear and tear on the well pump and pressure tank by cycling less often. Additionally, it also eliminates the water pressure fluctuations caused by cycling.
So, a constant pressure valve is a great way to ensure that your water pressure remains consistent. It’s also an inexpensive option if you are on a tight budget.
- Install A Constant Pressure System
If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, you can also install a constant pressure system. A constant pressure system is a complete water pressure-boosting solution that is designed to maintain consistent water pressure in your home.
A constant pressure system can also assess the amount of water that is being used and will automatically adjust the flow rate to meet the demand. This feature is especially useful during peak times when water usage is high.
Also, a constant pressure system is equipped with a variable frequency drive capable of controlling the speed of the pump. It also controlled the on-off cycling deepening upon the need. As a result, it further reduces the wear and tears on the well pump and pressure tank.
Overall, a constant pressure system is a great way to maintain consistent water pressure in your home. It’s also a more expensive option, but it’s worth the investment if you’re looking for a long-term solution.
- Upgrade To A Larger Pressure Tank
If you have a small pressure tank, it’s likely that you’re experiencing low water pressure. This is because the small tank can’t hold enough water to meet the demand. As a result, the pump has to cycle more often, which leads to wear and tear on the pump and pressure tank.
Additionally, small pressure tanks can also cause water pressure fluctuations. So, if you want to eliminate these issues, upgrading to a larger or additional pressure tank is a great option.
A larger pressure tank can hold more water, which means that the pump doesn’t have to cycle as often. This leads to less wear and tear on the pump and pressure tank. Additionally, it also eliminates water pressure fluctuations.
So, upgrading to a larger pressure tank is a great way to improve water pressure in your home. It’s also a relatively inexpensive option, which makes it a great choice for those on a budget.
- Install A Water Pressure Booster Pump
Sometimes, the extended distance between the well pump and the house can lead to low water pressure. This is because the water has to travel a long distance, which can cause the pressure to drop. This problem is more common in houses with a long water line or multiple stories.
If you’re experiencing this issue, you can install a pressure booster pump. A water pressure booster pump increases the water pressure in the line, which can improve water pressure in your home.
Additionally, a water pressure booster pump can also be used to improve water pressure in a specific area of the house. So, if you have low water pressure in your upstairs bathroom, you can install a booster pump to improve water pressure in that area.
Overall, a water pressure booster pump is a great way to improve water pressure in your home. And as the booster pump is compact and easy to install, it’s also a great option for those on a budget.
Tips And Warnings
- Start With Inspection:
Before making any changes to your water pressure system, it’s important to inspect your system for any leaks. Leaks can cause water pressure to drop, so it’s important to fix any leaks before making any changes to your system.
Read More: 2 Methods to Fix a Leaky Shower Head
- Always Use A Pressure Gauge:
Whenever you’re making any adjustments to the pressure tank or water pump, it’s important to use a pressure gauge. A pressure gauge will help you to check the pressure, which can be helpful when troubleshooting problems.
- Don’t Set The Cutoff Pressure Above 60 PSI:
If you’re adjusting the pressure switch, don’t set the cutoff pressure above 60 PSI. This can cause damage to your plumbing and appliances.
- Be Careful Of The Electrical Wiring:
If you’re working with electrical wiring, be careful not to damage it. Also, make sure that the wires are properly insulated.
- Turn Off The Power Before Working:
Whenever you’re working with the water pump or pressure tank, make sure to turn off the power. This will prevent you from damaging the equipment or injuring yourself.
- Consult A Professional:
If you’re uncomfortable working with a water pump or pressure tank, it’s best to consult a professional. They can help you to troubleshoot the problem and make the necessary repairs.
Don’t Settle For Poor Water Pressure
If you’re unhappy with the water pressure in your home, don’t settle for it. Your first step in fixing the problem is to identify the cause. Once you’ve done that, you can make the necessary changes to improve your water pressure.
With these tips, you can improve the water pressure in your home and enjoy a better quality of life. So don’t wait any longer. Get started today!