Few things are as annoying as low water pressure. Simple tasks like running your dishwasher, watering your yard, and showering all become frustrating when your well isn’t working as efficiently as it should. Here, we’ll take a look at the most common reasons behind low well water pressure and how you can quickly improve the situation.
How Does the Pressure of Your Well Water Work?
As water pumps from the well into your pressure tank, it compresses the air until it reaches a specific level. Most systems should operate between 40 and 60 PSI (pounds per square inch).
If your pressure drops below 40 PSI, then you’ll notice your well water flow feels weaker. If your pressure frequently fluctuates, it may be a sign of system design or mechanical issues.
The main components that control your pressure include:
- Your well pump
- Pressure tank
- The pressure switch
- Plumbing lines
- Valves and fittings
When everything works as it should, you’ll have good pressure. However, if one or several of these components aren’t working correctly, you may have pressure issues.
Common Reasons Behind Low Pressure
There are several common reasons behind low pressure. The most frequent problems include clogs in the sediment filters, malfunctioning pressure switches, and worn-out well pumps.
- Clogged filters or pipes: Sediment filters capture silt, sand, iron and other particles that can restrict water flow. Over time, mineral build-up may narrow your pipes, causing pressure issues.
- Undersized or worn-out pump: Sometimes an undersized or worn-out pump may not be able to push out water at the amount that your household needs.
- Waterlogged pressure tank: The pressure tank regulates water pressure and stores a buffer between pump cycles. If the air bladder fails, you may experience inconsistent pressure.
- Pressure switch malfunctions: The pressure switch controls the operation of your well pump. If it’s dirty, faulty or misadjusted, it can lead to a drop in water pressure and weak flow before the pump starts again.
Sometimes, the problem isn’t with your well’s equipment, but with the water supply. If you notice that your pressure issues get worse during dry spells or you have a low-yielding well, your pump may be draining more quickly than it can fill back up.
Remember, before trying to increase your well’s pressure, it’s important to correctly identify the reason behind your problem.
How Can I Check My Well’s Water Pressure?
Most pressure switches display the pressure setting on the actual switch. However, if you’re still uncertain, you can easily measure it by attaching a pressure gauge to one of your outdoor faucets or your pressure tank outlet. After it’s attached, turn your water on and look at the reading. The normal range should fall between 40 and 60 PSI. Anything below 40 PSI indicates weak pressure. If your pressure is set too high (about 70 PSI), it may damage your plumbing.
If you notice that your pressure significantly drops whenever you use another faucet in your home, then your system may not be meeting your household’s demands.
Effective Ways To Quickly Improve Your Pressure
Now that we covered the common culprits behind low pressure, let’s take a look at the most effective ways to improve it. These solutions range from adjusting your tank settings to considering upgrades to your well.
Change Your Pressure Tank Settings
Most wells have tanks that regulate the pressure of the water that flows from your well into your home. Homes connected to their city’s water supply usually receive it at about 60 PSI. However, the setting on most well water pressure tanks is 28 PSI. By adjusting this setting, you can drastically improve the pressure of your home’s water.
The pressure settings on tanks are usually made up of two numbers (such as 20/40, 30/50 and 40/60). The first number indicates how low your tank pressure needs to drop before the well pump refills it with water. The second number shows how high the pressure in your tank may get before it shuts off. By increasing your pressure setting to 40/60, you might be pleasantly surprised at how much it can improve your situation.
Consider Switching to a Pump That Has a Higher Flow Capacity
If you’ve already adjusted your tank to its highest setting and things aren’t getting better, then the issue may lie with your current well pump. Different pumps have different flow rates. If it’s too low, then it may not be able to pump efficiently enough to meet your household demands.
The flow rate of well pumps is measured in GPM (gallons per minute). If your well pump’s current rating is 8, then you may notice an improvement in your pressure once you switch it to a pump with a 12 GPM rating.
Upgrade Your Traditional System to a Constant Pressure System
If your problem is not with consistently low pressure and instead with frequent fluctuations, it may be time to consider upgrading your pump system and well tank from a traditional to a constant pressure system.
Even if you adjust your well’s pressure tank to the highest level, a traditional tank allows water to fluctuate around 20 PSI. However, constant pressure systems won’t allow the pressure to drop by more than 2 PSI before it triggers the pump. When the pressure of the water in your tank is consistent, then the pressure in your home will be too.
Add a Pressure Booster Pump to Your Home’s Plumbing System
Another option you can try is to add a pressure booster pump to your home’s plumbing system. This may be helpful if your pressure problems are mainly on the top floor of your home.
Standard well pumps can have a hard time competing with gravity to supply water to upper levels of a home. A booster pump has impellers that increase the water speed as it flows into your house. This helps it work more efficiently for your top floor.
Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing for Expert Well Pump Repair Services You Can Count on
We understand how important it is to have good water pressure in your home. If you’re having issues with your well water, reach out and give Benjamin Franklin Plumbing a call. Our punctual plumbers are always on time and ready to help you restore your home’s water flow with professional well pump repair services. Remember, if there’s any delay, it’s YOU we pay.
