Is Your Well Water Pressure Low? – How To Fix It

Last Updated on December 14, 2022 by Mattias

It’s easy to take the well’s water pressure for granted, but the day you barely can take a shower. It becomes obvious that great pressure is a must. You can go back to the old school method and sick down a bucket if you want, or solve the problem by keeping reading.

In this article, we will explain how water pressure works, the causes of low water pressure, and what you can do to solve it.

Let’s start with understanding water pressure.

The Definition of Water Pressure

To help you get a better understanding of water pressure issues, we will go through what water pressure is and how it can affect your well.

Water pressure is the force that pushes a flow of strong or weak water through pipes. 

Your plumbing system can either have a gravity-based system or a water pump. A gravity-based system means that the water is stored at elevation and will be realized due to gravity. 

But for a well, you need a submersible pump to pump the water up and build up the pressure. The water flow rate depends on the pressure applied by the pump. 

It’s possible to measure the water pressure (PSI) by using a pressure gauge close to the pressure pump. The pressure gauge is mostly a part of the well water system.

The ideal well water pressure is between 40-60 PSI.

8 Causes Of Low Water Pressure In Your Well

Low water pressure can be frustrating, at least. Let’s see if we can find the root cause of your water pressure problem. So what are the causes of low pressure?

Damaged pressure tank

To maintain constant pressure, a well system must have a well pump and a pressure tank. 

But if the pressure tank leaks, it will create poor water pressure.

A damaged well pressure tank must be replaced with a new one. 

If the pressure switch frequently turns on and off, it will prevent the pressure tank from filling and cause a low or inconsistent water pressure. 

Well Pump Problems

The average lifetime of a well pump is 8-15 years, depending on how hard it’s used. But if your well pump is older than 15 years, it can be a good idea to buy a new one.

Read also: How To Prime a Well Pump – Step By Step

Narrow pipes

If your pipes are too narrow, you won’t be able to achieve high water pressure, even if the water pressure is high. 

The pipes must be a certain diameter: 1/2 inch, three-fourths of an inch, or 1 inch.

Clogged Pipes

Scaling due to minerals like magnesium and calcium can clog the pipes that run from your well into your house. 

They may also cause problems with faucets and fixtures due to scaling, which will cause poor water flow.

The Underground Aquifer Is Running Dry

If the underground aquifer runs dry, you might notice a low well water pressure. 

Things that can affect your aquifer to run low: 

• The size of the aquifer 
• How long has it been used for 
• Your weather (rainfall is needed for the aquifer to replenish)

Bad Flow Rate

Flow rate is how many gallons of water are flowing through your system.

The number of gallons can either be measured in the:

GPM – Gallons Per Minute

or

GPH – Gallons Per Hour.

Bad Performance Of The Pressure Switch 

It’s possible to adjust the pressure switch, but it’s important to do this carefully because it can lower the amount of water that enters the pressure tank if done wrong. 

Sometimes a pressure switch needs to be replaced or cleaned. Use help from a professional so it’s done correctly.

Low Pressure In The Air Tank

A pressure tank has a diaphragm or a captive air bladder, which maintains consistent water pressure inside the tank. But if there’s any water in the air bladders, it must be drained out since it will reduce the water pressure and flow. To increase the pressure in the tank, you must repair the bladder or drain the tank from water.

Read also: How Fast Does Well Water Replenish? An Easy Explanation

How to Calculate the Flow Rate from Your Well Pump

How Pipe Size Affects Water Flow

How To Solve Low Water Pressure Problems In Your Well

Have you noticed a sudden drop in your water pressure or a low flow rate? Solving a sudden low water pressure is possible by yourself sometimes, but you must hire a professional in certain situations.

Adust the Well Pump Pressure Switch 

1. The first thing you should do is turn off the circuit that goes to the well pump. 
2. See where the pressure lies by testing the air-fill valve with an air pressure gauge. 
3. You should adjust the pressure switch if the pressure is below 40 PSI. You can find the pressure switch on the pipe connected to the well and pressure tank. 
4. Turn the circuit on and see if your pressure has improved. Test the water pressure by opening a water faucet. 
5. If you need to readjust anything, repeat these steps.

Install a Water Pressure Regulator 

You can use two types of water pressure regulators to increase your home’s water pressure.

Booster pump: If your water pressure is below 30 PSI, you can install a booster pump. Which will increase your home’s overall pressure.

Constant pressure system: By using a constant pressure system, you can keep the pressure consistent which is ideal if your pressure goes up and down during the day. The pressure system can be installed on the main pipe, transporting well water into your home. 

A professional can help you to decide which regulator is the best for your home.

Get Your Pipes Inspected Regularly

Sometimes sediment and mineral buildup can make the water pressure low. Getting your pipes cleaned and inspected regularly can lower the chances of getting low water pressure.

Read also: How To Fix A Frozen Well Pump

Install a Water Softener

You can reduce the risk of any mineral buildup by eliminating hard water from your home. Installing a water softener for your well can lower the chances of getting low water pressure.

Well Water Pressure Low Summary

I hope you liked this article and got all the answers you were looking for.

As you discovered, several factors can lower the water pressure in a well.

If you got the budget for it, try to get your well pump inspected yearly.