How To Get More Pressure From Your Well: Everything You Need To Know

If you’re getting frustrated with your faucet’s slow drip or your shower’s dribbling water, you’ve come to the right place. Low water pressure can be caused by multiple factors, but the good news is that they’re all relatively easy to fix. Follow along to discover DIY tips on how to increase water pressure from your well to get the shower you deserve. 

Plumbing Issues That Cause Low Water Pressure

There are some plumbing issues that may be causing your low water pressure, including:

• Narrow pipes: If your pipes are too small, they won’t have the capacity to achieve high water pressure. Your pipes should range from half an inch to one inch in diameter.

• Damaged pressure tank: A leaking or cracked pressure tank can result in low water pressure. If your tank is damaged, you’ll likely need to replace it.

• Old well pump: Well pumps usually have a lifespan of between 8 to 15 years. If your pump is older than this, it may need to be replaced. 

How To Get More Well Water Pressure

Photo: Ole_CNX / iStock / Getty Images

If you’re ready to take on your low water pressure, it’s easy to adjust with some simple steps listed below. Try the methods below on your own to save some money while getting the water pressure you need. 

Clean Faucets and Fixtures

The first thing to check when you’re experiencing low water pressure is that your faucets and fixtures are clear of clogs. Sediment and minerals can slowly build up over time at the exit points and produce a white chalky appearance. 

This buildup will prevent water from flowing properly and can extend into your pipe system. If you increase your water pressure before clogs are cleared, you can end up damaging your well system as it will put too much pressure on the pipes. 

To clean your faucets:

• Use a wrench to remove the mesh layer, called an aerator, from your faucet

• Wash the aerator with hot water and dish soap

• Reattach the aerator to the faucet

If you suspect the sediment and mineral buildup has gone past your faucets and is affecting your pipes, it’s best to contact a plumber. They will come to inspect your system and clean or replace the affected pipes.

Adjust Your Pressure Switch

If your water pressure is still low after cleaning your faucets, you can adjust the pressure switch on your well pressure tank. The tank controls the water pressure throughout your home and has three main settings: 30/50, 40/60, and 50/70 psi. 

The first number is the pressure amount that turns the pump on, and the second number is the pressure amount that turns the pump off. If your well pressure tank is set below 40/60, try adjusting the switch to a higher setting to increase your pressure. 

To do this: 

• Turn off power in the breaker box to your well pump

• Use an air pressure gauge to test the air fill valve on your pressure tank and see what your pressure reading is

• If your pressure reading is below 40 psi, locate the pressure switch on the pipe between the well and pressure tank

• Adjust the switch to the next highest settings

• Make sure there is 20 psi difference between the high and low settings

• Turn the power back on and open a faucet to test the pressure

• Repeat these steps as needed

When adjusting your pressure switch, be cautious about setting the pressure higher than 70 psi. If your pressure is too high, it can damage your plumbing system and lead to costly repairs.

Install a Booster Pump or Pressure System

Installing a booster pump or constant pressure system can help regulate the water pressure within your home. 

Booster Pumps

A well booster pump provides an added boost to your water pressure and flow to help it reach the desired level. If there is a long distance between your well pump and the point of exit for the water, it can cause a drop in pressure. A booster pump uses a motor and impellers to increase the flow and provide additional pressure to your water when it’s moving from your pressure tank throughout your house. 

Constant Pressure Systems

A constant pressure system is an ideal choice for households that notice water pressure changes throughout the day. A standard pressure system uses the well pump, pressure tank, and pressure switch to control the water pressure, which can cause fluctuations due to its two settings: on and off. 

A constant pressure system, on the other hand, uses a variable speed pump and variable frequency drive, which adjusts the pressure depending on usage and speed. This allows a constant pressure system to assess how much water you need at any moment and provide a more steady flow of water. 

For example, when you turn on the dishwasher, the constant pressure system knows to disperse a larger amount of water than it would for a faucet, as this appliance requires a faster speed of water.

If you’re thinking about installing a booster pump or constant pressure system, it’s recommended to contact a local plumber. They will assess your current water pressure and help you choose the system that’s best for your home. However, if you’re knowledgeable about your well and its inner workings, it can save you some money to install these systems on your own. 

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

Performing a bit of maintenance or adjusting the pressure switch is relatively easy to do on your own. However, if you’ve tried the above DIY methods and haven’t seen success, or you suspect that your low water pressure may be due to plumbing issues, it’s best to call a local well pump repair service near you. 

They can inspect your well system and detect the necessary repairs or replacements. The initial inspection will range from $250 to $550, but it’s a worthwhile expense to get ahead of even more costly repairs in the future.