It’s easy to go with the flow
If you live in a rural area, it’s highly likely your water source comes from a well. And, chances are you’ve experienced the inconvenience of low water pressure on occasion, too. Irregular water pressure is a common issue among homeowners who rely on a well for their water, and there are many reasons for low water pressure. However, there are some things you can do to increase your well-water pressure and preventative tricks that ensure a steadier flow.
In terms of water pressure, it all comes down to psi (pounds per square inch). Most municipal water systems provide a water pressure of around 60 psi. Unfortunately, for water well users, the water pressure is lower, at around 28 to 40 psi.
But if you find your water pressure is frequently low, providing nothing more than a dribble when you’re washing your dishes or taking a shower, this might signal a problem with your well system. How to fix your water pressure could be as simple as cleaning a clogged pipe, or it might require a bigger repair or a costly replacement of a well pressure tank or a water pressure pump.
Sometimes, increasing your well-water pressure is nothing more than adjusting the valve on your water pressure tank. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. The reason for your low water pressure may have to do with a damaged pressure tank or an aging well pump that is more than 15 years old and needs replacing.
A well pressure tank does much more than store water. It uses air pressure to regulate water pressure and deliver it through the pipes to your faucets. On average, a new well pressure tank costs around $400, with a range between $300 to $500, depending on the type of tank you have. Installing a well pressure tank also requires the services of a plumber—labor costs can range from $125 to $200.
If you notice unusually low water pressure, have dirty water, or have no water at all coming from your faucet, these are all signs you may need a new well pump. A well pump is a significant part of your well-water system. Its sole purpose is to pump the water from the well into your house—no pump, no water. The cost of a well pump replacement is generally higher than replacing a well pressure tank. Prices range between $975 to $2,750, depending on well depth and pump size.
In addition to dribbling water when you turn on the tap, there are other signs your home may be suffering from low water pressure from the well. Here are a few to look out for:
Sputtering faucets are a tell-tale sign of air in your plumbing. This could be due to a failing water pump or a drop in your well water level.
A long-running pump means it's struggling to build up and maintain water pressure to pump out the water.
Another red flag is if you notice your pump constantly turning on and off.
Trickling water coming out of one faucet might signal a clogged pipe. Low water pressure throughout your house usually indicates a larger problem from your well system.
Murky and/or strange-smelling water is associated with low water pressure and means there’s sediment from your well building up around your pump.
Fortunately, there are several ways you can increase the water pressure from your well yourself. All it requires is a little DIY determination and elbow grease. Here are a few things you can do to improve your water pressure at home:
Well water is more prone to sediments, hard water build-up, and minerals, all of which can lead to clogged pipes. Usually, if you notice low water pressure in your home, plumbing experts recommend the first thing you check for is clogged pipes, faucets, and fixtures.
Look at your faucets’ aerators—the mesh layer located in your tap. Remove it with a wrench, and if you see any white, chalky deposits, it means there’s a build-up of minerals in your pipes. A drain cleaning solution and a drain snake can help clear up clogged pipes in a jiffy, or you can hire a plumber to do a thorough deep clean of your well plumbing system.
Pressure tanks include gauges to let you know how much pressure is flowing through your pipes. Most well pump pressure tank systems are set up with a set pressure to regulate when the pump turns on and off, either 20/40, 30/50, or 40/60. The low number represents the psi the pump uses to turn on, and the higher number is the psi needed to switch the pump off. Anything lower than 40 psi means you may want to adjust the pressure.
You can adjust the pressure with these steps:
Turn off the circuit breaker that supplies power to the water pump.
Locate the air fill valve at the top of the pressure tank. Use a tire pressure gauge to check the current psi.
Using a wrench or a screwdriver, turn the dial on the pressure switch counterclockwise to lower both the cut-on and cut-off pressure or clockwise to raise the pressure.
Do not raise the pressure higher than 40/60—anything greater than 60 psi risks damage to pipes and fixtures.
A constant pressure system is designed to keep your well water’s pressure consistent, regardless of different levels of water usage throughout your home. Traditional well pressure tanks allow pressure to change by about 20 psi. By comparison, a constant pressure system doesn’t let the tank’s pressure drop by more than 2 psi before it makes the pump increase the water pressure.
Constant pressure systems are generally easy to install, but they vary in design. A plumber can help determine which system to choose based on your water pressure and flow rate and install it for you if you’re unsure how to do it yourself.
An ounce of prevention goes a long way toward preventing costly repairs and low water pressure headaches in the future. These are a few things you can do to maintain your plumbing and well system to keep your water flowing smoothly:
Install a water softener to eliminate hard water and minerals before they have a chance to build up in your pipes.
Keep an eye on chalky sediment in your faucets’ aerators and clean them regularly.
Consider replacing your pipes if they’re too narrow. High water pressure can’t be achieved with narrow pipes. They should measure between half an inch to 1-inch in diameter.
Schedule regular plumbing inspections and well system inspections by a licensed plumber or well inspector to ensure everything runs as it should.
If adjusting your water pressure tank switch or clearing your clogged pipes doesn’t fix your low water pressure, you may have a bigger problem that needs professional help. Consider hiring a local well pump repair specialist to determine the solution to your low water pressure issues and to help you make adjustments without the risk of damaging your well system.
