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Why is my Well Water Pressure Low (EASY FIX!)

Scott Winfield
Written by Scott Winfield
Last Updated on

Have you ever turned on your tap and found just a trickle of water? Well owners often experience this issue, but don’t worry—the fix is often easier than you might think.

Your well water system has several key parts: the water pump, pressure tank, and storage tank. Any of these can cause low pressure, but with a little guidance, identifying the culprit is straightforward.

WHY IS MY WELL WATER PRESSURE LOW (EASY FIX!)

In this article, we’ll walk you through how your well system works, highlight the signs of low pressure, and offer step-by-step solutions to get your water flowing strong again. By the end, you’ll be ready to tackle any pressure problem with confidence and ease.

But before we get into it, here’s a tabular view of the most common causes of low well water pressure with their fixes.

Reason for low water pressureSolution
Sediment buildupClean the sediment from your pipes  
Hard waterClean limescale buildup on the valves
Pressure tank issueCheck and adjust the pressure/Call a plumber
Water pump issueDon’t DIY—Call a plumber

How Do Well Water Systems Work?

Understanding how your well water system works can make it easier to troubleshoot issues when they arise. At its core, your well system has three main components: the water pump, the pressure tank, and sometimes a storage tank.

The water pump sits at the bottom of your well, pulling water up and sending it to the pressure tank. This pump is essential—if it’s not working properly, neither is your water system.

The pressure tank stores water and helps maintain steady water pressure throughout your home. When you turn on a tap, the pressure tank releases water into your pipes. Some pressure tanks also act as storage containers, but others work with a separate storage tank.

If you have a storage tank, it’s used to hold a large volume of water ready for use. Water flows from the storage tank through filters and sometimes a water softener, ensuring it’s clean before reaching your faucets.

Throughout your system, you’ll find cut-off valves. These valves let you shut off water to parts of the system for maintenance or repairs without affecting the entire house. They’re essential for managing system pressure and preventing leaks.

While every well system might have slight differences, this general layout helps you understand where things might go wrong and how to fix them.

Signs of Low Pressure

Noticing low water pressure in your home can be frustrating, but there are clear signs to watch for and simple checks you can do.

Most pressure tanks have a gauge on top that shows the psi (pounds per square inch). A healthy system should read between 40 and 60 psi when in use and a few psi lower when idle. This means that if your working psi is 40, then the psi when the system isn’t working should be around 37 or 38 psi.

If you don’t have a pressure gauge, you can buy a tool to measure it. Just unscrew the cap on your pressure tank, attach the tool, and check the psi.

Low water pressure is easy to spot. Faucets will only produce a weak trickle instead of a strong stream. You might also notice that your washing machine or dishwasher takes longer to fill.

By checking these signs, you can quickly determine if low pressure is affecting your well water system and take the necessary steps to fix it.

Reasons for Low Water Pressure

There are several reasons why your system might have low pressure, including:

  • Sediment buildup
  • Hard water issues
  • Pressure tank issues
  • Water pump issues

Sediment Buildup

Sediment
Sediment

Sediment buildup is a common issue in well water systems, and it can significantly impact your water pressure. It includes sand, dirt, and other debris that can accumulate in your pipes over time.

While sediment doesn’t usually clog the vertical well pipe, it can settle in the horizontal pipes leading into your home. A small layer of sediment won’t cause much trouble, but if left unchecked, it can build up enough to block water flow through your pipes and valves.

Detecting sediment isn’t always easy because it involves inspecting your system’s pipes. Most often, sediment issues occur in the horizontal pipes between the well cap and your filtration systems. The filters themselves handle most contaminants, so pipes after the filters are usually clear.

Solution

Cleaning sediment from your pipes is straightforward but requires some disassembly.

Here’s how:

  • Turn off the water: Shut off the water supply to avoid any leaks.
  • Disassemble pipes: Use a wrench to take apart the pipes where you suspect sediment buildup.
  • Clean the pipes: Once you find the sediment, use a thin brush to scrub the inside of the pipe. Ensure all debris is cleared out.
  • Use hot water: If brushing doesn’t work, try running hot water through the pipe. The heat should help loosen the sediment, making it easier to remove.

After cleaning, reassemble your pipes and turn the water back on. Your water pressure should improve significantly if sediment is the issue. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable doing this yourself, consider calling a professional for help.

Hard Water Issues

Hard Water
Hard Water

Hard water is essentially ordinary water rich in minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can cause several issues in your well system, most notably limescale buildup.

Limescale from hard water can accumulate inside your pipes, valves, and fixtures. This buildup narrows the flow path, leading to reduced water pressure. Over time, it can also damage your system components.

You might notice hard water problems through visual inspections of your pipes and valves. Look for white or yellowish crusts around the connections. Additionally, if your soap doesn’t lather well or you have spots on dishes after washing, you might have hard water.

Solution

Cleaning limescale buildup involves a few steps:

  • Turn off the water: Shut off your water supply to avoid leaks.
  • Disassemble valves: Start by taking apart the valves where limescale often accumulates.
  • Soak in warm water: Place the valves in a bucket of warm or hot water for 15-20 minutes. This helps loosen the limescale.
  • Scrub the valves: Use a small, hard-bristle brush, like a toothbrush, to scrub the inside and outside of the valves. The warm water should have softened the buildup, making it easier to remove.
  • Reassemble and test: Once cleaned, put the valves back in place and turn the water back on. Check if your water pressure has improved.

As you can tell, the procedure is more or less the same as for sediment buildup, but valves are easier to take off and clean than pipes. It’s also much easier to see if there’s any limescale buildup on valves with a quick visual inspection than it is to check pipes for sediment buildup, as you don’t have to disassemble the piping.

Regular maintenance and using a water softener can help prevent limescale buildup, ensuring your well system runs smoothly.

Pressure Tank Issues

Pressure Tank
Pressure Tank

The pressure tank is vital to maintaining steady water pressure in your home. When it has problems, you’ll likely experience low water pressure.

If the tank’s pressure is too low or the tank itself is damaged, the system can’t deliver water efficiently.

A pressure gauge can help you determine if the tank’s pressure is within the normal range (40-60 psi). If the pressure is significantly lower, it might be the cause of your water pressure problems. Additionally, listen for unusual noises or check for visible leaks around the tank.

Solution

Here’s how to address pressure tank issues:

  • Check the pressure: Use the pressure gauge to check the psi. If it’s too low, you can adjust it.
  • Adjust the pressure:
    • Open the pump pressure switch by sliding off the cover (some models may have a latch or screw).
    • Inside, you’ll find two spring-loaded nuts. The larger one controls the psi range.
    • Turn the larger nut to the right to increase the psi. If it is low, aim to adjust it to around 38-40 psi.
  • Reassemble and test: Close the switch and check the system. If the pressure drops again within a day, the nut might be loose and need replacing.

If the pressure tank is damaged or if you can’t maintain steady pressure, it’s time to call a professional. They can assess whether the tank can be repaired or needs replacement.

You can maintain consistent water pressure throughout your home by ensuring your pressure tank is in good working order.

Water Pump Issues

Water pump
Water Pump

Your water pump is the heart of your well system. When it’s not functioning properly, you’ll definitely notice a drop in water pressure.

If your pump is damaged or not the right type for your well, it can’t draw water efficiently. This directly leads to low water pressure in your home.

Water pump problems can be tricky to diagnose without professional help. However, if you’ve ruled out other causes like sediment, hard water, and pressure tank issues, the pump might be the problem. Listen for unusual noises from the well or check for any visible signs of damage around the pump area.

Solution

Fixing water pump issues often requires professional intervention:

  • Call a professional: Removing and repairing a well pump is complex. A professional can diagnose the issue accurately and recommend the best course of action.
  • Assess compatibility: Ensure that your pump is the right type and size for your well. Sometimes, the wrong pump can cause persistent pressure problems.
  • Repair or replace: Depending on the issue, the pump may need repairs or a complete replacement. A professional will guide you on whether parts need replacing or if a new pump is necessary.

Since the pump is vital for your entire well system, it’s best not to DIY this fix unless you have experience. A professional can make sure the job is done right, preventing further issues down the line.

By addressing any water pump issues promptly and with professional help, you can restore proper water pressure and ensure your well system operates smoothly.

Summary

Let’s quickly recap how to troubleshoot and fix that annoying low water pressure issue:

First things first, check that pressure tank. It should be sitting pretty between 40-60 psi when the system is running. If it’s lower than that, give it a little adjustment and get it back in the green zone.

Next, do a little detective work on your pipes and valves. Sediment and hard water deposits love to clog things up, causing that dreaded trickle. But a bit of hot water and some good old-fashioned scrubbing will clear those pipes out in no time.

If you’ve tried those fixes and the pressure still isn’t up to par, it’s time to call in the experts. There could be an issue with the water pump that needs a professional eye. Or maybe the pump itself isn’t quite the right fit for your well system. Either way, a trusty plumber can diagnose and solve the problem.

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Scott Winfield
Scott Winfield
My name is Scott Winfield and researching and writing about water filters and other strategies to purify water has become my full time passion in recent years. I'm glad that you found our site and you can look forward to authoritative and well researched content here to help you get the best in water.
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