Low Well Water Pressure?  Here Is What to do…

There is no doubt that water wells are great investments and additions to one’s home. This is mainly because they come with several benefits. However, what most people often do not talk about is that owning a well is “not all roses.” In essence, just like any other thing, wells too develop faults and often need repair. One of the most common faults is low water pressure. If you are among the people who encounter such well water pressure problems, then you are at the right place. Below is a well-explained guide that will help you understand everything there is concerning water well pressure.

What is A Good Well Water Pressure?

The pressure of the water is usually measured in pounds per square inch (psi). In a standard setting, well water pressure should range between 30- 80 psi, generally.  If it is not you can have problems with the desired amount of water to your house, business, or farm.  If it is higher than 80 psi it is against code in most states.  Contact us to fix this problem.

Does Well Water Have Good Pressure?

In an ideal situation, if a well water system is correctly put in place, the pressure the water comes in should be good enough to sustain your household. However, in some cases, several factors come into play and affect this pressure. One of these factors is the flow rate. In essence, if the flow rate is low, then the water pressure will also be relatively low.

Why is The Water Pressure Low with A Well?

Several elements may cause the pressure of well water to fall. Here are some of these reasons:

• Breakdown of Water Pumps

Water pumps are machines, just like any other, and they are subject to breakdowns and malfunction. One of the reasons that may lead to such is the buildup of sediments in the pipes. Blockage and flaws in the pressure regulators may also make the water pumps malfunction. If the water pumps break down, there is a high likelihood that your well water pressure will be low.

• Increase in Water Usage

Well water pressure can reduce if you consume a lot of water within a short time. This usually happens when things that were previously not there are put in place. For example, when you install a new irrigation system or construct new bathrooms. The decline occurs because of the increase in the number of fixtures that release water, leading to the rise in water demand. If the demand surpasses the flow rate at which the well pump can supply water, which in most cases it does, you will experience low water pressure.  To fix this you may have to get a bigger water pump, larger well casing, etc.  It is best to call your well drilling company to fix this correctly.

• Presence of Iron Bacteria

Iron bacteria is a term used to describe a collection of tiny living organisms commonly found in groundwater and soil. It is these creatures that are responsible for reduced water pressure. How, you ask? Well, these organisms usually come together and combine iron and oxygen. Doing so results in the formation of deposits of bacterial cells, “rust,” and a slimy substance. The latter is what helps the bacteria to stick to the pipes. When in large numbers, they clog the pipes, reducing the pressure in which water flows out.

• Narrow Water Pipes

If the pipes are too narrow, there won’t be sufficient water flowing in them to provide a good enough flow rate. Now, if the flow rate is negatively affected, so will the pressure of the water.

How Do I Get More Water Pressure From My Well?

Everybody installs a well to enjoy a constant supply of water to carry out their day-to-day activities. Now getting regular water is just one part of the equation. In essence, the water also needs to be under the proper pressure. This is because, we can all agree, using water under low pressure is quite annoying. This is true, especially when you want to complete tasks that require high water pressure. Some of these tasks include; cleaning a car and sprinkling a garden.

If you ever find yourself in such a situation, you can follow these tips on how to increase water pressure from a well.

• Check the Air Fill Valve

Start by disconnecting the circuit connected to the pump in the well. After that, measure the air fill valve using a water well pressure gauge. Remember, the normal well water pressure is between 40-60 psi. If it falls below this range, you should adjust the pressure switch. Doing so will go a long way in increasing the water pressure.

• Conduct a pipe inspection

If the water pressure problem is not solved by adjusting the pressure switch, then the problem might be clogged pipes. This is because, with time, the pipes can collect mineral deposits and sediments, which can lower the water pressure. Therefore it is vital to do a thorough examination of each pipe in the system. You can also check the aerators and showerheads. Even with that being said, we recommend you call a professional to do these checks for you. If they are indeed the problem, the plumber might recommend you replace the pipes.

• Replace the Well Water Pressure Tank

Another possible reason for declining water pressure could be a failing/leaking pressure tank. If that is the issue, it is best to replace the tank rather than repair it.

• Install a Water Pressure Booster Pump

A booster pump may come in handy where the distance between the house and the well is significant. In buildings with several stories, the typical pump can struggle with gravity to supply the top floors with water. As a result, the water pressure may be low. In such situations, installing a booster pump may be beneficial since it does not put too much stress on the well pump.

• Soften the Water

The water in a well is usually hard. This means it contains minerals that can build up in the pipes, just like we explained earlier. An obvious sign of this is noticing calcium deposits on faucets. So if you suspect the problem is the water, you should install a water softener. This will help increase well water pressure.

How Fast Does Well Water Replenish?

Wells do run out of water, especially during the dry seasons. This happens mainly because people are drawing water faster than gravity, and the rainfall is replacing it. The time that it takes wells to replenish depends on different factors. Some of these factors are; the source of the water and the well’s depth. In an ideal situation, within two hours, a well should refill at least 500 gallons.

Other Factors

• Drought climate
• Many local competing wells lowering the water table level
• Low existing/small water table in the area
• No groundwater recharge points/area to replenish the water

Conclusion

Low water pressure from wells is something nobody wishes to experience. That is why you must be on the lookout for its causes. These causes include; blocked pipes, well pump breakdown, narrow pipes, and even iron bacteria. By doing so, you will know which cause of action to take. Replacing the pressure tank, installing new pipes, and installing a booster pump are some remedies one can adopt depending on the situation.

All in all, we know water well troubleshooting and repair can be a challenging task. This is so, especially if the problem has something to do with low pressure. But as experts, we are here to help you. We are a certified water well service company with the proper knowledge and skill to fix any well issues you may have.