Low Well Water Pressure – Causes & Solutions
Well water is a tremendous asset to have on any property. Not only does it provide an environmentally friendly source of water, but it can also save a homeowner a great deal of money on their water bill each month. However, one of the most common problems that well owners face is low water pressure. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the potential causes of low water well pressure and what you can do to fix the problem.
What Causes Low Water Pressure?
There are a number of potential causes of low water pressure in a well system. Lets take a look at some of the most common:
Well Not Deep Enough
One of the most common is simply that the well is not deep enough. In order to ensure an adequate supply of water, a well must be dug to a depth of at least 30 feet. If your well is shallower than this, it’s likely that you’ll experience low water pressure at some point.
Well Pump Not Working
Another potential cause of low water pressure is a problem with the well pump itself. If the pump isn’t working properly, it won’t be able to deliver enough water to meet your needs. This can often be fixed by simply having the pump serviced or replaced.
Leak in the Well System
If your well water pressure is low, it can also be caused by a leak in the well system. If there is a hole or crack in the pipes that deliver water from the well to your home, some of the water will be lost before it ever reaches its destination. This can usually be fixed by having a professional plumber come out and repair the leak.
Clogged Sediment Filter
Another common cause of low water pressure is a clogged sediment filter. These filters are designed to remove dirt and other debris from the water before it enters your home. However, over time they can become clogged, which can reduce the flow of water and lead to low water pressure. If you suspect that your sediment filter is the problem, the best course of action is to have it replaced.
Water-Logged Pressure Tank
Another potential cause of low water pressure is a water-logged pressure tank. Pressure tank for well are used to store water and keep the pressure constant in a well system. However, if they become filled with water, they can actually reduce the pressure.
Air Bladder Needs Recharged
If your well system has an air bladder, it may be the case that it simply needs to be recharged. An air bladder is used to help keep water in the well from becoming too stagnant. Over time, however, the air can escape, which can lead to low water pressure. This is a relatively easy problem to fix and can often be done by a professional well service company.
How to Fix Low Well Water Pressure
Now that we’ve discussed some of the potential causes of low water pressure, let’s take a look at how you can fix the problem.
There are a number of different ways to fix low water pressure in a well system. The best course of action will depend on the specific cause of the problem. However, here are a few general tips that can help:
- Check the well depth: If your well is shallow, you may need to have it deepened in order to achieve adequate water pressure.
- Check the well pump: If the problem is with the well pump, you may be able to fix it by simply having the pump serviced or replaced.
- Check for leaks: If there are any leaks in the well system, they will need to be repaired in order to restore adequate water pressure.
- Check the sediment filter: If the sediment filter is clogged, it will need to be replaced.
- Check the pressure tank: If the pressure tank is water-logged, it will need to be drained and refilled.
- Check the air bladder: If the problem is with the air bladder, it may simply need to be recharged.
If you’re having trouble diagnosing the cause of your low water pressure, or if you’re not comfortable performing the necessary repairs, it’s always best to call in a professional. A qualified well service company will be able to quickly identify the cause of the problem and make the necessary repairs.