Question 1

Will a larger pressure tank increase or improve water pressure?

Accepted Answer

•

No, a larger well pressure tank will not increase or improve water pressure on its own. The pressure control on the well pump is what determines the water pressure in your home. However, a larger tank does offer other benefits. It can hold more water, allowing you to run it for longer before the pump needs to turn on. Because the pump cycles on and off less frequently, there is less stress and wear on the well system. This can lead to a longer lifespan for the pump and tank, and you may experience fewer pump-related issues that could affect your water pressure in the long run.

If you want to increase your water pressure, you can try one of the following solutions:

• Adjust the tank’s pressure settings to a higher PSI (pounds per square inch).

• Replace your current pump with one that has a higher flow rate (GPM).

• Install a water pressure booster pump in your plumbing system.

• For pressure fluctuations, consider replacing your current setup with a constant pressure system.

Question 2

What’s wrong with high water pressure?

Accepted Answer

•

Excessive pressure (above 80 psi) puts too much stress on plumbing pipes, joints, and fixtures. This can lead to leaks and burst pipes. Plus, it shortens the lifespan of appliances, can waste water, and can raise your utility bills. High water pressure might feel like a gift, but it’s actually a silent threat to plumbing.

Question 3

What pressure should I set my well pump pressure switch to?

Accepted Answer

•

Most well pump pressure switches have a factory setting of 30 to 50 PSI. There’s some flexibility with this if you’d like a lower or higher water pressure, but remember that it should sit 2 to 3 PSI above your well tank’s general pressure setting.

The inside of your pressure switch cover will usually indicate minimum and maximum settings—going below and above the numbers might damage your well pump.

Question 4

What are the signs that a well pump is going out?

Accepted Answer

•

Here are some signs of a bad well pump that a pro should look at:

If your well pump isn’t pumping water, you could have a leak or malfunctioning pump on your hands.
If your water pump runs nonstop, there might be a leak or problem with the pressure tank, which can cause the pump to fail.
Low water pressure can happen because of your pressure tank, low-water levels, or a wrong-sized pump.
Dirt or sediment in your water can be a problem with a powerful pump, damaged pump filter, or the pump’s location.

Question 5

Why do I need to drill a deeper well?

Accepted Answer

•

There are many reasons you may want to extend the depth of an existing well or drill a new, deeper well on your property. A deeper well can tap cleaner water sources—shallow water may contain more contaminants. With a deeper well, you’ll also have an easier time reaching the water table depth (the level at which underground water is found) and can get past tricky soil conditions.

Plus, if your local building code requires a minimum well depth for safety and environmental standards, you’ll meet the code by digging a deeper well in the first place.