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How to size a well pressure tank is determined by three factors: flow rate, or how many gallons per minute your well pump produces; minimum runtime; and pressure switch setting. Most pressure tanks have a pressure switch operating at 20/40, 30/50, and 40/60—the first number is the pressure needed for the pump to turn on, and the second number is the pressure needed for the pump to switch off. Most homeowners relying on well water require a water pressure tank ranging from 20 to 80 gallons. 

A septic tank always has some amount of liquid in it—which should usually be 8 to 12 inches from the top of the tank. If the liquid level is higher than that or is overflowing the drainage pipe that leads out to the leach field, the tank may be too full and in need of pumping.

The average three to four-bedroom home typically uses a well pump rated for 8 to 12 gallons per minute (GPM). To find the most accurate size for your specific needs, a common rule of thumb is to count the number of water fixtures and appliances in your home and aim for that number in GPM. This calculation allows for about one gallon of water per minute per fixture. Because estimating the correct size can be challenging, it's best to have a professional technician make the final determination. A professional can ensure your pump provides sufficient water for your home, especially during peak usage hours.

The size of your septic tank plays a role in determining the proper size of the drain or leach field. As a general rule, you should have 1 square foot of drain field size per gallon of septic tank capacity. However, you could install a leach field that’s as much as 2.5 square feet per gallon of septic tank capacity. Most professionals determine the right septic tank size and drain field size by the number of bedrooms in the house. A three-bedroom house needs a minimum 1,000-gallon septic tank, for example.