There are few things more frustrating for the well owner than low water pressure. And it’s not always straightforward figuring out the underlying issue, as water-pressure problems can stem from a whole host of different causes.
At Greco & Haines, we can not only help you diagnose low water pressure, but also remedy it. In this article, we’ll explore some of the causes of low water pressure and run through some home water pressure solutions we can assist you with.
Low Water Pressure Troubleshooting
The effects of low water pressure range from the annoying to the downright disruptive. Even a relatively mild reduction in water pressure ought to be looked into, as it may indicate a problem in your well system that could end up causing even bigger headaches down the line. Generally speaking, you want your household water pressure to be in the range of 40 to 60 PSI (pounds per square inch).
There are all sorts of reasons why you may be experiencing low water pressure in your well system. Some sort of blockage is a common (and often fairly easy-to-deal-with) cause, from a clogged faucet aerator, gate valve, well screen, or filter to buildup of scale or sediment in pipes and supply lines.
Sometimes all that’s needed to improve your water flow is to adjust the pressure switch. If that pressure switch is failing, though, it’ll need to be repaired or replaced. A faulty pressure tank is another common culprit. And a malfunctioning or aging-out well pump can certainly result in low water pressure as well.
If your pipes or supply lines are too narrow, you may experience less-than-desirable water pressure. It’s important that your plumbing system matches the demands of your household and appliances.
If you’re experiencing low water pressure in the wintertime, you definitely should consider the possibility of frozen pipes. Pipes in unheated parts of your home, such as crawlspaces, are susceptible to ice buildup during cold weather. That alone, of course, can reduce or entirely stop up water flow. Because water expands when it freezes, a frozen pipe is also vulnerable to rupturing, with the resulting leak obviously affecting water pressure.
It goes without saying that leaks due to any other failure in the well or plumbing system, such as severe corrosion or a loose fitting, can manifest as poor water pressure.
Home Water Pressure Solutions
Obviously, different causes of low water pressure from a well demand different solutions. The most important first step in many cases is having a professional well inspection conducted to make sure that you’re zeroing in on the root cause of the low pressure. A well professional, such as your friendly Greco & Haines technician, can not only identify the ultimate reason why you’re dealing with low water pressure, but suggest the most efficient fix—from repairing a broken line or resizing pipes to upgrading your pressure tank or switch.
Many water-pressure problems can be solved by installing the right kind and size of well pump to power your system. Water pressure booster pumps, which include both single-stage models and more powerful multi-stage units, can increase pressure coming out of a well or tank that can’t keep up with household demand. They can, for example, be good solutions for taller buildings, the upper stories of which might otherwise suffer from low water pressure.
A constant pressure system, which employs a control switch and a submersible pump, can be a great addition for many wells, resulting in reliable “city-like” water pressure across taps and appliances even with heavy simultaneous demand.
The Importance of Professional Well Help When Trying to Boost Your Water Pressure
We’ve already stressed the importance of a professional well inspection when attempting to remedy low water pressure. It can be difficult to narrow down the exact cause of the pressure issue, and thus all too easy to waste time and money on an ineffective replacement or upgrade.
It’s also essential to keep in mind that too much water pressure can be a big problem, promoting premature wear or even catastrophic failures in plumbing and appliances. If you’re considering a water pressure booster or scaled-up well pump, you should run the idea by a well professional to make sure you’re not setting yourself up for expensive—maybe even disastrous—failures down the line.
Turn to Greco & Haines to Achieve Proper Water Flow at Home
In business since 1963, Greco & Haines proudly serves well owners all across the state of Connecticut, and low water pressure is among the most common problems customers come to us with. We’ll figure out what’s going on and recommend the best solution for your particular situation, always promising the very finest in workmanship and quality equipment: from pumps to pressure tanks. And we’re there for you seven days a week and 365 days a year, to boot!
Get in touch with our team by filling out our online contact form or by giving us a call: 203-735-9308, 203-777-2256, or toll-free from any Connecticut area code 1-800-922-2958.