If it’s been determined that the pressure tank and well pump are working correctly, and there isn’t any blockage within the pipes or faucets, then the problem may just be that the household demands more than what the system can provide. In this case, it may be necessary to make adjustments to the pressure setting or install additional components to improve the flow rate.
Increase Pressure Setting on the Pressure Switch
Standard pressure systems rely on a set pressure setting to determine when the well pump turns on and off. With the low number representing the PSI that turns the pump on, and the high number representing the PSI that turns the pump off, typical pressure settings on a standard pressure system are 20/40, 30/50, or 40/60.
As expected, the higher the pressure setting, the more pressure is used throughout the well system. By increasing the pressure setting on the pressure switch, one could expect to have better water pressure flowing through the faucets. For example, a system set to 30/50 could improve upon water pressure if it were increased to a 40/60 setting, provided that the well pump is sized to sustain a 40/60 setting.
pressure switch adjustment / rc worst / youtube
In order to increase the pressure setting, first shut off the power supply to the pressure switch to avoid any potential electrical injury. Use a screwdriver or wrench to turn the dial clockwise incrementally toward the desired setting. Most pressure switch manufacturers will indicate where and how to adjust the pressure setting on the pressure switch.
Keep in mind increasing the cut-out pressure past 60 psi may cause damage and leakage to fixtures; thus, it is best not to set it any higher than 40/60.
Install Additional or Larger Pressure Tank
Because a standard pressure system relies on the regular filling and dispensing of the pressure tank, there will be noticeable fluctuations in water pressure during pump cycling as water comes out of the faucets, especially during peak hours.
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Replacing the pressure tank with a larger tank or installing an additional pressure tank can increase the drawdown capacity of the well system, accommodating a greater demand during peak usage and providing steadier water pressure for longer periods of time.
For example, if most of the water in the household is used between 6 pm and 9 pm, a larger drawdown capacity will provide more pressurized water before the pump needs to kick back in. This will limit the number of cycles during peak hours. Less cycling means less fluctuation in pressure.
Keep in mind that a larger or additional pressure tank will not increase pressure past the setting on the pressure switch.
Install Constant Pressure Valve
A constant pressure valve, also known as a cycle stop valve or pressure-reducing valve, is a mechanical device designed to maintain a constant flow of water by reducing the number of pump cycles.
A typical standard pressure system relies on the well pump and pressure tank to provide water pressure through a series of on-and-off cycles. While the pressure tank is designed to save the pump from unnecessary usage by storing pressurized water, the wear on the pump is more likely to come from frequent starting and stopping rather than constant usage.
In addition, fluctuations in water pressure are caused by pump cycling and the continuous filling and dispensing of the water tank.
cycle stop valves / youtube
The constant pressure valve provides two main advantages.
First, it reduces wear on the pump by reducing the number of cycles. It does this by bypassing the pressure tank during peak hours of usage, eliminating the need for the pump to keep cycling on and off when water is being used for an extended period of time.
For example, in a standard pressure system, when a washing machine, shower, or dishwasher is being used, the pump will need to cycle on and off several times to accommodate the water need. The constant pressure valve avoids this by bypassing the pressure tank, allowing the pump to remain on for the entire duration of usage. This significantly reduces the number of times the pump cycles on and off and can significantly prolong the life of the pump.
The second advantage of the constant pressure valve is its ability to maintain a constant stream of pressure without fluctuations. In a standard pressure system of 40/60, significant fluctuations in pressure can be felt as the pressure drops from 60 to 40 PSI during cycling. A constant pressure valve forces the system to remain at a constant pressure in the middle of the pressure setting (in this case, 50 PSI) so that a constant stream of pressure will be felt throughout the duration of usage.
Constant pressure valves are fairly easy to install and require no electronics to power them.
Install a Water Pressure Booster Pump
In certain cases, the cause for low pressure may be due to there being an extended distance between the well pump and the point of exit. In homes or buildings with multiple stories, the well pump must contend with gravity in order to supply the top floors with enough water. This can often cause a drop in flow rate for upper-floor fixtures.
Similarly, some neighborhoods rely on a community well which supplies several different households with water. In these cases, homes that are at the end of the supply line typically experience lower water pressure than those which are at the front.
For situations where gravity and distance from the pump create a drop in water pressure, installing a booster pump may aid in increasing water pressure. A booster pump is a machine that uses a motor and impellers to increase water flow.
When installing a water pressure booster pump into a well system with a submersible pump, it is advised to have a pressure regulator valve so as not to over-pressurize the system. In addition, it is important that the total PSI which enters the home doesn't exceed the building regulation code.
A typical setup would be to have the pressure regulator installed after the pressure tank, which then leads to the pressure booster. From there, the water line leads to the home.
Install a Constant Pressure System
A traditional standard pressure system relies on the well pump, pressure tank, and pressure switch to regulate the ebb and flow of the system’s PSI, and the well pump has only two settings: on and off. Because of the large fluctuations between high and low pressures, noticeable changes in pressure can be felt as water is being used.
A constant pressure system involves different components: a variable speed pump which adjusts speed according to usage, and a variable frequency drive which controls the speed of the pump.
VFD Grundfos / Youtube
Because a constant pressure system is able to recognize how much water is needed at each given moment, a more constant stream of pressure is achieved during water usage. For example, when a shower is being used, the variable speed pump will turn on at a speed that is necessary to provide enough water pressure for the shower and will remain on until the shower is no longer used. This eliminates the fluctuations in pressure caused by the constant filling and dispensing of the pressure tank used in a standard pressure system.
Similarly, when a simple faucet is turned on, the variable speed pump will turn on at a much slower speed, providing the necessary amount of water for the faucet. When a larger fixture, such as a dishwasher, is used, the pump will run much faster.
There are several major benefits to using a constant pressure system versus a standard pressure system.
Less Fluctuations in Pressure - The most obvious benefit is the consistency in water pressure despite the amount of water being used. A standard pressure system’s well pump can only turn on or off and is unable to recognize the actual demand, thus, a large pressure tank is necessary to store the excess water and dispense it as needed. As the pressure tank’s volume empties, water pressure drops along with it.
The variable speed pump of a constant pressure system adjusts according to the need and doesn’t rely on a large pressure tank to regulate pressure. Thus, more consistent, city-like water pressure is experienced whenever any fixture is turned on.
Less Wear on the Pump - Similar to a car’s engine or a computer’s hard drive, most of the wear doesn’t happen during steady usage but during frequent on-and-off cycles. A well pump’s lifespan is significantly shortened the more it cycles on and off.
Because of the nature of a constant pressure system, a variable speed pump is able to remain on for longer due to its ability to adjust speeds as necessary, avoiding unnecessary on-and-off cycling. Variable speed pumps are known to have longer pump life as compared to standard pressure well pumps.
