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Increase water pressure from a well

Asked Aug 30, 2004, 03:44 PM — 60 Answers
Hello again, this is my third trip here, and both previous sessions were very helpful.

I've just purchased a new house that is supplied by a well. There is a pump at the bottom of the well (I see an electrical wire going toward the well head). The pipe from the well feeds into a pressure tank that has another pump attached to it.

The system works fine, except that the water pressure is too low. Showers are weak, especially on the upper floors. I notice the pressure increases slightly when the pump kicks on.

Is there a way to increase the pressure delivered to the house? Is the pressure delivered while the pump is on the max that this system will deliver? Would a larger tank help?

Thanks.

Glenn

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speedball1's Avatar
speedball1 Posts: 27,655, Reputation: 9541
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#2

Aug 31, 2004, 05:00 AM
Re: Increase water pressure from a well


Good morning, Would you be the same Glen I just helped out with a shower?
First locate the pressure control box. This will be a small 1 1/2" by 2 1/12" gray box the pump wires connect to.
I'm going to assume that you have a "square D pumptrol and that it has a 20 PSI cut in and a 40 PSI cut off setting,. First turnoff the power at the breaker box, then pull the cover off the pressure switch and you will see two spring loaded bolts secured with nylon nuts. One tall, one short. To increase the cut in pressure, turn the nut on the tall bolt down. To increase the cut out pressure,(that's the one that will give you more pressure) turn the nut on the short bolt down. This should give you the additional preesure you desire. Good luck, Tom
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Tony S's Avatar
Tony S Posts: 6, Reputation: 1
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#3

Jul 17, 2005, 09:00 AM
Well water pressure
You were talking about the adjustments in the grey box, do you turn them both down to increase water pressure or just the short one? Also, how many turns do you recommend?
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labman's Avatar
labman Posts: 10,673, Reputation: 3050
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#4

Jul 17, 2005, 09:19 AM
If you look back at Tom's post he mentions both screws. Turning the one will cause the pump to start before the pressure gets as low as it does. Turning the other will make it keep pumping until the pressure is higher. Turn them both up and the pump will still have a reasonable length cycle, but at a pressure that will deliver more water. Try turning them 4-5 turns, and see if that helps. If not, another 4-5 turns. A bigger tank would lengthen the cycle, but still have the same pressure range. You would need to do that if the pump is kicking on every few minutes while drawing water. You would also need to put in a bigger tank if when your are rapidly drawing water, the pressure drops too low.

Rapid cycling can also be caused by a lack of air in the tank. Most tanks now have a bladder in them to retain the air to prevent this. It could still be a problem with an older tank, or one where the bladder is bad.

Does you tank have a galvanized 4 way fitting on it? It could be limed up. Maybe remove the gage and look at it. If it is full of crud, take it clear out and knock all of it out. You may need a lime and rust cleanser.
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Tony S's Avatar
Tony S Posts: 6, Reputation: 1
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#5

Jul 17, 2005, 09:32 AM
Well water pressure
That really did the trick, thank you so much. 1 more question, Will this hurt the pump or bladder tank if it's turned up to much? My pressure gage on the pump is kicking on at 40psi and shutting off at 60 psi.
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speedball1's Avatar
speedball1 Posts: 27,655, Reputation: 9541
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#6

Jul 17, 2005, 09:59 AM


Quote:
Originally Posted by Tony S
That really did the trick, thank you so much. 1 more question, Will this hurt the pump or bladder tank if it's turned up to much? My pressure gage on the pump is reading 70 psi.
Hey Tony,

70 PSI's a tad high but acceptable. 45 to 5o PSI"s about average. Glad we could help. Tom
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Tony S's Avatar
Tony S Posts: 6, Reputation: 1
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#7

Jul 17, 2005, 10:02 AM
Well water pressure
LOL, I changed my post about the time you sent a reply to my other post. The pump kicks on at 40psi and cuts off at 60psi, is that ok? By the way, you guys are great to help all of us out like this, GOD BLESS.
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speedball1's Avatar
speedball1 Posts: 27,655, Reputation: 9541
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#8

Jul 17, 2005, 02:05 PM


Quote:
Originally Posted by Tony S
LOL, I changed my post about the time you sent a reply to my other post. The pump kicks on at 40psi and cuts off at 60psi, is that ok? By the way, you guys are great to help all of us out like this, GOD BLESS.

Hey Tony,

40/60 PSI is well within limits. A side note on your bladder tank. . Your air setting on the tank should be 2 pounds UNDER the cut in point in the pressure control box. If your pressure control has a 40 PSI cut in and 60 PSI cut out the tank pressure should read 38 PSI. This should be done with the pump off and no pressure in the system. In other words shut the pump off and open a faucet to bleed off the pressure before setting the bladder tank pressure. Good luck, Tom
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Tony S's Avatar
Tony S Posts: 6, Reputation: 1
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#9

Jan 16, 2008, 11:25 AM
Not sure what your saying, are you wedging the points open on the check valve switch so it will kick on early?
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supramax's Avatar
supramax Posts: 13, Reputation: 1
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#10

Jan 16, 2008, 11:54 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tony S
Not sure what your saying, are you wedging the points open on the check valve switch so it will kick on early?
Hi Tony,

I'm wedging the little arm on the pressure switch that you have to move to prime the pump.
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