How to Increase Water Pressure in a House with Well?

Post By Admin

May 20, 2025

In Melbourne, many homeowners still rely on well water for their daily needs. It’s reliable, after all. But one common issue they (and you) face is low well water pressure. 

The typical well water pressure is below 40 psi, which often leads to frustratingly weak flow in showers, taps, and hoses. 

As a leak detection service, we’ve seen this issue countless times—and we get it. If you’re tired of the trickle, read on to learn how to increase the water pressure in your home!

Common Causes of Low Water Pressure on Well Systems

You’ve known the problem, but what exactly causes the well water to have such low pressure?

1. Gunked-Up Pipes and Fixtures

Minerals, dirt, and rust don’t just vanish after they flow through your well—they love to settle in your pipes, taps, and showerheads. 

Mineral build-up also affects part of your plumbing—like your water heater. 

If you’re noticing no hot water pressure but cold water is fine, sediment might be clogging your heater’s lines or outlet valve. Give it a few months (or years), and you’ve got a nice crusty layer slowing everything down. If your water starts coming out like a lazy drip, this could be the culprit.

2. A Tired, Worn-Out Well Pump

Your pump is the muscle behind your water pressure. But like anything mechanical, it gets old, tired, and less effective. 

When it’s not pulling its weight, your water pressure takes the hit—usually all over the house.

3. Pressure Tank Playing Up

If the tank’s pressure settings are off or the tank’s waterlogged, it messes with how smoothly water flows into your system. 

Then, what should well water pressure be? You should aim for somewhere between 40 and 60 psi—any lower, and it’s a problem worth fixing.

4. Sneaky Leaks

Leaks don’t always announce themselves with puddles. Sometimes, they quietly drain your water pressure without you even realising it. 

That’s why it’s a smart move to pressure test your plumbing system every now and then—just to see if anything’s slipping through the cracks.

5. Pressure Switch Acting Up

This little switch tells your pump when to start and stop. But if it’s stuck, dirty, or just plain faulty, your system can’t keep up. 

The result? Weak water flow and a whole lot of head-scratching.

6. Air in the Line

If your taps spit instead of pour or make weird gurgling sounds, there’s probably air in water pipes. 

This often happens after maintenance or when there’s a leak in the suction line. Either way, it’s a sign something needs fixing.

How to Increase Well Water Pressure in Your Home

Now we’re talking about the real deal: how to get the normal well pressure? Here what you can try:

1. Adjust the Pressure Switch

The pressure switch tells your pump when to turn on and off. If it’s set too low, your water pressure will always be weak.

Steps:

1. Turn off power to your well pump.
2. Locate the pressure switch near the pressure tank.
3. Use a wrench to turn the nut on the larger spring clockwise (this raises both cut-in and cut-out pressure).
4. Do it slowly, and don’t go above 60 psi to keep your system safe.
5. Turn the power back on and test your water pressure.

2. Install a Constant Pressure System

This one’s a bit of an upgrade—but totally worth it if your pressure keeps bouncing up and down. 

A constant pressure valve keeps the water flow steady, even when demand changes (like when someone flushes while you’re in the shower).

Steps:

1. Call a licensed plumber or well system expert.
2. Ask about adding a constant pressure valve to your current setup.
3. Get it installed near the well pump for best results.

3. Clean Out Clogged Pipes and Fixtures

Mineral build-up can shrink the inside of your pipes and make it feel like water’s crawling out. A quick clean might be all you need.

Steps:

1. Soak shower heads and faucets in vinegar overnight to break down deposits.
2. Use a pipe cleaning tool or get a plumber to flush out your plumbing lines.
3. Replace badly corroded pipes if needed.

4. Install an Elevated Water Storage Tank

When a water tank is placed above the level of your home’s plumbing, gravity does the heavy lifting. 

The height creates natural pressure, so when you open a tap, water flows down with more force.

Steps:

1. Choose a sturdy, elevated spot—like a tower or a hill near your home.
2. Install a properly sized tank (based on your daily water needs).
3. Connect it to your plumbing system with a pressure-safe pipe.
4. Add a float valve to regulate refilling, and a filter to keep debris out.
5. Optional: Combine with a booster pump if you need extra pressure on demand.

5. Upgrade to a Bigger Pressure Tank

Aside from height, size also matters! If your tank’s too small, it can’t keep up with your water use. 

A larger tank helps maintain better pressure, especially during peak times.

Steps:

1. Check the size of your current pressure tank (look for the gallon rating on the label).
2. Talk to a pro about upgrading to a larger model that fits your household’s water usage.
3. Install the new tank and recheck your pressure levels.

6. Call in the Pros

Sometimes, pressure problems aren’t a DIY fix—and that’s okay. A licensed plumber or well specialist can spot issues you might miss and recommend the best solution.

Steps:

1. Look for a local plumber with experience in well systems.
2. Get them to assess your setup and suggest improvements.
3. Make sure they check everything—from the pump to the pipes.

Also Read: Water Pump for House: Functions, Types, and Applications

FAQ about Increasing Water Pressure from Well

How do you check your well tank’s pressure?

Turn off the power to your pump, drain the tank completely, then use a tire pressure gauge on the air valve (usually on top of the tank). 

Make sure to check it when there’s no water inside.

What pressure should your well tank be set at?

Your tank’s pressure should be 2 psi below the cut-in pressure on your pressure switch. So if your switch turns on at 40 psi, set the tank to 38 psi.

How do I change the pressure settings of my well tank?

First, turn off the power. Then adjust the larger nut on the pressure switch (usually located near the tank) clockwise to increase both cut-in and cut-out pressure. 

Don’t go above 60 psi unless your system is built for it.

Should you call a plumber to solve this issue?

If you’re unsure, it’s always smart to call a plumber, especially if you have no luck with DIY. A pro can pinpoint the problem quickly and safely.

Conclusion

Dealing with low well water pressure can be a headache, but with the right fixes, you don’t have to live with weak flow forever. 

Still stuck? Call the friendly experts at Neighbourhood Plumbing—we’ll get your water pressure back where it should be!

About the Author

Ricky Rizz

From unclogging the toughest drains to repairing leaking toilets, Ricky is a seasoned plumber who has brought his craftmanship to homes across Melbourne. He is passionate about sharing plumbing tips just as much as he is about fixing your plumbing issues. So, when your taps or pipes begin leaking, you know who to call.