Why your well pressure drops and what you can do about it

Low water pressure from a well usually comes from one of three places: a clogged intake screen or pipe, a failing pressure tank, or a pump that is losing power. The good news is that most of these are fixable without replacing the whole system. The bad news is that some fixes require a licensed well contractor, and you need to know which category your problem falls into before you start.

Start by checking whether the problem is everywhere in your house or only at certain fixtures. If only your kitchen sink is weak but the shower is strong, you likely have a clogged aerator or a valve issue at that fixture, not a well problem. If pressure is low everywhere, the problem is in the well system itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Low pressure everywhere in the house usually points to a failing pressure tank, a clogged intake screen, or a pump that needs servicing.
  • You can check your pressure tank's air charge yourself with a tire gauge, and recharging it is a straightforward fix if the air valve is accessible.
  • A clogged intake screen or sediment buildup requires a well contractor to pull the pump and clean or replace the screen.
  • If your pump is more than 10 to 15 years old and pressure has been dropping gradually, the pump itself may be wearing out and will need replacement.
  • Pressure switches and check valves can fail and cause pressure loss, but these are usually cheaper to replace than a pump.

Check and recharge your pressure tank

Your pressure tank stores water under air pressure so that your pump does not have to run every time you turn on a tap. Over time, the air charge inside the tank leaks out, and the tank fills with water instead. When this happens, the pump runs constantly and pressure stays low.

Look for a small metal valve on top of or on the side of your pressure tank — it looks like a tire valve. Use a tire pressure gauge to check the air pressure inside. The reading should be about 2 pounds per square inch (psi) lower than your pump's cut-in pressure. If your pump turns on at 30 psi, the tank air charge should be around 28 psi. If the gauge reads zero or very low, the tank has lost its charge.

You can recharge the tank yourself if you have access to an air compressor. Turn off the pump, drain the tank by opening a faucet, and use the compressor to add air through the valve until you reach the correct pressure. Turn the pump back on and check your water pressure at a faucet. If pressure improves noticeably, the tank was your problem. If pressure is still low, move to the next step.

Look for a clogged intake screen or sediment

Your well pump has a screen at the bottom of the intake pipe that filters out sand and sediment. If this screen clogs, water cannot flow freely into the pump, and pressure drops. You may also notice that your water looks cloudy or contains visible particles.

Unfortunately, cleaning or replacing the intake screen requires pulling the pump out of the well, which is a job for a licensed well contractor. They will need to access the well head, disconnect the pump, lower a camera or tools down the well to inspect the screen, and either clean it or replace it if it is damaged. This typically costs between a few hundred and a thousand dollars depending on how deep your well is and how difficult the pump is to remove.

Before calling a contractor, ask your neighbors or check your well records to see how old your well is and whether sediment has been a problem before. Some wells in sandy areas need the screen cleaned every few years. If your well is relatively new and this is the first time you have seen sediment, a single cleaning may solve the problem for years.

Test your pressure switch and check valve

Your pressure switch tells the pump when to turn on and off. If the switch fails, the pump may not run at full power, or it may not run at all. A check valve prevents water from flowing backward out of the tank when the pump shuts off. If the check valve leaks, pressure will drop even when the pump is running.

You can test the pressure switch by listening to the pump. When you turn on a faucet, the pump should start within a few seconds and run until pressure builds back up. If the pump does not start, or if it starts but runs very weakly, the switch may be bad. If the pump runs but pressure still will not build, the check valve may be leaking.

Both of these parts can be replaced by a well contractor or, in some cases, by a plumber who has experience with well systems. A pressure switch replacement usually costs $200 to $400. A check valve replacement is typically $150 to $300. These are much cheaper than a new pump, so if your pump is running but pressure is low, have the contractor test these parts before recommending a pump replacement.

Know when your pump is wearing out

If your pump is 10 to 15 years old and pressure has been dropping slowly over months or years, the pump itself may be losing power. Pump impellers wear down over time, especially if your well has had sediment problems. A worn pump will run but deliver less water at lower pressure.

Ask your contractor to measure the actual flow rate coming out of your pump — this tells you how many gallons per minute it is delivering. Compare this to the pump's original specifications, which should be on a label on the pump or in your well records. If the flow rate has dropped by 20 percent or more, the pump is wearing out and replacement is the best long-term fix.

Pump replacement is the most expensive fix, typically ranging from $1,500 to $3,000 or more depending on the depth of your well and the size of the pump. But a new pump will restore full pressure and usually comes with a warranty. If your pump is old and you have already fixed the pressure tank and ruled out clogs, replacement is often the most reliable solution.

When to call a well contractor

Call a contractor if you have checked the pressure tank and the problem persists, or if you suspect sediment, a failing pump, or a bad switch. A good contractor will test your system systematically — measuring pressure, listening to the pump, checking the switch, and inspecting the tank — before recommending any repairs.

Ask the contractor for a written estimate that lists what they will test and what each test costs. Some contractors charge a flat diagnostic fee; others charge hourly. Know the difference before they arrive. Also ask whether they will pull the pump to inspect the intake screen, or whether they will try other fixes first. Pulling the pump is necessary sometimes, but it is expensive, so make sure it is actually needed.

If the contractor recommends a new pump, ask for the pump's specifications and warranty. A quality submersible pump should last 10 to 15 years. If you are replacing a pump that failed after only 5 or 6 years, ask what went wrong — it may be a sign that your well has a sediment problem that will damage the new pump too.

straightforward fixes you can try first

Before you call anyone, check a few things yourself. Make sure the main water shut-off valve near your pressure tank is fully open — sometimes these get partially closed by accident. Look at the pump's power switch to confirm it is on. Check whether any faucets or outdoor spigots are left open; a slow leak can reduce pressure throughout the house.

If you have a sediment filter on your well system, check whether it needs replacing. A clogged sediment filter will reduce pressure just like a clogged intake screen. If your filter has a pressure gauge on it, a reading above 20 psi usually means the filter is full and needs a new cartridge.

Listen to your pump for a few minutes. A healthy pump makes a steady humming sound when it runs. If the pump is making a grinding noise, squealing, or chattering, something is wrong inside it and you need a contractor. If the pump is not making any sound at all, check that the power is on and that a circuit breaker has not tripped.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can low water pressure damage my well pump?

Not directly, but the cause of low pressure can. If low pressure is caused by a clogged intake screen, sediment is getting into the pump and wearing it down faster. If low pressure is caused by a failing pressure tank, the pump may run constantly trying to build pressure, which wears it out. Fix the underlying problem quickly to protect the pump.

What is normal water pressure from a well?

Most well systems are set to maintain 30 to 50 psi. You should see steady pressure at your faucets — not pressure that drops as you use water, and not pressure that spikes and drops repeatedly. If pressure is consistently below 30 psi, something needs attention. If it is above 60 psi, your pressure tank may be overcharged.

How often should I have my well pump serviced?

Many well contractors recommend a yearly inspection, especially if you have had sediment problems. At minimum, have the system checked if you notice pressure dropping, if water becomes cloudy, or if the pump starts making unusual noises. Regular checks catch small problems before they become expensive repairs.

Is it cheaper to repair or replace a failing well pump?

If the pump is more than 12 years old, replacement is usually the better choice. Repair costs add up quickly, and an old pump will fail again soon. If the pump is newer and the failure is clearly caused by a single part like a switch or check valve, repair makes sense. Ask your contractor for a repair estimate and a replacement estimate so you can compare.

Why does my water pressure drop when I use hot water?

This usually means your water heater is the problem, not your well. Water heaters have their own inlet valve and can develop leaks or blockages. Try turning off the water heater's inlet valve and checking whether pressure improves at cold-water faucets. If it does, the heater needs service. If pressure is still low, the problem is in the well system.