Low water pressure is one of the most frustrating problems homeowners with well systems face. Weak showers, slow-filling toilets, and sputtering faucets can make daily tasks difficult. But what's causing your pressure problems?
At Griffen Pump Service, we've diagnosed thousands of low water pressure issues throughout Dutchess County and the Hudson Valley since 1997. Here are the 7 most common causes we encounter—and how to fix them.
Failing Well Pump
The #1 cause of declining water pressure in well systems is a failing pump. As pumps age, they lose their ability to generate sufficient pressure to push water through your plumbing efficiently.
Signs Your Pump Is Causing Low Pressure:
- Pressure gradually declining over months/years
- Pump running more frequently than before
- Unusual noises from pump or pressure tank
- Pump is over 10-15 years old
Solution: A professional pump inspection can determine if repair is possible or if replacement is needed. Modern pumps are more efficient and can actually improve your water pressure beyond what you had originally.
Waterlogged Pressure Tank
Your pressure tank contains an air bladder that compresses when water enters, providing consistent pressure. Over time, this bladder can fail, causing the tank to become "waterlogged"—filled with water instead of air.
Symptoms
- • Pump cycles on/off rapidly
- • Fluctuating water pressure
- • Pressure drops quickly
- • Tank feels heavy (full of water)
Quick Test
Tap the side of your pressure tank with a wrench:
Hollow sound = Good (air-filled)
Dull thud = Bad (waterlogged)
Solution: Pressure tanks typically last 5-15 years. Replacement is straightforward and immediately restores proper pressure. We can also upgrade you to a larger tank for better pressure consistency.
Clogged Water Filters or Sediment Buildup
Water filtration systems and sediment filters are essential for clean water, but they can become clogged over time—especially in Dutchess County where iron and sediment are common in well water.
📍 Local Issue: Hudson Valley wells often have high iron content that causes rapid filter clogging. Brown or reddish-brown staining in toilets/sinks indicates iron problems.
Common filter locations causing pressure loss:
- Whole-house sediment filters: Should be changed every 3-6 months
- Water softener resin bed: Can get clogged with iron bacteria
- Iron filtration systems: Need regular backwashing and maintenance
Solution: Replace filters on schedule and consider adding a pre-filter before expensive filtration equipment. We can set up a maintenance schedule to prevent this problem.
Faulty Pressure Switch Settings
The pressure switch tells your pump when to turn on and off based on water pressure. Standard residential settings are 40 PSI (on) / 60 PSI (off). If these settings are incorrect or the switch is malfunctioning, you'll have low pressure.
Normal vs. Low Pressure Settings:
Solution: A qualified technician can adjust your pressure switch or replace a faulty one. Never attempt this yourself—incorrect settings can damage your pump or tank. For even better pressure, consider upgrading to a constant pressure system.
Hidden Leaks in Your Plumbing System
A leak anywhere in your water system can cause pressure loss. Even small leaks force your pump to work harder and reduce available pressure at fixtures.
Inside Your Home
- • Running toilet
- • Dripping faucets
- • Water heater valve
- • Under-sink leaks
Underground
- • Main line leak
- • Frozen pipe damage
- • Well pipe crack
- • Failed connection
Well Components
- • Well cap seal
- • Pitless adapter
- • Check valve leak
- • Tank connections
💡 Quick Leak Test: Turn off all water in your home. Check your pressure gauge—if it drops over 10-15 minutes, you have a leak somewhere.
Solution: Leak detection and repair. We use professional equipment to locate hidden leaks without tearing up your property unnecessarily.
Low Well Yield or Dropping Water Table
Sometimes the issue isn't your equipment—it's your well itself. Wells can experience reduced yield due to drought conditions, seasonal changes, or declining water tables. This is less common but does occur in the Hudson Valley.
Signs of Low Well Yield:
- Pressure drops after extended water use (long showers, laundry)
- Problems worse during dry summer months
- Air sputtering from faucets
- Well recovers slowly after heavy use
Solutions: Well yield testing can determine your well's capacity. Options include lowering the pump deeper in the well, drilling a deeper well, or installing a storage tank to buffer water supply during peak usage.
Undersized Pump for Your Needs
As families grow and water usage increases, an originally adequate pump may become undersized. Adding bathrooms, irrigation systems, or appliances can exceed your pump's capacity.
Typical Residential Pump Sizing:
Small homes
Most homes
Large homes
Solution: Pump replacement with properly sized equipment. We calculate your home's water demand including fixtures, bathrooms, and outdoor use to recommend the right size.