Search guides

Fix a well pump that has low pressure

We'll help you check the pressure tank, pressure switch, and sediment or blockage, then fix or adjust—or tell you when to call a pro.

Troubleshooting · Home plumbing
20–40 min
What you'll need
  • Tire pressure gauge (for tank air check)
  • Air compressor or bicycle pump (to add air to tank)
  • Wrench set
  • Screwdriver (for pressure switch adjustment)
Diagnostic graph validation issues: Terminal node n_sediment must have null branches
Step 1 of 7

Quick triage — pick your path

Get started

Choose the option that matches what you see. You can jump straight to that section.

Show full guide

Steps

Goal: Confirm weak flow, check the pressure tank and switch, then sediment or blockage.

  • Turn on a faucet and listen for the pump. If the pump runs but flow is weak, the problem is pressure or flow.
  • Good: Pump runs but flow is weak. Proceed to Check pressure tank.
  • Bad: Pump does not run—different problem. If only one faucet has low pressure, the problem is at that fixture (aerator, supply line).

Check pressure tank

Goal: Confirm the pressure tank has proper air charge.

  • Shut off power to the pump. Drain the tank. Check air pressure at the Schrader valve. It should be 2 psi below cut-in (e.g. 28 psi for 30 psi cut-in). Add air if low. If water comes out of the valve, the bladder is ruptured—call a pro.
  • Good: Tank holds proper air charge. Proceed to Check pressure switch.
  • Bad: Bladder ruptured—tank must be replaced. Call a pro.

Check pressure switch

Goal: Confirm cut-in and cut-out are set high enough.

  • Check the pressure switch settings. Cut-in and cut-out may be too low (e.g. 20/40). Adjust to 30/50 or per the tank and pump rating. Do not exceed manufacturer limits.
  • Good: Pressure improves with higher settings.
  • Bad: Still low—check for sediment or call a pro.

Check for sediment

Goal: Rule out sediment or blockage.

  • Check the sediment filter if you have one—replace or clean. Check for blockage in pipes or at the tank inlet. A submersible pump with a clogged screen may need a well professional.
  • Good: Flow improves after cleaning.
  • Bad: No blockage found—well or pump issue. Call a pro.

When to get help

Call a well or pump professional if:

  • The well yield is low.
  • The pump is failing (weak even after tank and switch checks).
  • You have adjusted the tank and switch and pressure is still low.
  • You cannot find the cause.

Verification

  • Water flow is strong when the pump runs.
  • The pressure gauge reaches cut-out (often 50–60 psi) when the tank is full.
  • No short cycling or constant running.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Confirm symptom Verify weak flow when the pump is running.
  2. Check pressure tank Check air charge; add air if low; replace tank if bladder ruptured.
  3. Check pressure switch Adjust cut-in and cut-out if set too low.
  4. Check for sediment Clean or replace sediment filter; check for blockage.
  5. Call a pro Low well yield, failing pump, or persistent low pressure—call a well professional.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Pressure gauge readings (at rest and when pump runs)
  • Tank air pressure (psi)
  • Pressure switch cut-in and cut-out settings
  • Whether the problem is system-wide or at one fixture
  • Steps already tried

Is the flow weak when the pump is running?

Turn on a faucet and listen for the pump. Weak flow with the pump running means pressure or flow issue—not a pump that will not start.

Turn on a faucet. Listen for the pump. Good: pump runs but flow is weak—proceed. Bad: pump does not run—different problem (see fix-well-pump-will-not-start). Bad: only one faucet weak—fixture issue, not well system.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Does the pressure gauge show low pressure?

The gauge shows system pressure. Normal cut-out is often 50–60 psi. Low readings mean the system is not building pressure.

Check the pressure gauge. Low (never reaches 50 psi): check tank and switch. Normal (50+ psi): problem may be at fixtures—check aerators, supply lines.

Yes No (gauge OK)

You can change your answer later.

Is the pressure tank air charge correct?

Tank air should be 2 psi below cut-in. Low air causes weak pressure.

Shut off power. Drain the tank. Check air at Schrader valve. Add air to match cut-in minus 2 psi. If water comes out of the valve, bladder ruptured—call a pro. Good: air charge correct. Bad: still low—check switch.

Yes No (bladder bad)

You can change your answer later.

Are the pressure switch settings too low?

Cut-in and cut-out may be set too low. Adjust per manufacturer.

Check cut-in and cut-out settings. If too low (e.g. 20/40), adjust to 30/50 or per tank rating. Good: pressure improves. Bad: still low—check sediment or call a pro.
Question

Are the switch settings correct?

Continue

You can change your answer later.

Is there sediment or blockage?

Sediment can clog pipes, screens, or filters. Clean or replace.

Check sediment filter—replace or clean. Check for blockage in pipes. Good: flow improves. Bad: no blockage found—well or pump issue; call a pro.
Question

Is there sediment or blockage?

Done

Is the problem at one fixture?

If only one faucet has low pressure, the problem is at that fixture.

Clean the aerator. Check the supply line and valve. The well system may be fine.

Done

Call a well professional

Call a well or pump professional if the well yield is low, the pump is failing, you have adjusted the tank and switch and pressure is still low, or you cannot find the cause.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would a well pump have low pressure?
Common causes: low air charge in the pressure tank, pressure switch set too low, sediment or blockage in pipes or screens, or a failing pump or low well yield. Check the tank and switch first.
Can I fix low well pressure myself?
Yes, for tank and switch issues. You can add air to the tank and adjust the pressure switch. Sediment in screens or pipes can sometimes be cleared. Well or pump issues need a professional.
When should I call a pro for low well pressure?
Call a well or pump professional if the well yield is low, the pump is failing, you have adjusted the tank and switch and pressure is still low, or you cannot find the cause. Well work is specialized.

Rate this guide

Was this helpful?

Continue to