Troubleshooting Private Water Well Pressure

Pressure Tank Is Empty

• Most private wells have a small pressure tank that sits alongside the water tank. This tank needs air to provide pressure to pull the water up from the ground. If it doesn't have enough, the well water will be slow to rise to the surface. Check your pressure tank, and if the dial says that it has no pressure, follow the device procedures to recharge the tank. These procedures should be either listed in your manual or on a label on the machine itself.

Mechanical Well Problems

• Wells are in almost constant use, which means that they can break down more frequently. If you notice a sudden drop in pressure accompanied by any loud noises or humming from the water tank, this is an indication that a mechanical problem has occurred. Unless you have experience in fixing well machinery, call in a professional to examine the well and the pump to determine what may be the cause of the problem.

Frozen Pipes

• In the winter if you notice a sudden drop in water pressure, it may be due to ice building up in your pipes, which can unfortunately be very difficult to determine from the exterior of the pipe. Look for areas that have visible frost on the pipes that run in from the well. The problem may also be underground. Turn the cold water on, and let the water run for several hours to melt this ice. Always leave a faucet dripping in cold weather to encourage the flow of water through your pipes.

Water Level Dropping

• Uncommonly, the lack of water pressure from your private well may indicate that the well is beginning to run dry, which is particularly true of shallow wells -- wells that are not at least 1,000 feet under the surface. These wells have a tendency to go dry, particularly in drought years. You will need to call a well expert to examine the well and determine your best options.