There are a few misconceptions out there about water wells and their water supplies, and one of these is that it’s impossible to get great water pressure from a water well. This is false for a few reasons, and one of these is the presence of various add-on systems that help regulate pressure — and the most common of these is known as a constant water pressure system.
At Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC, we’re proud to serve as your one-stop resource for all things water wells throughout Utah. From water well drilling and installation through well repairs, rehabilitation and more, we’re here to help with any of your needs. What is a constant water pressure system, and what are some of the key benefits it offers to those who utilize water wells? Here are some basics.
Water Wells and Pressure
It’s true that if you don’t take the proper steps to prevent it, there are some situations where water pressure in a well can drop. For instance, some homes running multiple appliances that use water at the same time can experience a drop in pressure. This is also true if someone takes a shower while someone else is running the dishwasher, etc.
There are two keys to great water pressure in a well, and they are tank size and pump power. A properly sized pressure tank will hold enough water so that the pump doesn’t have to work overtime, and this is key to keeping things running smoothly. Likewise, a pump that’s properly sized for your home’s needs will also help to ensure that water pressure remains consistent — even when multiple appliances are in use at the same time.
However, even with the proper tank and pump in place, there are some other things that can impact water pressure. For instance, if your home is located at a higher elevation than the well, this can lead to lower water pressure. Additionally, if there’s a lot of sediment in the well water, this can also impede water flow and create pressure issues.
In many of these cases, a constant water pressure system can be an enormous benefit. Let’s dig in a little further.
Constant Water Pressure System Basics
As the name suggests, a constant water pressure system refers to a component that helps to regulate water pressure and keep it at a consistent level, regardless of how many appliances are in use or what the static pressure is within the home. The primary area this system impacts is the pump; during normal operations, this pump won’t kick itself on until the pressure in the tank drops low enough to trigger it.
With a constant pressure system, however, the well pump will be able to respond immediately to changes in demand. For instance, if someone takes a shower while the dishwasher is running, the system will automatically adjust to meet the higher water needs and maintain consistent pressure throughout. These systems can be added to new or existing wells, and they’re not terribly expensive — making them a great option for many homeowners.
What are some of the specific ways they may benefit you? Read on.
Meeting High Water Demands
While keeping pressure consistent is another major factor we’ll go over in a moment, many actually choose to install a constant water pressure system primarily because it helps them meet high water demands. If you have a lot of people in your home — or if you frequently entertain guests — this is likely something you can relate to.
When everyone’s home and trying to use water at the same time, it’s not uncommon for pressure to drop. If you have a constant water pressure system in place, however, you won’t have to worry about this happening. These systems are designed to automatically adjust to meet changing water needs, and they can do so quickly and efficiently.
This is a great option for those who frequently entertain guests or who have larger families. Rather than always having to worry about water pressure, you can relax and let the system do its job.
Maintaining Water Pressure
As we touched on briefly, another major benefit of a constant water pressure system is that it helps to ensure consistent water pressure throughout your home — even when multiple appliances are in use at the same time. If you’ve ever taken a shower only to have the water pressure drop suddenly, you know just how frustrating this can be.
Not only does this make your water usage simpler and more comfortable, it also improves the quality of your pipes and appliances. Water that’s allowed to fluctuate in pressure can do serious damage over time, but with a constant pressure system, you won’t have to worry about this happening.
Additionally, if you have an irrigation system for your lawn or garden, having consistent water pressure is critical. These systems need a specific amount of water pressure to function properly, and if it fluctuates, it can cause major issues. A constant water pressure system can help to avoid this.
Lowering Energy Costs
Finally, because a constant water pressure system helps to ensure that water is only being pumped when it’s needed, it can also be a great way to lower your energy costs. If your well pump is only kicking on when necessary, this means it won’t be running as often — and that translates into lower energy bills.
Additionally, if you have an irrigation system, a constant water pressure system can help to ensure that it’s only running when necessary. This, combined with the fact that it helps maintain consistent water pressure, means your system will be much more efficient overall.
For more on why a constant water pressure system might be something you consider for your water well, or to learn about any of our well drilling, rehabilitation or other services, speak to the team at Mike Zimmerman Well Service, LLC today.
