Knowing the basics of how a well pressure tank and pump system functions is important when selecting a water treatment system. Using the wrong type of treatment system can adversely affect the water pressure and flow rate inside the home.
For example, if the well uses a pressure tank, install the water treatment system after the pressure tank to avoid damaging the well pump. There are two exceptions, both of which belong before the tank: a centrifugal sand separator, which keeps abrasive sand out of the tank and pump, and chemical injection, where a peroxide or chlorine metering pump injects ahead of the tank so the tank provides contact time.
When you open a faucet in your home or turn on the shower or bath, you expect water to flow at a certain rate and with good water pressure.
Water pressure in your pipes and pressure system causes your water to flow. If your home is on city utilities, your local water company or utility controls water pressure.
If your home is on a well, you need a pump and pressure tank to build that pressure unless you have a storage tank high enough on a hill nearby to get gravity pressure. Some folks will have a cistern water pump system, where the water is stored in an underground concrete or fiberglass tank called a cistern.
The pressure tank in your well system creates water pressure by using compressed air. Because of this pressure, when you open a valve or faucet in your home, the tank pushes water out through the pipes in your home.
When the water in the pressure tank drops below a preset level, a pressure switch turns on the pump. The pump then refills the pressure tank.
A check valve (a one-way valve) keeps the pressure in your pressure tank from flowing back down the well. The combination of the pressure tank, pressure switch, check valve, and pump allows water to flow through your home.
Pressure tanks, which also act as mini storage tanks for your home, are generally set to keep pressure within 20 pounds per square inch (PSI) of your start and stop settings.
For example, many homes on well water have the pressure set to turn on at 40 PSI and off at 60 PSI. If the pressure drops below 40 PSI, the pump turns on and brings the pressure back to 60 PSI before turning off the pump again.
The pressure tank acts as a reservoir and allows water to be drawn from the tank without the pump turning on and off each time the water is turned on.
This protects the pump and extends its life. A pressure tank also reduces instances of “water hammer,” reduces air in the pipes, and controls the pressure in your water system.
Here is more information on typical well pressure tank installation. This describes a submersible well pump, not an above-ground well pump.
Some folks will ask, “Where is the well pump located?” You can find it in various places — pump sheds, underground vaults, or the middle of a field — but it’s usually somewhere a pumping rig can drive in and service it.
A submersible pump or jet pump automatically pumps most well water out of the ground — the submersible pump works underground, while the jet pump sits on top of the ground and draws water up to create water pressure for the home.
Some well water systems store water in a large storage tank before pumping it again to the house. Other well water systems are gravity-fed and use gravity to provide water pressure to the house.
A home water system has two important components besides the well itself – a pump and a pressure tank.
There are many types and sizes of pumps for a home pressurized water system. Some pumps only remove water from a source. Others not only remove the water but also force it through the rest of the water system. Most homes in the U.S. and Canada use submersible pumps. Submersible well pumps have a proven track record for reliability.
Homeowners typically use a shallow well jet pump when the groundwater is no more than about 30 feet deep. Jet pumps use a jet that pumps some water back down the well and allows the pump to draw up water to the surface.
Some pumps are for special jobs such as boosting pressure or supplying a special outlet. Install booster pumps after a storage tank.
Pressure tanks provide storage for your water system. There are three general types of water storage tanks:
Modern water systems most commonly use diaphragm bladder tanks. These tanks have a flexible rubber diaphragm inside that separates the air and water. As the pump pushes water into the tank, it compresses the air and builds up pressure to draw water. The compressed air then pushes the water out of the tank when you turn on a faucet.
Float or water-separating tanks have a float that rises and falls with the water level, separating the air from the water. However, most systems no longer use these tanks since they tend to become waterlogged over time.
Air-to-water galvanized steel tanks were once popular, but bladder tanks have largely replaced them due to their tendency to rust and leak.
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your well system running smoothly and your water safe.
Also, be sure to test your water quality regularly to ensure it’s safe to drink. Local regulations may vary, so check with your state or province for specific maintenance guidelines.
Proper care helps extend the life of your equipment and protects your household’s water supply. When in doubt, consult a professional and prioritize clean, reliable water.
Some well owners like to make arrangements for additional water storage tanks. Generally speaking, the additional storage capacity of one day’s water supply is sufficient.
Additional water storage is useful during power outages and other emergencies. It can also benefit those who live in areas with frequent droughts or have limited access to water resources.
However, it is important to note that having additional storage does not replace the need for a reliable pump and pressure tank system. Treat it as a supplement, not a substitute.
When you install additional storage tanks, seal them properly to prevent contamination and maintain water quality. Regularly clean and disinfect the tanks to prevent bacteria or algae growth.
While adding extra storage can offer convenience and peace of mind, don’t rely on it as your sole source of water. Proper maintenance and care of your pump and pressure tank system should always remain a top priority.
So, consider adding extra storage as a backup plan, but don’t neglect the proper maintenance of your primary well system. With these tips and guidelines, you can ensure a continuous supply of clean and safe water for your household needs.
Contact the well contractor who installed your well. Or find a water well contractor in your area by looking in your local telephone directory.
Many states maintain lists of licensed or registered well drillers.
Contact your local health department to find out where in your state you can locate a list.
Most states also have state water well associations, state well driller associations, or state groundwater associations. To get a list of these associations, you can contact the National Ground Water Association at 800-551-7379 or www.ngwa.org.
A nationwide database with water‑quality data from over 900 federal, state, tribal, and watershed organizations.
🔗 https://www.epa.gov/waterdata/water-quality-data
The primary national hub that integrates water‑quality data from USGS, EPA, and 400+ agencies across the U.S.
🔗 https://www.waterqualitydata.us/
A nationwide monitoring network tracking long‑term trends in streams, rivers, and groundwater quality across the U.S.
🔗 https://www.usgs.gov/mission-areas/water-resources/science/usgs-national-water-quality-network
A submersible pump sits inside the well and pushes water to the surface, while a jet pump sits above ground and uses suction to pull water up. Submersible pumps are more common in deeper wells.
Look for a large, typically blue or gray tank near your water system—it often has a pressure gauge on it. This is your pressure tank, which helps regulate water pressure in your home.
Inconsistent water pressure may be due to issues with the pressure switch, a waterlogged tank, a failing well pump, or a clogged pipe or filter.
Most systems operate between 40 PSI (pump turns on) and 60 PSI (pump turns off), but always check your manufacturer’s recommendations.
It depends on water usage and tank size, but if your pump is cycling on and off frequently (short cycling), it may indicate a problem with your pressure tank or switch.
The check valve prevents water pressure from flowing back down into the well, helping to maintain pressure and reduce strain on the pump.
Inspect for leaks, listen for odd noises, check PSI regularly, and have your system serviced by a professional once a year to extend its life and performance.
Extra tanks aren’t required but can be helpful during power outages or in areas prone to drought. They serve as a backup, not a replacement for your main system.
No, with two exceptions. As a rule, treatment systems are installed after the pressure tank, to avoid damaging the pump or disrupting system pressure. Two items do belong before the tank: a centrifugal sand separator, which keeps abrasive sand out of the tank and pump; and chemical injection, where a peroxide or chlorine metering pump injects ahead of the tank so the pressure tank itself provides contact time.
Start by looking for any records left by the well driller or previous homeowner. These may tell you the well depth, pump size and type, casing diameter, static water level, and approximate well flow rate. You can also check the pressure tank and pressure switch for manufacturer labels and model numbers. Many pressure switches are set for either 30/50 PSI or 40/60 PSI.
If you don’t have records, contact your local health or environmental health department. Many states and counties maintain well construction records or well logs that can help identify the depth and construction of your well. A licensed well contractor can also inspect the pump, pressure tank, pressure switch, and other components and help determine the condition and capacity of your system.
For more information about private wells and their components, see these helpful resources:
Knowing your well’s pump flow rate, pressure settings, and available water supply is especially important when selecting a whole-house water treatment system, since filters and treatment equipment must be properly sized for your well’s actual flow rate.
Last updated July, 2026 by Author
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