{"id":2299,"date":"2014-04-23T10:46:58","date_gmt":"2014-04-23T17:46:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/support.cleanwaterstore.com\/blog\/?p=2299"},"modified":"2026-07-23T13:31:31","modified_gmt":"2026-07-23T20:31:31","slug":"determining-your-well-water-flow-rate-on-systems-with-pressure-tanks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cleanwaterstore.com\/blog\/determining-your-well-water-flow-rate-on-systems-with-pressure-tanks\/","title":{"rendered":"Determining Your Well Water Flow Rate On Systems With Pressure Tanks"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Close-up<\/h1>\n

Flow rate is tested when a well is initially drilled and can be tested again to determine if there are problems with the well. Accurate calculations are crucial for determining water flow rates, which can help in diagnosing issues and optimizing system performance. It can also be important to determine your flow rate if you are looking to install new pumps or filters on your well water system.<\/p>\n

Using a proper filter is essential for maintaining optimal flow rates and removing contaminants such as lead and chlorine from your water supply.<\/p>\n

If you have a standard well with a pressure tank and pressure switch, you can use the steps below to determine your well\u2019s flow rate in gallons per minute. This type of system turns on the well pump at one pressure and off at a higher pressure, usually about a 20-PSI difference. Specific equations can be used to calculate flow rates accurately.<\/p>\n

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\"Diagram<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

If you have a variable speed pump or a \u2018constant pressure\u2019 type pump that keeps the pressure in the house the same all the time, then this type of method won\u2019t work. For a constant-pressure type system, consult your well contractor or send us the specifications on your system, and we can help you find out what it might be.<\/p>\n

\"Illustrated<\/a><\/div>\n

Calculate Your Well Flow Rate<\/h2>\n

Testing your well\u2019s flow rate is quick and easy\u2014and all you need is a 1- or 5-gallon bucket and a watch or timer. Just follow these simple steps:<\/p>\n

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  1. Open a faucet or hose bib until your well pump kicks on.<\/li>\n
  2. Close the faucet and let the pump fill the pressure tank until it turns off.<\/li>\n
  3. Once the pump is off, open the faucet again and collect water in your bucket, measuring how many gallons come out until the pump turns on again.<\/li>\n
  4. As soon as the pump turns on, close the faucet and start timing\u2014measure how many seconds it takes for the pump to turn off again.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    To calculate your well flow rate:<\/h3>\n