Running Irrigation on a Well: Avoiding Pressure Wars at Home

If your sprinklers cause your shower to sputter or lose pressure, your irrigation system might be battling your well for water. Many Texas homeowners use their private wells for both household and yard watering — but if not properly balanced, this can strain the system and wear out your pump. Here’s how to keep your lawn green and your faucets flowing strong without causing a pressure war at home.

Why Irrigation Affects Water Pressure

Your well pump can only supply a certain flow rate at a time. When irrigation starts, it demands a large, steady volume of water — sometimes more than the pump or pressure tank can deliver. As the pump cycles rapidly to keep up, household pressure drops, especially in showers, dishwashers, and washing machines.

How to Balance Irrigation and Household Water Use

1. Stagger Watering Times

Program your irrigation system to run early in the morning or overnight when indoor water use is minimal. This allows the well to recover between cycles and keeps pressure stable throughout the day.

2. Use Pressure Regulators and Zones

Divide your irrigation system into smaller zones and install regulators on each. This keeps flow even across sprinklers and prevents sudden drops when multiple valves open at once.

3. Check Your Pump Capacity

If you’re using more water than your well can deliver, your pump may be undersized. A well inspection can measure flow rate and static level to determine if an upgrade or secondary storage tank is needed.

4. Add a Storage Tank and Booster Pump

A storage tank setup allows your well to fill slowly throughout the day while a booster pump supplies irrigation water on demand. This prevents over-pumping and extends the life of your primary pump.

Common Irrigation-Related Well Problems

• Short cycling: Pump turns on/off too quickly as irrigation valves open and close.
• Low pressure indoors: System draws all available flow, starving fixtures inside.
• Pump overheating: Running continuously without rest shortens pump lifespan.
• Dry well or air in lines: Excessive drawdown can lower the water level below the pump intake.

How to Improve Water Efficiency

• Install smart irrigation controllers that adjust schedules based on weather.
• Check for sprinkler leaks or broken heads that waste water.
• Upgrade to constant pressure systems to maintain even flow for both household and irrigation use.
• Mulch landscaped areas to reduce watering frequency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my well handle both household and irrigation needs?

That depends on your well’s yield and pump capacity. A professional inspection can determine your maximum sustainable flow rate.

What’s the best time of day to run sprinklers?

Early morning (before 8 AM) or late evening after indoor water use is lowest. Avoid mid-day watering when pressure and evaporation are highest.

Do I need a separate irrigation well?

Not usually — but if you have a large property or heavy watering needs, installing a secondary shallow well can reduce strain on your household system.

How can I prevent low shower pressure when sprinklers run?

Use pressure regulators or add a small booster pump to maintain household water flow during irrigation cycles.

Call the Experts

If your sprinklers are draining your pressure tank or causing inconsistent water flow, call (281) 378-7020 or contact 77 Water Well. We can optimize your irrigation setup with flow testing, booster pumps, and constant pressure upgrades to keep every zone performing perfectly.