Well Pumps and Pressure Tanks

What Are Well Pumps and Pressure Tanks?

Cleanflow stocks a complete range of well pumps, pressure tanks, booster pumps, and well system accessories, everything you need to design, install, or service a well water system. A well pump and pressure tank work together to deliver consistent water pressure: the pump draws water from your well, and the pressure tank stores it under pressure to regulate flow and reduce pump cycling. Booster pumps add pressure for multi-storey buildings, long supply runs, or high-demand applications. Pitless adapters, pressure switches, gauges, and union tank tees complete the system. Use the sizing guide below to match a well pump tank to your well depth and household demand.

Browse in-stock products from Flexcon Well-Rite, Flotec, Franklin Electric, WellMate, Red Lion, and Plumb-Eeze, shipped Canada-wide from our Winnipeg warehouse.

Well Pump

• The well pump is responsible for lifting water from the underground well. It supplies water either directly to the plumbing system or to a pressure tank. Proper sizing based on depth and demand is essential to ensure reliability and efficiency.

Booster Pump

• If the water pressure delivered by the well pump is insufficient, especially in multi-storey buildings, a booster pump is used to increase pressure. It ensures adequate flow across all outlets, particularly on upper floors. A booster pump and pressure tank work best in tandem: the tank prevents constant cycling and premature wear.

Pressure Tank

• A pressure tank (also called a well tank or pump tank) stores water under pressure and reduces the frequency of pump activation. This not only extends the lifespan of both the well and booster pumps but also ensures consistent pressure during peak demand. Accessories like pressure switches, gauges, and pitless adapters support optimal system performance and maintenance.

How to Size a Well Pump and Pressure Tank for Your Property

Sizing a well pump and pressure tank correctly matters more than the brand you choose. An undersized system cycles too often (shortening pump life), and an oversized system wastes money. Four variables determine the right setup:

1. Household Demand (peak GPM)

Count fixtures: each bathroom, kitchen sink, washing machine, and outdoor hose bib draws roughly 2-3 GPM at peak. A 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home typically needs 8-12 GPM at peak demand. Larger properties with multiple bathrooms, irrigation systems, or livestock can need 15-20+ GPM. Match this to the well pump's rated GPM output.

2. Well Depth and Static Water Level

Wells under 25 feet typically use shallow well jet pumps (Flotec FP4105 series, for example). Wells from 25-90 feet often use convertible jet pumps configured for deep-well use. Wells over 90 feet require submersible pumps installed below the water level. Franklin Electric and Flotec submersibles are the dominant options. The well's static water level (depth to the top of the water column) determines submersion requirements.

3. Pressure Tank Capacity (drawdown gallons)

Pressure tank capacity is rated by total volume, but the working capacity, the drawdown, is what matters. A 20-gallon tank typically delivers 5-7 gallons of drawdown between pump cycles. For a 10 GPM pump, you want 1 gallon of drawdown per GPM minimum (so 10+ gallons of drawdown, ~30 gallon tank). The Flexcon Well-Rite WR-60R (20 gal) suits typical 3-bedroom homes; the WR-140R (44 gal) covers larger households or higher-demand systems.

4. Pressure Switch Settings

Most residential systems use a 30/50 PSI switch (pump turns on at 30 PSI, off at 50). Higher-pressure setups (40/60 or 50/70 PSI) suit multi-storey homes or longer plumbing runs. The pressure tank's pre-charge pressure must match the switch's cut-in setting, minus 2 PSI.

Need help sizing for your specific well, household, or system requirements? Contact our team. We'll work through the variables with you and confirm the right pump-tank-switch combination before you order.

Common Well Pump Tank Setups

Most well systems fall into one of four setups. Use them as a starting point before you size the details above.

• Cottages and small homes on a shallow well. A 1/2 HP jet pump with a 20 to 33 gallon tank, or the Flotec FP410515H jet pump and tank system as a single drop-in unit.
• Three-bedroom homes on a deep well. A 3/4 HP or 1 HP Franklin Electric or Flotec submersible with a 33 to 44 gallon Well-Rite tank and a Plumb-Eeze installation kit.
• Farms, acreages and irrigation. A 1 HP or 1.5 HP submersible with larger well pump water storage tanks (62 to 119 gallons) so the pump cycles less under irrigation and livestock demand.
• Low pressure upstairs or at the end of a long run. Keep the existing well pump and add a booster pump and pressure tank: a Flotec FP5712 or FP5722 with an inline Jet-Rite tank.

When a Pressure Tank Needs Replacing

Checking the air pre-charge or draining the tank? The post signs your well pressure tank is bad walks through the steps. If the tank won't hold pre-charge pressure, the bladder or diaphragm has likely failed, and the tank needs replacement. Cleanflow stocks Flexcon Well-Rite, Flotec, Franklin Electric, and WellMate replacement tanks in sizes from 2 to 119 gallons. For waterlogged or chronically-cycling systems, contact our team. We'll diagnose whether you need a new tank, a new pressure switch, or a system rebuild.

Top Well Pump and Pressure Tank Brands at Cleanflow

Cleanflow stocks major well-system brands across in-stock products. Each brand specializes in a different part of the system. Here are the top picks from each:

Flexcon Well-Rite - Canadian Market Leader for Pressure Tanks

Flexcon Industries is the Canadian market leader for residential pressure tanks. Every Well-Rite tank uses its patented CAD-2 controlled-action diaphragm technology and is rated for 125 PSI working pressure with NSF/ANSI 61 and 372 certification.

• Flexcon WR-60R Well-Rite (20 Gallon, 1" NPT) — the standard pick for 3-bedroom homes with 7-10 GPM pumps.
• Flexcon Well-Rite WR-140R (44 Gallon, 1-1/4" NPT) — covers larger households or systems running 10-15 GPM.
• Flexcon Well-Rite WR-360R (119 Gallon, 1-1/4" NPT) — built for farms, acreages, and high-demand commercial systems.

Browse the full Flexcon range at Cleanflow for additional sizes (WR-80R 26 gal, WR-120R 33.4 gal, WR-200R 62 gal, WR-240R 81 gal, WR-260R 85 gal) and the inline Jet-Rite booster series.

Flotec — Pentair-Backed Residential Pump Range

Flotec is one of North America's most widely-stocked residential pump brands, part of the Pentair family of water-management products. Cleanflow stocks Flotec jet pumps, booster pumps, submersible well pumps, and complete pump-and-tank systems.

• Flotec FP410515H 1/2 HP Cast Iron Shallow Well Jet Pump/Tank System — complete drop-in solution for shallow wells under 25 feet, includes pump and tank.
• Flotec FP5712 1/2 HP MultiStage Booster Pump (13 GPM) — boosts low pressure for multi-storey homes and long supply runs.
• Flotec FP5722 3/4 HP Multistage Booster Pump (13 GPM at 150 PSI) — higher-capacity booster for high-demand applications.

Browse the full Flotec range at Cleanflow for the FP5112 portable utility pump, the cast iron shallow well jet pump line, the FP3222, FP3232 and FP3242 submersible well pumps (3/4 to 1.5 HP, 10 GPM), and Flotec accessory parts.

Franklin Electric — The Original Submersible Motor

Franklin Electric invented the modern submersible motor in 1950 and remains the global leader in submersible pump technology. The FS Series is their flagship line of 4-inch stainless steel submersibles with floating stage hydraulics, NSF 61 certified for potable water, and built-in check valves.

• Franklin Electric FS Series 1/2 HP Submersible Well Pump (10 GPM, 230V, 3-wire) for smaller homes and cottages with moderate water needs.
• Franklin Electric FS Series 3/4 HP Submersible Well Pump (10 GPM, 230V) the standard residential choice for 3-bedroom homes on deep wells.
• Franklin Electric FS Series 1.5 HP Submersible Well Pump (10 GPM, 230V) for deep wells, high-demand households, or light agricultural use.

Browse the full Franklin Electric range at Cleanflow for the 1 HP FS Series, control boxes (required for 3-wire pumps), the SubDrive UT3P constant-pressure drive, and the complete range of Franklin submersible accessories.

WellMate — Composite Pressure Tanks That Won't Rust

WellMate composite pressure tanks are the choice when corrosion is a concern. The fiberglass-wrapped, blow-molded construction eliminates the rust failures that affect steel tanks in coastal, agricultural, or aggressive-water environments. Lighter weight also makes them quicker and less costly to install.

• WellMate WM-6 Composite Pressure Tank (19.6 Gallon, 1" NPT, 125 PSI) — entry-size composite tank for smaller residential systems.
• WellMate WM-12 Composite Pressure Tank (40.3 Gallon, 1" NPT, 125 PSI) — mid-size standard for typical 3-bedroom homes.
• WellMate WM-25WB Composite Pressure Tank (86 Gallon, 1-1/4" MNPT, 125 PSI) — large-capacity composite tank for farms and high-demand systems.

Browse the full WellMate range at Cleanflow for the WM-9 (29.5 gal), WM-14WB (47 gal), and additional composite tank sizes — all with NSF/ANSI 372 certification and 5-year limited warranty.

Plumb-Eeze — Installation Kits, Pitless Adapters, and System Accessories

Plumb-Eeze is Cleanflow's most-stocked accessory brand for well systems, covering installation kits, pitless adapters, foot valves, check valves, union tank tees, and cable splice kits. Most products feature 304 stainless steel construction or lead-free brass with NSF/ANSI certifications for potable water systems.

• 304 Stainless Steel Pressure Tank Installation Kit (Lead-Free, 30-50 PSI Switch, 75 PSI Relief Valve, 1" or 1¼" MPT), complete installation kit including union, gauge, and hose bib.
• Stainless Steel Pitless Adapters (NSF/ANSI 371 Certified, up to 6000 lbs Load Capacity) — frost-proof well-casing connection for above- and below-grade transitions.
• 304 Stainless Steel Union Tank Tees (Lead-Free, Replacement for Pre-Charged Pressure Tanks) — corrosion-resistant union tee for tank installations and replacements.

Browse the full Plumb-Eeze range at Cleanflow for foot valves (PVC and stainless), check valves, pressure tank relief valves, sub-well pump heat-shrink cable splice kits, and the lead-free brass installation kit option.

Red Lion — Budget-Friendly Residential Pressure Tanks

Red Lion pressure tanks offer budget-friendly residential options with patented Leak Safe Technology, 20-gauge steel construction, and NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 certification. The Leak Safe polypropylene liner provides clean-water protection and an extended residential warranty.

• Red Lion RL14A Pre-Charged 14-Gallon Pressure Tank (150 PSI, NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 and 372) — compact tank for cottages and one-bathroom homes.

Choosing the Right Brand for Your Well System

Cleanflow stocks five major well-system brands. Each has a strength worth knowing before you buy:

Most well-system installers pair brands rather than building a single-brand system: a Flexcon Well-Rite pressure tank with a Flotec or Franklin Electric pump is the most common North American configuration. Cleanflow's accessory inventory, Plumb-Eeze pitless adapters, pressure switches, foot valves, and union tank tees, is brand-agnostic and works across the major pump-and-tank combinations.

Not sure which brand fits your install? Contact our team with your well depth, household demand, and existing system details, and we'll recommend a configuration that fits your budget and service-life expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions