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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Choosing the Right Brand for Your Well System
Cleanflow stocks five major well-system brands. Each has a strength worth knowing before you buy:
| Brand |
Strength |
| Flexcon Well-Rite |
Canadian market leader for pressure tanks; CAD-2 diaphragm technology since the late 1980s |
| Flotec (Pentair) |
Most widely-stocked retail pump brand in North America; complete jet/booster/submersible range |
| Franklin Electric |
Invented the modern submersible motor in 1950; global leader in submersible technology |
| WellMate |
Composite (fiberglass-wrapped) pressure tanks — corrosion-immune, lighter weight |
| Red Lion |
Patented Leak Safe Technology; budget-friendly with a strong residential warranty |
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
How long do well pumps and pressure tanks typically last?
Well pumps and pressure tanks typically last 10–25 years, depending on maintenance, usage, and water quality.
Should I use a jet pump or a submersible pump for my well?
Use a shallow well jet pump when the water level is within 25 feet of the pump, and a convertible deep-well jet pump to 90 feet. Beyond that, a 4-inch submersible pump installed below the water line is the only option that delivers full flow and pressure.
What is the difference between a bladder tank and a diaphragm tank for a well?
Both keep water and air separated inside the tank. A diaphragm tank, like the Flexcon Well-Rite, has a membrane fixed to the tank wall. A bladder tank holds the water in a replaceable bag. Sizing, pre-charge and installation are the same for a well pump tank system; choose by capacity and material.
Can I buy a well pump and pressure tank combo?
Yes. The Flotec FP410515H ships as a shallow well jet pump and pre-charged tank in one package. For a deep well, pair a Franklin Electric or Flotec submersible with a Well-Rite tank and a Plumb-Eeze installation kit. All three ship together from Cleanflow.
How do I know my well pressure tank is bad?
Short cycling (the pump starting every few seconds), water spitting from the air valve, or a tank that will not hold its pre-charge all point to a failed bladder or diaphragm. The post signs your well pressure tank is bad covers the checks; a failed tank is replaced, not repaired.
What size pressure tank do I need for my well system?
As a general rule, choose 1 gallon of drawdown capacity per GPM of pump output. Most 10 GPM residential pumps pair well with a 30-44 gallon tank. Drawdown is typically 25-30% of total tank volume, so a 20-gallon tank delivers about 5-7 gallons of working capacity. For specific recommendations, contact our team with your pump GPM and household demand.
What's the difference between Flexcon, Flotec, and Franklin Electric pumps and tanks?
Flexcon Well-Rite is the Canadian market leader for pressure tanks. Flotec (a Pentair brand) covers residential jet, booster, and submersible pumps. Franklin Electric invented the modern submersible motor in 1950 and is the standard for deep-well applications over 90 feet.
Can I install a well pump and pressure tank myself, or do I need a licensed professional?
Pressure tank replacement is generally DIY-feasible on an existing system. Well pump replacement is more complex: submersible pump replacement typically requires a licensed well contractor with pulling equipment, since the existing pump must be lifted from 100+ feet of well casing. Send us a photo of your setup if you're unsure. We'll tell you honestly whether the job is DIY-feasible.
Do I need a booster pump and a pressure tank?
Yes, when the well pump delivers enough flow but pressure drops upstairs or at the end of a long run. The booster pump raises the pressure and the tank stores it, so the pump is not starting on every tap. A Flotec FP5712 or FP5722 with an inline Jet-Rite tank is the usual pairing.
