Low water pressure on Bonaire: how your water pump works and what you can do

Low water pressure usually has a simple cause: a clogged aerator or shower head, a valve that's half closed, a leak or a problem with the water pump. Start by checking whether the pressure is low everywhere or at just one tap. Then you know right away where to look.

I'm Andres, a plumber on Bonaire. Pipework and water pumps are my daily work. In this post you'll read how to find the cause and when to call me.

First: everywhere or at one tap?

• At one tap or shower? Then the problem is almost always in that tap or shower head itself. Often it's dirt in the aerator or shower head.
• In the whole house? Then it's the main valve, a leak, the water pump or the WEB supply.
• Only the hot water? Then the problem is probably at the water heater or the pipe leading to it.

How does a water pump with a pressure tank work?

Many homes on Bonaire have a water pump with a pressure tank. Especially homes with a water storage tank or where the mains pressure isn't enough.

This is how it works: the pump pushes water into the pipes. A pressure switch turns the pump on when the pressure drops and off again when the pressure is high enough. The pressure tank works as a buffer, so the pump doesn't have to start for every sip of water. If one of these parts fails, you notice it in the water pressure.

The 6 most common causes

1. Clogged aerator or shower head

The small screen at the end of the tap (the aerator) and the holes in the shower head get clogged with dirt or sand. Especially after work on the water mains, sand sometimes comes through.

Solution: unscrew the aerator, rinse it clean and screw it back. You can unscrew a shower head and rinse it out. You can do this yourself.

2. Tap or main valve half closed

After a repair or inspection, the main valve or a small valve under the sink sometimes isn't opened all the way.

Solution: check that the main valve and the small valves under sinks and toilets are fully open.

3. A leak

If water is leaking away somewhere, there's less pressure left for your taps. Often you'll also see a higher water bill.

Solution: do the meter test. Here's how: High water bill from WEB? How to find a leak

4. Pressure switch wrong or broken

The pressure switch decides when the pump switches on and off. If it's set too low or worn out, the pump stops too early and the pressure stays low.

Solution: have the pressure switch checked and set properly. Don't touch the switch yourself, because it carries power.

5. Pressure tank no longer working well

Does your pump switch on and off very often, even for a little water? Then the pressure tank probably no longer holds its pre-charge, or the membrane is broken. That wears out the pump fast.

Solution: have the pressure tank's pre-charge checked. A broken pressure tank gets replaced.

6. Worn or dry-run pump

A pump that's old or has run without water no longer reaches the right pressure. A pump runs dry when the water tank is empty or the supply is blocked.

Solution: have the pump checked. Sometimes a part can be replaced, sometimes a new pump is the smarter choice.

Signs your pump needs attention

• The pump keeps switching on and off briefly.
• The pump switches on while nobody is using water. Then water is leaking somewhere.
• The pump is louder than before or gets very hot.
• The pressure fluctuates while you shower.
• Water is leaking at the pump or pressure tank.

What you can do yourself

• Clean aerators and shower heads regularly.
• Keep the area around the pump dry, clean and well ventilated.
• Check that the water tank has enough water, so the pump doesn't run dry.
• Always cut the power to the pump before you go near the connections.
• Protect the pump against power outages. Here's how: Power outage or brownout on Bonaire: how to protect your appliances

What does it cost?

I charge USD 25 per hour, with a minimum of 2 hours. Cleaning an aerator you do yourself. Checking and setting a pump, pressure switch and pressure tank usually fits within the 2 hours. Parts or a new pump are extra. You always hear the cost first.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a water pump? That depends on your house. If you have a water tank, or the mains pressure is too low where you live, a pump with a pressure tank is often needed. I can look at what suits your situation.

Why does my pump switch on at night? When nobody is using water, the pump shouldn't start. If it does, water is leaking somewhere. Think of a running toilet, broken irrigation or an underground leak.

The pressure is low at my place and at the neighbours'. What now? Then it's probably the WEB supply. In that case, contact WEB.

Can you replace a water pump? Yes. I replace pumps, pressure switches and pressure tanks, including the electrical connection.

How long does a pump last? That depends on how often it starts, whether it has run dry and how well it's maintained. A working pressure tank and a pump that doesn't cycle unnecessarily last much longer.

Problems with your water pressure?

Send me a WhatsApp with a photo or video of your pump and pressure tank, where the pressure is low and your neighbourhood. Then I'll quickly see what's needed. I work all over Bonaire.