30/50 or 40/60 PSI: What Pressure to Set Your System To
By: Chris Worst
Determining Optimal System Pressure
If you have a private well water system, your pressure switch is an integral component. The well pump pressure switch tells the pump that delivers water to your home when to turn on and off. When the pressure in the system drops to a preset low setting the pump will turn on (commonly known as the cut-on pressure). When the pressure in the system rises to the preset high setting the pump will turn off (commonly known as the cut-off pressure). For example, at 40/60 the pump will turn on when system pressure reaches 40 psi (pounds per square inch) and turn off when system pressure reaches 60 psi.
The common settings are either 30/50 or 40/60. If you are a homeowner, whether you have your pressure switch set at 30/50 or 40/60 is a matter of personal preference. You will need to take into consideration whether you are satisfied with amount of water pressure in the different areas of your home. Click here to see our YouTube Video: How to Adjust a Pressure Switch.
For a single level home or a two-story home without water fixtures on the 2nd floor a 30/50 PSI setting may be sufficient. For two or more levels with water fixtures on more than one level you may want to use 40/60 PSI setting. It's easier for a pump to supply the lower pressures and it's less strain on old plumbing.
Shop Pressure Switches by Setting
Ready to replace or upgrade your pressure switch? We carry the most trusted brands for both common pressure settings:
- Square D 30/50 PSI Pressure Switch (Preset) — reliable preset switch for single-story homes and standard systems
- Square D 30/50 PSI with Low Pressure Cut-Off — adds pump protection against dry-run conditions
- Square D 40/60 PSI Pressure Switch (Preset) — ideal for two-story homes or higher-demand systems
- Square D G2+ 40/60 PSI Pressure Switch — upgraded model with enhanced durability
→ Shop our full Pressure Switches collection
It is also important to note that if you change the settings on your well pump switch you also need to adjust your pressure tank. Click here to see our YouTube Video: How to Check and Adjust Pressure Tanks.
Don't Forget Your Pressure Tank
Your pressure switch and pressure tank work together as a system. If you're adjusting your PSI settings, make sure your tank's pre-charge air pressure is set correctly too — typically 2 PSI below your cut-on pressure. We carry complete tank tee assemblies to make installation straightforward:
- Pressure Tank Tee Assembly | Well Tank Tee — everything you need for a clean, code-compliant installation
- RCW No Lead Stainless Steel Pressure Tank Tee Assembly — for potable water systems requiring no-lead compliance
📖 Related reading: How to Check and Adjust Your Pressure Tank — step-by-step guide to setting your tank's air charge correctly after changing your pressure switch settings.
Not Sure What's Right for Your System?
Every well system is different. If you're unsure which pressure setting is best for your home, or if you're experiencing low pressure, short cycling, or other issues, our team of industry experts is here to help.
You can also live chat with us at rcworst.com, call 855.329.4519, or email Customer.Service@RCWorst.com.
LINKS
Well-X-Trol Water System Tank Brochure
Well-X-Trol Water System Homeowners Brochure
Well-X-Trol Water System Installation and Operating Instructions
