Washing machine appliance and methods for operating washing machine appliances are provided. A method includes determining a load mass in a basket of the washing machine appliance, and flowing water into a tub until a predetermined tub water indicator level is met, wherein the basket is disposed in the tub. The method further includes estimating a first volume of water in the tub after the predetermined tub water indicator level is met, and determining a load type based on the load mass and the first volume of water. The method further includes flowing water into the tub until a secondary indicator level for the determined load mass is met if the determined load type is a low pressure indicator.