Hand pump well

looniac · 06-18-2004, 09:48 AM

We've got a hand pump well in front of our cottage that's been broken for quite a few years. I suspect the well hasn't gone dry and I'd like to have it repaired but haven't come across anyone who will service the thing. If anyone has a suggestion I'd appreciate it.
Thanks in advance,
Paul

fatlazyless · 06-18-2004, 10:24 PM

If it's an olde pitcher pump then the firt thing to do is to take a good look at the leather washer and determine if it needs to be replaced. Other than that, just lift the pitcher handle to the up position and prime with a bucket of water until it spills over and then start pumping. A pitcher pump supposedly has more pull than the commonly used centrifical force - impeller style pump powered by a motor.

madrasahs · 06-19-2004, 05:16 AM

I'd be concerned with just how old the well is -- and how deep.

Years ago, we didn't have rules as to how far the well had to be from septic systems (now 75' in my town), and there were a lot fewer septic systems around "back then".

It could be worth having (for plant-watering), or it may not be worth the trouble to restore.

If used infrequently, always leave one extra covered pitcher (anti-mosquito) of water to prime the pump for next time.

Even the olde "bucket-style" leather washers are still available today, though.

06-18-2004, 09:48 AM	#1
looniac Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: melvin village Posts: 34 Thanks: 1 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Hand pump well We've got a hand pump well in front of our cottage that's been broken for quite a few years. I suspect the well hasn't gone dry and I'd like to have it repaired but haven't come across anyone who will service the thing. If anyone has a suggestion I'd appreciate it. Thanks in advance, Paul

06-18-2004, 10:24 PM	#2
fatlazyless Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 8,735 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 300 Thanked 1,005 Times in 733 Posts	olde pitcher pump If it's an olde pitcher pump then the firt thing to do is to take a good look at the leather washer and determine if it needs to be replaced. Other than that, just lift the pitcher handle to the up position and prime with a bucket of water until it spills over and then start pumping. A pitcher pump supposedly has more pull than the commonly used centrifical force - impeller style pump powered by a motor.

06-19-2004, 05:16 AM	#3
madrasahs Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 381 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	I'd be concerned with just how old the well is -- and how deep. Years ago, we didn't have rules as to how far the well had to be from septic systems (now 75' in my town), and there were a lot fewer septic systems around "back then". It could be worth having (for plant-watering), or it may not be worth the trouble to restore. If used infrequently, always leave one extra covered pitcher (anti-mosquito) of water to prime the pump for next time. Even the olde "bucket-style" leather washers are still available today, though.