The Pump Don't Work Cuz the Vandals Took the Handles

[Samurai Jane]

Who knows about water well pumps? I'm buying property with a manual well pump and the handle and lever are missing.

Is it necessary to improvise a handle to use just to make sure the well isn't dry and that the pump is otherwise in good working order? I'm guessing that the depth is <75' because there wasn't ever an electric pump used there. Thanks in advance.

[NH Yankee]

If you can find a name on the pump it would be help ful. Google the name and see what comes up.

We just had a hand pump installed in November. Must be plenty of parts available over the net.

Google "monitor"

NH Yankee

[Caplock50]

If all else fails, don't panic. These hand pumps are decidely low tech. If you are the least bit 'mechanically inclined', a handle can be easily fabricated. It is best if you can get something factory made for it though.


Here's a thought...check with the previous owner. They might have removed the handle and has it stored amonst their stuff...and just have forgotten about it.

[DreadPirate]

If you cannt find the handle you can always unscrew the head and drop a weighted rope down to see if and how much water you have. If its 75 feet you might be able to get a 110 volt jet pump and run off of an inverter that you have hooked up to a couple of soler panels. Just make sure that
The inverter is big enough for the startup amps on the pump. Of course you can always just get a new hand pump.

[Samurai Jane]

Thanks, guys. I'm going out there today to check it out. It just needs to work right until we get something more substantial to live in besides a tent.

Edit to add: It could be obsolete. It's a Red Jacket model U-10. So far, I haven't googled up any Red Jacket pumps except electric ones.

[dreadstalker]

You can check ACE for a new hand pump.
75 feet is a little much for a jet pump they are only rated for a 35 foot suction.

[dreadstalker]

dup

[SimonJ]

Odds are the well isnt overly deep. Hand pumps dont raise the water much more then 30' without at least 2 check valves in line.
Did you find a handle yet? Check ebay. You may get lucky.

[DreadPirate]

Somthing just camr to mind. Do a google for a make shift pump using a bike, pully, and some rope. The rope holds onto the water all the way to the top of the well where it is channeled into a bucket.

[momof23goats]

I would think f just the handle is missing, you could use a board, and large screws, and screw it on. an axe handle might even work, pretty good.