Restoring an Antique Hand Pump Well: A Journey at our Off Grid Property

Restoring an Antique Hand Pump Well: A Journey at our Off Grid Property

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Restoring an Old HAND Operated Well Pump
3. Cleaning and Painting the Pump
4. Rebuilding the Pump Assembly
5. Preparing the Well Pipe
6. Building a Tripod for Well Driving
7. Driving the Well Pipe
8. Testing the Water
9. Conclusion

Article

Restoring an Old Hand Operated Well Pump

Have You ever come across an old, rusty pump and wondered if it could still be put to use? In today’s world of modern technology, it’s easy to overlook the value and durability of older equipment. But believe it or not, these old hand-operated pumps can still be restored and used to draw water from a well.

One such pump that we recently restored is an old WL Davey Pump Corporation hand-operated pitcher pump. We stumbled upon this pump at a flea market in Trufitt, Michigan, for just $20. It may have been old and worn, but we saw the potential in it.

The restoration process started with a thorough cleaning of the pump. The pump was covered in dirt and grime, so we used a wire wheel to remove any loose particles and give it a good scrubbing. While it would have been ideal to sandblast the pump for a complete restoration, we made do with the tools we had.

Next, we focused on replacing the leathers inside the pump. These leathers are the parts that actually make the pump work by creating a seal. We purchased a leather pump replacement kit and changed out the worn leathers with fresh ones. This simple replacement breathed new life into the old pump.

Once the cleaning and leather replacement were complete, it was time to paint the pump. We used a direct-to-metal farm implement paint that provided durability and a nice finish. After applying a fresh coat of paint, the pump looked almost brand new.

With the pump now restored, it was time to prepare for well driving. We needed to clean every piece of well pipe to ensure clean and uncontaminated water. To achieve this, we used a five-foot piece of PEX pipe and a bottle brush. With hot water and a little dish soap, we scrubbed the inside and outside of each pipe to remove any contaminants.

The next step was to build a tripod to drive the well pipe. We selected three straight and sturdy poplar poles to construct the tripod. By binding the top of the poles together with a ratchet strap and attaching a pulley, we created a sturdy and functional tripod. This setup would make the well-driving process easier and more efficient.

Now that everything was prepared, it was time to start driving the well pipe into the ground. We began with the first section of pipe, ensuring all connections were tight to prevent air leaks. Using a homemade well driver and a rope and pulley system, we drove the pipe down into the ground. Surprisingly, the process went smoothly and the ground cooperated.

As we continued driving the well pipe, we reached the water level at 128 inches. With just a little more pipe added, we had a foot and a half of water over the sand point. It was time to attach the pump and test the water.

After priming the pump, the moment of truth arrived as we drew the first bucket of water from the well. To our delight, the water was clear and tasted fresh. There was no Trace of pipe dope or oil, indicating a successful restoration and clean well pipe.

In conclusion, restoring an old hand-operated well pump is not only a practical and frugal choice but also a satisfying endeavor. By taking the time to clean, repair, and paint the pump, you can bring it back to life and use it to pump water from a well. Not only does this save money, but it also allows you to appreciate the durability and craftsmanship of older equipment.

So why not give it a try? Find an old hand-operated well pump and see if you can restore it to its former glory. You might be surprised at the results and the satisfaction it brings.

Pros:

• Restoring an old hand-operated well pump is a cost-effective way to get access to well water.
• The process can be a fulfilling and satisfying project.
• Older equipment is often built better than modern alternatives.
• Restoring and reusing old items is environmentally friendly.

Cons:

• Restoring an old hand-operated well pump requires time and effort.
• Additional tools and materials may be needed for the restoration process.
• It may be challenging to find replacement parts for older pumps.
• Restored pumps may require ongoing maintenance.

Highlights

• Restoring an old hand-operated well pump allows access to clean, well water at an affordable cost.
• The process involves cleaning, repairing, and painting the pump to bring it back to working condition.
• Building a tripod and using a rope and pulley system makes driving the well pipe easier.
• Testing the water ensures its quality and taste before everyday use.

FAQ

Q: Can any hand-operated pump be restored? A: While many hand-operated pumps can be restored, it depends on the condition of the pump and the availability of replacement parts.

Q: How much does it cost to restore an old hand-operated well pump? A: The cost of restoring a pump can vary depending on the pump's condition, the availability of replacement parts, and the tools and materials needed. However, restoring a pump is generally more cost-effective than buying a new one.

Q: How long does it take to restore a hand-operated well pump? A: The restoration process can take several hours or even days, depending on the complexity of the pump and the extent of repairs needed. However, the end result is a fully functional and reliable pump.

Q: Can I use a restored hand-operated well pump as my primary water source? A: Yes, a restored hand-operated well pump can be used as a primary water source. However, it's important to regularly maintain and monitor the pump to ensure its continued functionality.

Q: Are there any other benefits to restoring an old hand-operated well pump? A: Besides providing access to well water, restoring an old pump allows you to appreciate the craftsmanship of older equipment and reduce waste by repurposing items that would otherwise be discarded.