Can You Add a Hand Pump to an Existing Well? A Step-by-Step Guide

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Adding a hand pump to an existing well is a viable option for accessing water during power outages or for off-grid living. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, including technical specifications and the costs involved.

Determine the Depth and Water Table Level of Your Well

The first step in this process is to determine the depth of your well and the water table level. This information will help you choose the right hand pump for your setup.

To find the well depth, lower a string with a small weight tied to the end until it hits the bottom. Measure the length of the string to get the well depth. To determine the water table level, lower a string with a small piece of wood tied to the end until it floats. Measure the length of the string to get the water table level.

Choose the Right Hand Pump

can you add a hand pump to an existing well a step by step guide

The type of hand pump you’ll need depends on the depth of your well. For wells deeper than 25 feet, you’ll require a deep-well hand pump. The Simple Pump’s deep-well hand pump can reach water from depths of up to 325 feet and is designed to be freeze-proof, allowing year-round use.

Gather the Required Tools and Materials

Before you begin the installation, make sure you have the following tools and materials on hand:

Item Quantity
Hand pump with drop pipe and pump head 1
Screw-type adapter for attaching the drop pipe to the pump 1
Hose clamps 2-4
Hole saw with a 1-1/4″ bit 1
Well cap 1
Wooden pump house or other mounting surface 1

Install the Hand Pump

  1. Use the 1-1/4″ hole saw to bore a circle through the well cap.
  2. Attach the pump to a picnic table or directly onto the well cap itself using hose clamps.
  3. Connect the drop pipe to the pump using the screw-type adapter and hose clamps.
  4. Lower the drop pipe into the well until it reaches the water table.
  5. Attach the pump head to the drop pipe and secure it in place.

Technical Specifications

  • The hand pump and its related components are completely separate from the electric unit, sharing only the same well casing.
  • The water table level determines the type of hand pump required. For shallow water tables, a simple, shallow-drawn hand pump can be used.
  • The drop pipe length depends on the well depth and water table level. For a 100-foot well with a water table at 50 feet, you would need a 50-foot drop pipe.

Costs

The total cost for the hand pump components, including the pump itself, can range from $400 to $500. Additional costs may include tools, materials, and labor, depending on the complexity of the installation.

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