Hand pumps for water well installations come in many different types and sizes. When deciding which pump is best for you, consider how it can fulfill your needs. The size and depth of the well, along with the amount of water required, will matter.

Here are some of the common types of hand pumps available on the market:

• Pitcher Pump: Designed for shallow water well applications below 25 feet, a pitcher pump requires manual, repetitive pumping to lift water from the ground. It is usually made from cast iron and includes an adjustable cap and handle. This type of hand pump is especially useful during power outages when automatic pumps can’t operate.

• Piston Pump: For wells over 25 feet deep, specialists install a more powerful pump that can displace water upward from considerable depths. Piston pumps use a piston sealed within a cylinder and rods that drive down deep into the ground.

• Suction Pump: Suction pumps are used on farms and homesteads. They have a maximum lift-height of up to seven meters. The pump cylinder and valves are above-ground in the pump head. Repeated pumping is required to suck water up the riser main, into the cylinder, and out the spout.

• Lift Pump: Commonly found in developing areas, lift pumps can raise water to a height of up to 60 meters. The pump cylinders are installed below the ground and work by elevating a column of water upward. Lift pumps require minimal effort to operate.  

• Treadle Pump: This type of hand pump works through the contraction and expansion of a diaphragm in a closed system. To draw water upward from the well, a user needs to pedal with their feet or hands. The drawback to treadle pumps is the relatively high price of replacement diaphragms.

If you’re looking for water well pumps, Coolwater Drilling will provide you with high-quality options. Serving clients for over 40 years, these well specialists can handle everything from pump installation and well repair to well maintenance. Call (360) 830-9005 for Bremerton and (360) 426-3545 for their Shelton, WA, location to schedule a free estimate. Visit their website for more information on their services.