how to install a hand pump alongside an electric well pump???

We have shallow well (21 feet down is the static water level), and the pump and pressure tank are nearly 20 years old. They all seem to be functioning well, but I would love to have a backup way to access my water (1) in case of well pump failure and (2) in case of a power outage. Our last big power outage lasted 3 days, and we managed to have drinking water for all of it due to using rain water to flush the toilets and boiled rain water to wash the dishes, and only using the tap for drinking. But, near the end, the water was flowing a lot more slowly.

Anyway, does anyone have experience with putting a hand pump down a well alongside a normal pump?

More info about our well: The previous owner put the well house OVER the well, which makes it more difficult to try to put piping down the well. Well is 6 inches in diameter, and drilled down to 71.5 feet, with static water level of 21.5 feet. There's no artisan pressure. I'll try to get pictures of the well today after nap.

I really know very little about wells, and really appreciate your help. Thank you!

Here is an article discussing the installation of a hand pump alongside an electric pump (same well casing): https://www.motherearthnews.com/diy/hand-pump-electric-well-zmaz84zloeck

Google different hand pump types and each likely has its own installation instructions, there are lots of youtube videos showing you how to install various pumps as well. I would love to have one but I lease this house and don't want to spend the $.

FYI anyone that depends on well water should know how to make a pvc well water "bucket" in the event of a long term power outage (I mean really long term desperate for water situations since the pump would have to be removed). Basically its a piece of PVC that can fit inside the well casing and it fills from the bottom with a flap. Understanding the concept means you could probably find a way to make one in a serious shtf event even if it meant using the flap from your toilet tank.

Instructions here: https://preparednessadvice.com/well/make-your-own-deep-well-bucket/

I got some pictures, but I don't even know what type of well pump my well has. Does anyone know what to look for to find out?

I've looked at flojac Earthstraws (https://www.flojak.com/earthstraw-code-red-50-foot-pump-system/), but I'm not finding any reviews of the product other than those on their website...

I also read about using a pitcher pump  and PVC pipe and installing it along-side the existing pump in the well (like referenced in Lucrecia's article)....but does that work with all well pumps?

FYI anyone that depends on well water should know how to make a pvc well water "bucket" in the event of a long term power outage (I mean really long term desperate for water situations since the pump would have to be removed). Basically its a piece of PVC that can fit inside the well casing and it fills from the bottom with a flap. Understanding the concept means you could probably find a way to make one in a serious shtf event even if it meant using the flap from your toilet tank.  

I have read about these, and have the directions on how to make them printed up and in my emergency folder (https://permies.com/t/70703/National-Preparedness-Month-prepare). It is a really good bit of information to have ready in case of emergency! I'd like something a bit more accessible and less prone to accidentally contaminating the well, and easier for my kids to potentially use.

Are you thinking about doing this all by yourself?  You better fill up a whole bunch of water containers before starting if that is your plan. LOL. But seriously I wouldn't want to try to tackle a job like that alone, just getting the cap off the casing is probably pretty darn difficult especially for a woman.

Maybe call some local well drilling companies and ask if they install hand pumps, even if you don't want to hire them they can probably give you useful info.

Here is a video showing how to install a "handy pump" next to a regular electric pump. The man says they often have to fabricate a well cap thing to accommodate the hand pump.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsdxmbUOrj8

I have a sand point well but some of the things discussed in This Thread could work for you.  Since my well doesn't have a casing, all the connections and pumping need to happen above ground.  You have the luck to be able to add a second intake line down in your casing if you want (I think).  You could possibly be able to connect to the line after the pump with a second pump but I'm not sure about sucking water through the pump at the bottom of your well.  That's where the experts come in....  

Getting the cap off the well shouldn't be too hard.  In your third to last picture (Side view of well) there are two bolts that hold it on.  There are probably 2-3 more on the other side.  They don't look too rusty (my well had stainless steel bolts which was nice) so give them a turn and see what happens.  Use the correct size wrench or socket so you don't round off the bolts.  The cap doesn't affect the pump and plumbing so you could just pull it off and take a peek inside.

Thank you, Mike! That's good to know that the bolts aren't too hard to get off. Mine looked stainless as well, and since this well has been stored in a house since it was dug (just under 20 years ago), it hopefully won't be too hard to get it off.

I just finally found how to identify what type of pump I have in my well, thanks to Minnisota's Well Owner Handbook. It took me a frustratingly long time to find that result, as multiple search variations of "how to identify my well pump" came up with page after page after page of links to places trying to sell me well pumps. I don't want to buy one, I want to know what mine is, how to maintain it, how it works, and how to add a handpump to it. One wouldn't think this would be hard to find, but google seems to think I want to buy stuff rather than learn stuff. Grrrrr!

This isn't a project I want to blindly jump into. In fact, it's been stewing around in the back of my mind for quite a few years. But, I've done nothing about it because it seemed cost prohibitive and I knew nothing about wells. Then I was reading The Fine Art and Subtle Science of Scrounging and the author mentioned that shallow well pitcher pumps were inexpensive. That made the whole task actually seem do-able. Of course, I don't want to break open my well and destroy things on accident, so I turned to my buddies here one permies to see if anyone had done this and could guide me where to find more information (because all the searched I found were for videos, which I usually can't watch because I'm only on the internet when my kids are sleeping, and I don't want to wake them, or were links to places selling me things.). It was hard to even find REVIEWS on these hand pumps, let alone a site explaining the advantages/disadvantages of the various pumps.

I have a sand point well but some of the things discussed in This Thread could work for you.  Since my well doesn't have a casing, all the connections and pumping need to happen above ground.  You have the luck to be able to add a second intake line down in your casing if you want (I think).  You could possibly be able to connect to the line after the pump with a second pump but I'm not sure about sucking water through the pump at the bottom of your well.  That's where the experts come in....  

I was reading your thread (thank you for it!), and was impressed by the Excelsior E2 pump. I had no idea that I could mannually pump and pressurize my pressure tank. Did you happen to install it? Is it easy and quick to pump?

Are you thinking about doing this all by yourself?  You better fill up a whole bunch of water containers before starting if that is your plan. LOL. But seriously I wouldn't want to try to tackle a job like that alone, just getting the cap off the casing is probably pretty darn difficult especially for a woman.  

There's some really capable women here on permies, and I definitely wouldn't put it past them to do these sorts of tasks. Bethany Dutch is a great example, and her threads (https://permies.com/t/93195/man-jobs-single-woman-homesteader and https://permies.com/t/52046/Women-homesteading) are full of great examples. Personally, I find I appreciate a second, or third pair of eyes on a project, to make sure I'm not messing anything up. Thankfully, I have a father who is very knowledgeable about building and plumbing. But, I don't want to make him do all the research and just stand by feeling useless and ignorant. I want to know and understand my well, and anything we're doing to fix it up. For many, many years I felt that I was unable to fix or build or do things that required strength...because people never let me or said I couldn't. I consider the homestead my "job," as my husband works full time. For a while, he was so disabled that he couldn't walk and sat in a bathtub or on a toilet all day, thanks to Crohn's. And, I've found that I CAN do a lot of things. And the more things I do, the stronger and more skilled I get. It's kind of a snowball effect. I just need to take the time to learn--which is why I'm here on permies! It's a great place to learn!

Speaking of learning, I look forward to finding a chance to watch your video, Thank you for your help!

Nicole Alderman wrote:I was reading your thread (thank you for it!), and was impressed by the Excelsior E2 pump. I had no idea that I could mannually pump and pressurize my pressure tank. Did you happen to install it? Is it easy and quick to pump?

I haven't installed it yet.  It fell a bit down on my priority list due to other projects.  I plan to add a sand point well to my greenhouse which would further reduce its priority.  But if the power was out for a month I'll really kick myself for not doing it...

And I agree, there's no reason that you or anyone else can't figure out a well, plumb a house, fix a car, etc.  I often wonder how I got to the point of being able to build a house.  It just came from finishing a basement, then finishing another basement, then building a cabin, then remodeling a house.  Each one built my skills a bit and I got fully capable.  If you don't get your feet wet you can't swim.  (not sure if that's the whole saying but it is now )

Mike Jay wrote:
And I agree, there's no reason that you or anyone else can't figure out a well, plumb a house, fix a car, etc.  I often wonder how I got to the point of being able to build a house.  It just came from finishing a basement, then finishing another basement, then building a cabin, then remodeling a house.  Each one built my skills a bit and I got fully capable.  If you don't get your feet wet you can't swim.  (not sure if that's the whole saying but it is now )

I didn't mean to start a PC kerfuffle about women's empowerment etc... I live alone and have fixed various things, I changed the alternator in my car (thanks to youtube) a few months back which made me feel very very capable, but I also recognized that the task was pushing the limits of my physical strength. Having said that some things, like starting a project that will cut the water supply off to your home, are not to be taken lightly! Not only does it cut the water supply off but it seems like one of those projects that would get expensive real quick if you had to hire a company to come in and put things back in working order. With the alternator I knew that in a worst case scenario it wouldn't cost me very much to have the car towed to the local garage.

Just sayin' it isn't something I would jump into casually! They often turn into lengthy learning experiences especially if one discovers they don't have the right tools and trips to the store are required. Since the op has someone with knowledge about plumbing AND plenty of tools to help out then it seems very doable, but going through ones little tool box looking for something that "might do the job" is another matter entirely.

We haven't drilled a well on our property we just bought. I would love to have a hand pump also but I don't think that will be possible. From what I have heard the good artesian water is at 800'.

You ask 'how am I going to get 25 feet of tubing into the well house and down to casing'.
Can you have a hole in the shed roof and poke it through that?
Then seal the hole.

Rick, is it practical to capture rainwater at your place?
My signature has a link to discussions about the matter.

Another approach would be to use this special bucket: https://www.lehmans.com/product/lehmans-own-galvanized-well-bucket/
Check out the video there.

We live in now-converted barn (it took us 10 years, mostly by ourselves) and have had a bore-hole drilled and electric pump installed. To cope with occasional power outages or equipment failure I fitted up a hand pump that I had been given. This pump is a modern-ish version of the traditional farmyard type with a side handle. Working the handle up and down lifts the water and we have once had to use it, filling buckets for drinking water. I have found that the first thing to ascertain is how far down the water surface is. This is critical if a hand pump is to be used as most won't raise water more than 7 of 8 meters / yards. The well bucket mentioned in one post will raise water from whatever depth - BUT - it won't fit inside an average borehole with the pipe, and thus the pump, in place.
I have a fairly simple concrete ring construction around the well-head with a heavy duty plastic cap that has the pipe and electricity cable coming through it. I simply drilled another 1" hole through it and dropped 6m of pipe through it which I can then attach the hand pump to. Our static waterlevel is about 4m. I found the hand pump wouldn't lift the water successfully like this so I added a non-return valve to the bottom of the pipe and it now works brilliantly.
I would suggest that you don't need to worry about:
1- getting an additional pipe down the bore-hole - modern alkathene (or whatever) pipe is flexible and simple to connect etc.
2- connecting the hand pump output to your existing plumbing. Having a separate system that can be put into use on the occasional times required is all that's necessary. Clean sterile buckets are all that's required to hold an amount of water.
I bought a second hand Excelsior type pump years ago with this scenario in mind but it was too worn and wouldn't lift water any distance at all. This type of pump, though, has an advantage over the pump I am using in that it has metal valves that don't dry out, unlike the leather plunger in mine! (Soaking it a while gets it going happily enough though.)
It's always great to have a go at these sort of jobs, especially when you succeed. Remember - the definition of an expert is someone who's made more mistakes than anyone else. Good luck, make notes, take pictures.

https://graywolfsurvival.com/2975/make-hand-pump-work/
make a check valve
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=DG6own141z0&feature=emb_logo
build hand pump
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaho7JSVS1I&list=PLbDYIZ0o1HPJScdEdZ-39n6Am4HyJnmve
pvc pump that works to 40' - sand filter and check valve too
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdVw5R4JBfc
the pump piston is always at the bottom immersed in the water, so the 32' suction limit doesn't apply. The outer pipe and the sucker rod inner pipe both get extended to reach into the water. I'm sorry it wasn't clear in the video.

You can see a 4" diameter version of it here:
http://youtu.be/LgR3cE9MRBs

----------------------------------------------------

https://www.drillyourownwell.com/


good one!  things to watch out for
like drillyourown well
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=5&v=1Ue2DkG64r8

not having read all the posts here, ::

a tank with a bottom outlet or a hand pump from above.......
you can build your own tank from various materials..........2x4/6 ,3/4" plywood,  pond liner, plastic sheeting, even chicken wire in a circle,  etc.  some informative videos on you tube.
i have built two 1500g / and a 600g tanks..
cheaper than poly tanks.
store rain water or water from the well for those times.
i have 20,000g storage for my rain collection.......still not enough storage. i watch rainwater flow out overflow on tanks down the hill yearly.
i live in the high desert of new mexico.
peace and goodwill to all.....

william

We have a shallow 18" diameter well and have been using a DIY PVC well bucket every day for 5+ years. I built it from these online plans: http://www.alpharubicon.com/primitive/wellbucketspitfire.htm

The check valve does not seal perfectly tight, but well enough to get the water into nearby 5 gallon buckets. We don't have "plumbing" other than a 12v pump for our shower, so all our water (30 liters/day) is carried by bucket to our sauna and yurt.

First post after lurking for a few months.  

what about a 12v well pump?  I have no experience with them, but am curious to know if anyone has one installed one running off of their solar system.  
Thanks

For an alternative, consider a Brumby pump.   It can run on a solar panel and small air compressor.
Has been used for remote watering and in third world countries.
Non-electric, no moving parts, and easy to install.
https://www.brumbypumps.com/

This is probably showing my extreme ignorance about pump and hoses, but what would happen if I got a food grade hose and put it down the well and connected the other end to a pump like this:



Would that even connect to a hose? I found a lot of hand pumps designed for oil that looked like they'd connect to a hose, like this:



But, most of those were made with cast aluminum and were not made for pumping water. But man, those pumps look affordable compared to the $400+ for most manual well pumps!

I have a Simmons pitcher pump, I lose power for more than 7 days every few year.  My well is 225 feet deep, static water level is about 18 feet, my house is downhill from the wellhead, I estimate the pipe from the well is about 10 feet below the well head.  I disconnected my pressure tank one day, connected a pex line to the bottom of my pitcher pump and I am able to draw water through the existing submersible pump.   It's my long term grid down plan.  

Chris Kelsey, that sounds like a good plan. We are looking to do something similar... could you please expand on it? Did you bypass the pressure tank through the side or the bottom? Thank you!

Im doing something similar this week. Any advice would be appreciated.

Explain your proposal please.

Just put a backflow preventer right before the well with a valve at the well pump, then a Tee with a valve. When you want to hand pump shut off the well pump valve, open the hand pump valve, prime said hand pump and pump away.