well pump

[swampfox]

hey yall im looking to build a manual well pump that will pump water out of a 48ft well. im looking for a cheep but not too cheep system to use. any suggestions would be helpful.

FOX

[JohnyMac]

Are you looking for a pitcher or a 12 volt or a combo electric/manual pump? 

[thatGuy]

If you've got an existing well and would like to add a manual pump you should check out EMAS they've got a great how to for a ridiculously simple hand pump.

I know I keep harping on about them but for the cost you could easily afford to make a dozen to hand out to friends, family and neighbors and that is a good thing.

[Well-Prepared Witch]

Mr. WPW did some research for us on this subject last year.  I asked him to write up what we did so I could post it here:

What we got:  http://flojak.com/
It is not a permanent solution but should provide a few years of service.  It requires hand pumping and will work up to 120 feet down.
The only thing not in the kit was PVC glue (cheap and available at hardware stores).

If you are traveling or don't want to spend $500+  a bailer bucket will work. you can make them for about $20-50 and store them in a car trunk or garage - you can find them on ebay even. 

How to Make a Bailer Bucket

A few plumbing parts and 100 feet of rope and you are in business.  You can use them on any standard well head - even if the pump is still in the well.  It doesn't get much water per pull, but for a family of 5 you can have 10 gallons of water in an hour or less. One nice thing about a bailer bucket is that it will work in a pinch at a gas station that has no power (don't use it for drinking water ever again after using for gas).

In a real jam?  550 cord and a weighted towel or t-shirt.  Lower until it is soaked.  Pull it back up and wring it out. Repeat as needed.