Hand Pump Well , off-grid, self-reliant water, everything you need to know 

For years my old farm house no one lived in it but I went out there lots time in summer. Every year I would pay a plumber $60.00 year just to drain my pipes so would not freeze. Finally honest plumber came out and showed me cut water off going to house then open all faucets flush toilet and they would not freeze. I was so thankful to him.

I’ve been building a small homestead for a couple of years now. This is the most thorough, accurate, clear cut, informed, humble, and easy to understand tutorial I’ve ever watched. Not only well driving, but on any construction project. And I’ve watched hundreds of videos. I’m also in medical school. For the love of God, could you please come in and teach a couple lectures on cardiac surgery?

Best technology video ever . . . . no serious . . . engineers and tech people love to know how things work. I was held fascinated by the engineering and design tech of old school water wells.

I honestly feel like l just attended an advanced college level class in well digging and maintenance. You sir are a natural born teacher! Thank you.

You can buy a pipe driver. Look for the very heavy steel tee post driver. Don’t bother with the light weight ones. Mine is about 30 pounds but is longer than what you are using. At 14 feet I hit blue clay and it was pretty tough going until I broke through that at 20 feet. After that it was fairly easy. Took most of one day but I’m no spring chicken at nearly 70. Good video.

I'm a introvert also homesteading in NC , it was nice to meet you through this video.

You guys have no idea how much y’all have changed our lives. Through your super instructional videos, we’ve gained the confidence to start doing things on our own and have since built two rooms, saved tons of money and are getting ready to implement a hand pump and who knows what else. I just want to say thank you so much to you and Brooke for your time.

So thankful for this. My wife and I are moving to our property this coming Tuesday. We have no water, no electricity. Thank you for making this. I am installing next week. I'll let ya know how it goes. 💪🙏

Just came across this video. Excellent advice throughout. A couple thoughts from this retiree's former experience: 1. First and foremost, the presentation on maximum water depth is spot on. If the water table is below 25 feet from the ground surface, suction lift hand pumps are not practical. 2. Make sure you are in an area where the water table is in unconsolidated sediments, sands and such. No bedrock. Some areas with sand also can contain some rocks, you may have to move the well location a few times. 3. Ask around to see if the shallow groundwater is readily drinkable without treatment. In some areas, the shallow groundwater can have high solids content, odor, bad taste, you name it. Most areas will have good water. But no guarantees either way, it's worth checking beforehand. 4. Well point drive/slide hammers are available commercially. I've used them in groundwater work. Search "piezometer point slide hammer" or "well point drive hammer" and you can find them. If you buy a groundwater industry product, be prepared for some sticker shock, as they'll likely be a few hundred dollars. As an alternative, look into fence post and T-post drivers from vendors such as Tractor Supply. IMPORTANT - whatever you buy, make sure the working diameter of the hammer fits with the well pipe diameter you're using. I don't know enough to specify a specific hammer for a specific well pipe, sorry. Maybe other viewers can? I always used matched slide hammer/piping/well points from groundwater supply vendors in my work, but again but this would be an expensive route to take and there are alternative products. 5. Hopefully you'll never have to remove the well. Great points were discussed in this video regarding the evils of soil pressure and friction associated with the couplings and the well point. It will likely not be easy but more often than not it can be done. The tripod suggestion is on target, a rigged winch/come-along can work. For safety's sake - watch those cables and stay clear, there will be a lot of tension. If you are fortunate and end up with a working slide hammer, you can also add a length of well pipe extension above ground, slip the hammer over it, add the threaded drive cap, and pound upwards instead of downward as when you installed the well. Again, all hammer/pipe/cap diameters must work with each other. But at this point you'll know if this will work if you successfully used this method to install the well. 6. If you're in an area with nearby industry, gas stations, feedlots, etc. make your first call to the local or state environmental protection office. They will have information as to whether there are any known sources of groundwater contamination in your area. Don't put your well anywhere near your septic system's leach field! Regarding the first three items - initial information sources can include the usual suspects (family, friends and neighbors). Local feed stores, hardware stores that sell the points might work. County agricultural extension offices, local county or state environment protection offices may work, also the State Geologist's office. Local engineering or environmental consulting firms are a possibility. Be patient if contacting these offices, as finding that right person may take some doing. Some scientists and engineers love helping the public when a non-routine question such as this comes up, others not so much! Be careful with providing TMI as the subject of permitting may come up with certain regulatory offices. If you don't wish to contact the government offices because of privacy concerns, you could instead do a computer search on ground water quality in ___ County ___ State. Similar search for groundwater depth. Naming convention as to whether to use "groundwater" or "ground water," one or two words? Use both alternatives in your searching. Apologies for rambling, hope this helps. Good luck!

Nice job, on your tutorial. I have a couple of points, however. 1.) If you use Teflon tape, and pipe dope on top, you will have a great seal, and IF you have to take it apart, for some reason(You probably will, your first time.), then the tape will minimize the mess. Also, I have been around pipe dope and Teflon tape for more than 30 years, and I have seen them BOTH leak, but I have NEVER seen the combination of the two leak. On another note, I prefer the grey pipe dope. It is less apt to cracking with age. 2.) There is such a thing, called a "Fence Post Hammer", that will work for your "well hammer". Good job.

I just re-watched this video Dave. Your attention to detail and tips to do it right the first time are invaluable man. Good stuff!

Hi Mate, thank you so much. Finally someone who knows what he is talking about and also takes his time to really explain every detail. Much appreciated

I’m getting ready to do a hand pump well and am so grateful that God led me to your video. Thank you for such complete, clear and concise info on parts needed and each step in the process. You are a Godsend.

As always, you make me feel like I could actually do this. Thank you

Man I’m so glad I found your channel, and this video. We’ve been talking about doing a hand pump well for years, but never really knew how to get started. We have an old pump house that has a hand pump from the early 1900s, and I’ve always wanted to try to restore it but again… never really knew how. Now I do. Keep making great content man, this is probably some of the best videos on RU-vid. Glad there are guys like you out there, doing this kind of stuff and then teaching the rest of us how we can too.

You, sir, are thorough, clear, and well organized. You are an exceptional teacher. Thank you!

Sycamore trees.... are a sign of water.... your video was the best advice! Thanks!

This was excellent! And I like the way you were not goofy, silly, or trying to act like a comedian and telling stupid jokes or acting like a fool, which unfortunately far too many RU-vidrs engage in. And another huge thumbs up for not playing background music to further annoy your viewers. And you got right into the content without telling us your life story first. First class presentation.

Wow…the BEST BY FAR explanation on how to build an off grid water supply!

That is exactly the info I needed to know in order to replace the leathers and make an old handpump workable again. Thank you!

Did this 30 years ago on my farm in Indiana. This covered everything very well. This is by far the best explanation / tutorial I have ever seen. Great job!!!

A very good instruction on well points. 50+ years ago my father and I installed several of them(from Sears). My father made an adapter for his jack hammer to drive the point and pipe. I stood in the bucket of the loader, with the jackhammer to drive the point down. Dad lowered the bucket as the pipe went into the ground. It worked well. This was before OSHA. Good Luck, Rick

Thank you for this Simply straight forward, potentially life saving info without being hidden behind a paywall I, and I'm sure everyone here who doesn't work for a commercial unit, appreciates your service.

I grew up with these type of pumps and you just gave the best explanation of the complete operation of how these pumps work . I like the closing valve .

This video is the most comprehensive explanation of a point well installation I have ever seen. Answered all my questions and more. Excellent job. Keep making your videos. You are a natural teacher. Thank you!

I drank some old well pump water on a old farm once was the coldest water I ever had.

Very good and knowledgeable information. Clear, simple, concise, accurate. And you don’t go where you aren’t informed. Well done.

Still watching this even after two years. Thank you so much for posting this.

Bought a 100 yr old colonial house and found a old well. Went to the archives for the county and found out it was the first hand dug well in the area which would make sense since it is just outside the old carriage house. Your video is very helpful with the pump itself. Thank you

Top-notch editing! All knowledge, No BS. Well done.

I helped my dad dig 5 shallow wells in the 60s and 70s. They still work!

This is the benchmark of any how to videos. Amazing job and thank you

Drove about 3 of these when I lived in Michigan! The guy who recommended not adding pipe dope to the first few threads!? He’s right! This is a damn good video!

Great job explaining this procedure. The ball valve enhancement was a great suggestion.

I just came upon your video and I learned everything to be comfortable to set up a well pump.

Know zero about wells and pumps but must say, you explained everything so well that I can do this! GREAT JOB Sir....

Yes, .. I agree with the fella that said that THIS is THEEEE BEST video on well water / ground water extraction ever that I have seen on RU-vid

Well, I clicked on this just because I find the subject interesting. Currently, I have a motorized pump setup from a previous owner that seems to be either dried up or the screen down there is clogged. I ttried to pull the pipe using a come a long and rail road ties for an A frame but it didn’t budge. Only the come a longe handle bent so I left it. I’d like to get it going again so now I have the incentive to pick a new spot now that I’m here with great info on the subject. I’m going to install a well after the current freeze simply because everything covered here is so true, easy to follow and understand. For anyone reading, please know this information can’t be found in a simple search and can be applied to many aspects. Please also know, the wealth of information here is worth saving. So save the video, write it down, record it, do whatever you can do to keep it so you can refer to it. Thank you so much for posting. May God Bless.

Your videos are so well done and informative. Thanks much for the extensive work you put into making them.

Thank you for producing this video! This is one of the best videos I’ve ever seen on youtube!!! You were informative, direct, to the point, explained everything really “well” and made it easy to understand for someone like me who is not very mechanical. I wish more content producers were able and willing to make videos like you!

The old one was made in Rockford,IL. I was born and raised there and I never knew that we manufactured hand pumps back in the day. That's super cool!

Thank you for the additional info on this topic, you've answered a LOT of my questions. And thank you for the "first two threads" rule on applying pipe dope; sounds like good advice.

Your video was a God sent. We have the the remains of 2 wells. One right inside the garage and 1 outside. We can hear the water in the one inside the garage. We just didnt know how to bring the water up. I believe your video may have solved our problem. Got to give it a try. THANKS

Of all the tutorials I have EVER seen, this guy is the best instructor I've watched! Man, you should do instructional videos every day!! You are great at what you do. Thank you!

The detail was excellent and all of the nuggets of "good to know" info from experience will save me the experience of finding out for myself. Thanks!

We're digging out an old well and I think we're going to use this exact setup. I'm glad you mentioned the smooth bore being perhaps the biggest difference between American made and those overseas. The ball valve is genius and so is washing out the pipes before putting them in the ground.

This is one of the best RU-vid tutorials I have ever watched.

Thank you both for all your lessons, I really enjoyed them and learned a lot!❤️

I've got to do this in a well inside my 113 year old home. I've watched and subscribed before, and I was damn happy to see a DIY video from you on this topic. You're awesome Whipps!

Thank you! very, very, detailed, I usually have to watch 10 to 15 videos to get all info, but you answered all. God bless!

That’s the best example of a well done job and honest explanation. Thank you.

Excellent video..I sent it to my son's to learn about installing this pump. The video explained everything in such detail, I am truly impressed. Thank you.

Thanks Dave. I'm thinking of giving it a go at our northern Wisconsin off grid shack. Thank you so much for your advice!! Take care!!

We definitely need to get this for our homestead. Every winter we always have major issues with our water in our barn. Thanks!

Excellent. You are well organized in thought. Presentation very clear. Your explanations easily understood. Finally I appreciate how thorough you are.

First vid on this topic that actually tells you what exactly to get. Thanks

I watched the episode of The Last Alaskans where Tyler Selden and his brother put one in his cabin so he and Ashely didn't have to haul water anymore. Pretty cool thing to do. Very informative video Dave.

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! U HAVE NO IDEA HOW MANY QUESTIONS U HAVE ANSWERED!!! I AM VERY LUCKY I FOUND THIS CHANNEL!!!

Dave, you do a wonderful job, you and Brooke both do great videos. Keep up the great work.

i watched you all install this set up and have been waiting for some follow up like this to explain the nitty gritty, so thanks for the pertinent info. i appreciate that.

I love these videos. They make me smile as I live in AZ and water is 1000+ feet down. I remember the days when I was in NY when the water was at the surface.

Thank you! Amazingly clear, concise and straight to the point! Very easy to understand. You should teach ppl how to make DIY tutorials!!!

this is probably the best video on hand pump well that i have ever seen. thank you. new subscriber here! :)

Excellent Dave!! Thank you!! My husband watched with me.. I keep asking for this to be installed on our property.. Maybe it will happen now! Thank you!

Hey Hollywood...that is one of the best hand pump well vids to date. Thanks so much. With Bi den, I mean, rolling blackouts...this is a great idea.

Thanks for such a thorough treatment of the hand pump. I found an antique Davey pump several years ago, now I know that it was missing the weighted check valve. Lehman’s has a great selection of well points, pumps and leather kits including the flapper weight.

By far one of the best instructional videos I have watched. Well done!

Hello there, through all the thousands of the messages i want to thank you for the easy information and for the video to make viewers like me to understand how to make a well around the house. One of the best tutorial i got. May God bless you and the family

Your content is wonderfully complete and informative, great productions Dave!

That was an excellent description of how to drive a well. I use to help my father drive wells in the 50’s in Arkansas. He did it the same way. He made his own driver. He took a 40” piece of 6” pipe with a driving cap and then poured about 75 lbs. babbitt in the pipe. This would give you a longer stroke when driving the pipe.

Back when I was a kid we drove a well for the cottage we were building. As soon as you gave that taste test I could remember how that first water tasted out of our newly driven well. It lasted for about a month. Also it seems like the older pitcher pumps had a bit longer stroke on them. Thanks for taking that pump apart and showing how they work especially with the leathers. Great visual aid. Hope you and your family have an excellent Fall season.

The best explanation of installation I have seen yet. Thank you!

Wow, Dave, this is an awesome video. I am probably never going to have to install a pump, but this is some thing I’m sharing for everyone to be able to see and to pass along super awesome.☮️❤️

Dave, A+ on the instructional. Clear, concise, and to the point. My biggest pet peeve with YT creators is the unnecessary blathering of unnecessary information. You sir, are the epitome of what creators should aspire to. You got my subscription and looking forward to exploring your channel further.

Thank you for this video. Just recently got the ability to move out into the country. We now have well water and septic and I have no experience with either. My grandparents had both but unfortunately my grandfather is no longer around to ask all the questions. We have to redo both and this is some great info to add into the mix, thank you.

Really appreciate the detail in your video. Especially about avoiding contaminants in/on the pipe. And the convenience of the ball valve!

This was done beautifully! Thank you!

Great video, It is not usual for anyone to talk on a point such as this and remain interesting. Your plan is right on the money and steps understandable. The extra tips about the joint compound, and cleaning out the pipes is on the one, because I would not have known or thought about that until after I installed the pipes and pump . Those are the things that will make a big difference with the taste of the water which are very important to me when I drink the water. I have to say again, you made a nice instructional video and it shows. So many tubers are now concentrating on fluff, instead of strong, interesting, and thought out content. Nice job! Now I can install my well and pump like a pro.

Outstanding job Dave. One of the best common sense & thoroughly explained videos I’ve ever seen. I’m not in need of a well pump, just wanted to see the video for my own personal knowledge. But dang if you don’t have me wanting to install a well pump on my property lol. Thanks for a great video Dave! Charley in VA

Fantastic video... SO complete, and understandable by a total newbie!!

Very good description. Step by step. I've never done this but I feel with you experience, I too could have free water. Thanks Dave

One good reason to drive a 2" stand of pipe is that the larger inside diameter gives you room to run a liner sleeve inside if your 2" pipe develops a leak over time. Let's say you drive a well with 2" diameter pipe, and over 10 years, the screen in your drive point wears out and you get sand/silt in the bottom. You can run inside with a 1" pipe stand and jet out the sand. Then you can run a liner inside and re-complete your well with a smaller I.D.

Man I learned something new from you every time I watch a video and you are a pretty damn good teacher to ! Hands-On , explanatory , simple terms , opens up a device in lets us see its inner workings . Great stuff man , love it !

Thank you for the great advice, I was born on a farm in upper MN, but never knew you could DIY well. You rock bro! Blessings from and old veteran:)

I think that the no pipe dope on the 1st 2 threads tip is a great tip. For all applications, like hydraulics, air, or gas. Even for Nitrogen gas used for laser cutting. This whole video is full of great tips.

I have the same amount of experience with driving wells that you had before you made your first video. I've pumped a lot of wells but never put one in, so learning a bit about the process was pretty cool. Thanks for taking us along for the ride. I will say it again, you guys are living my dream with your place in the UP.

Howdy Dave, I was very pleased to watch this clip. Congrats! Well done and well explained! May the Lord bless you!

What a complete explanation. Thanks. I would sand and paint the coupler being hammered on red so I wouldn't forget to change it.

One of the best videos I have ever seen. You should be a teacher or a instructor. You were very thorough and I give an A+ for your efforts! Thank you so much!

Old plumber turned me on to rectoseal number 5. It is much better seal and lasts forever. I could not find an old pump so I took a cylinder hone and cleaned up the bore. If you open the ball valve all the way you can trap water behind the jacket and it will crack, always leave ball valves slightly open over winter... Great video, I really appreciate all the information. You're increasing My carpentry confidence!!

Kits like this are great! We drove one about 15 feet in northern Wisconsin....has been working like a charm for years

Dude.. well done... pun intended. Seriously though, super awesome explanations and advice. I thank you for your time and efforts!

Great video! I have to watch again! Need to write parts list and create a tip list. I am a woman homesteader and I can't thank you enough for this video!

Thanks for sharing your experience with this kind of pump.

Love your straight forward videos! No nonsense, tell me what I need to know. Love it thanks for the content man!!

Dude! You're seriously the best teacher EVER!!! Your videos are going to be our GO-TO spot for everything we need to do at our new property! Thank you and Brooke for sharing your expertise! Can't wait to keep watching all your projects at your new property. Have fun!

Used to have a hand pump at my grandparents cabin we kids love to get water and on the way back with the pail we would twirl the pail to see if water would stay in the pail. Good memories. Thanks very informative. 😊🇺🇸

You sir are an excellent communicator! Thank you!

I've watched quite a few videos on this subject. Wanting to learn what supplies would be needed. You sir have done that best video explaing the parts and process. Thank you for the information

Couple of tips I have for you. Your drive coupling the one your going to replace , always keep it tight or it will split when driving. A nice size engine flywheel welded to an axle shaft makes a good driver. A person on each side lifting and dropping the flywheel makes good work. I have pulled new wells with a log and a piece of chain and a large block. Lay down the block close to the well pipe to set the log on, adjust to get good leverage. Hook the chain around the end of the log close to well pipe. Have one person lift the end of the log opposite of the well pipe. Wrap the chain two wraps around well pipe the push down on the log. Pipe will lift out of the ground. Keep repeating sliding the chain down on the well pipe each time. I hope this method makes sense to you. Thanks for your videos. ATB