Bison Pump or Simple Pump

[RichZ]

My wife and I would like to have one of these hand pumps installed over our drilled well. I know they can be installed over the electric pump and can be used in case of power outages. It seems the Simple pump can be connected to your water supply and you can hand pump water into your pressure tank so you can still use your plumbing during the outage. I'm not sure if you can do that with the Bison pump. Does anyone have wither of these pumps? What do you think of them?

Thanks!!!

 

[ChuckT]

I've been told that the "pitcher" pumps with thier open top for priming are "NOT ACCEPTABLE" as the opening can introduce all kind of nastys into the well casing.

 

[Jstpssng]

How deep is your drilled well? a single line pump won't work over a certain depth... I believe 26 feet. There's also the consideration of the poster above me...
How often does your power go out? A generator with transfer switch can accomplish the same goal, power more than your pump, and unless you go with a whole house you can accomplish it for the same or less money than a Bison.

 

[turnkey4099]

I hadn't heard of hand pumping into a pressure tank. It doesn't seem feasable to me as at minimum pressure one wouild be working against a significant pressure. Commonly 28PSI (tank emptyi) to up to 60 PSI.

Yes suction pump is only good to about 25-26 lbs at sea level - less as altitude increases. It is possile - I don't know if it is done - to have a handpump for deeper wells but the pumping mechanism wouild have to be at the end of the pipe and run by a long rod to the handle. Back pressure problems also could be aproblem.

 

[Jstpssng]

^^^^
The Bison pump he mentions does just that.http://www.bisonpumps.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Deep-Well-Installation-Manual.pdf

 

[workinonit]

Even if you have a 4" well I don't think you can get 2 pump pipes in the same casing. I have a 4" well with 2" pipe so I'm certain I would never be able to get this pump in my casing.

 

[turnkey4099]

^^^^
The Bison pump he mentions does just that.http://www.bisonpumps.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Deep-Well-Installation-Manual.pdf

Yes, I looked it up right after I posted. Did an add-on to my post but it apparentliy didn't work.

 

[LouNY]

It's the same style of pump that wind mills used to pump water and the old hit and miss engines.

RichZ I don't have one but did seriously look them for backup.
But my second well is a dug well and if both the pumps are out I can use a bucket and a rope to draw water.

 

[Jstpssng]

I still think that a generator and transfer switch would be more economical, but that's just me.

 

[Valveman]

Those pumps have sucker rods like a windmill and can pump from quite a depth. However, hand pumping into a pressure tank is a big challenge. You would really need a shower by the time you get 20 gallons pumped into a pressure tank. Usually best to just fill a bucket at the well head. The generator idea is best for long term power outages. It can run the pump and keep the freezer from thawing out at the same time.

Another idea is to use a retention tank prior to the pressure tank. The water will continually flow through the retention tank on the way to the house and will be good fresh water when the power goes off. Then with a retention tank full of water, you can either use a battery powered RV type pump to supply the house, or use a battery powered air compressor to force water out of the retention tank and into the house.