At our local Prepper Group meeting, ran across someone that is using this pump as the emergency backup to the power well pump. Since we are always working toward being more self sufficient, we took a closer look at this one. We will be ordering one for our homestead, the person at the meeting was going to use it at their bug out location. He purchased the pump unit, which is what you are buying. You then get detailed instructions on how to put the rest of the piping together along with how to build a “T Handle” for the pump.
Now we have not used this pump but the reports that I am getting sound great and I did check with the guy who came up with these that whey will work on our depth of 130′ to water. The one thing you will have to deal with if you have a well, is the fact that without the utility power, you will need another means to pump your water. So that’s a generator, solar/wind pump or by hand. We have the generator covered, will get the hand pump in place and then look at solar pumping as another option. You should have three ways to start a fire, you should have 3 ways to get water as well!
Have you heard of the new high volume deep well WaterBuck Pump?
It is strong as a windmill. 300 feet is nothering for this pump.
http://waterbuckpump.com/2013/07/14/incredible-mechanical-advantage-of-the-waterbuck-pump/
Mike,
I looked at your site and this pump looks well built and up to the task. In the article I did, that was for a pump that meet several criteria. Low cost and could be installed along side your existing powered pump. The idea as you know is to have something available right now if the power should fail. It looks like your pump would need to be installed alone and not as a standby. Now this still has a place without a doubt as an off grid or alternative to a powered pump. I like it’s simplicity but the price of over 6k does hit the pocketbook a little hard. I was interested in seeing one connected to a windmill, do you have any examples of that we could all look at?
Thanks for the info, just another way we can be more self reliant and ready for whatever may come along.
Vic,
Pump installers, install three inch hand pump cylinders along side existing powered pump for instant back up. The application for the WaterBuck is the same. If the well casing is large enough, a four or six inch cylinder can also be used. It all depends on the static depth and size of casing. An application with a windmill makes it very expensive and not very practical.
Mike,
I was looking at the items in the WaterBuck and it noted the 4″ cylinder in a 6″ casing. 6″ is probably a standard, at least in our area. It also notes that the 4″ is installed without an electric pump. This is where I got the idea that the WaterBuck does not go along with the electric pump to make it a true backup. What am I missing?
Also wondering, in our area and many others, the wells are over 300′ deep and static water is at say 130, drawing to 180 and holding there at 32gpm with the electric pump. What can the WaterBuck do given what our electric is capable of?
Also you recommend the use of professionals to install the pump. What does that typically run customers?
Mike ,
At the website, there is more information on another page that speaks of the WaterBuck pump being used alongside existing submersibles. It operates windmill cylinders sizes 1/78” to 6”.
You asked: What can the WaterBuck do given what our electric is capable of?
I am a bit confused about your question. I thought the issue is about a backup for when the power goes off. But I can still give a good answer.
It can pump more water per minute than a ½ hp submersible pump can. No other hand pump can do that.
The WaterBuck is a serious piece of equipment – a water supply system. As with any other water supply system, it requires professional quality installers, so the price can vary by location and application.
Mike,
Thanks for clearing that up. I think of all of the pumps I have seen, yours would hold up under extreme duty “When the lights go out”!
I was trying to ask what we can expect when we go manual. The one thing you did show was it can pump up your holding tank and you can use it under pressure, similar to what they have now. Also the gpm it can pump is impressive and I love the amount of energy needed vs other pumps that I do not have faith in.
I am in Reno Nevada, are there any in the area that I might look at?
Would like to see one and get it on my blog.
Keep up the good work!
Oh, I see what point you were getting to. Yes, it can pump uphill also and pressurize a tank just like a submersible pump does.
Not in Nevada yet, but hopefully soon. Darren would like to see you do a blog anyway!
Thanks Vic
Mike,
There is another contest. Just be the first to correctly guess the maximum gallons per minute a strong, fit man pumps, with the WaterBuck Pump with new sucker rod and increased mechanical advantage and win a Katadyn Water Filter.
http://waterbuckpump.com/2013/08/24/win-a-katadyn/