How to Build a Wind Pump

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Wind pumps have been used for centuries to pump water. Wind pumps are used in remote areas to supply drinking water and for irrigation. They can also be used to generate electricity. Building a wind driven pump requires some mechanical ability and time, but the return on the time spent and materials makes building a wind pump a great investment.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Step1

Site the wind pump. The wind pump can be directly over the water source or just as often, the wind pump can be sited downslope from the water source to take get an assist from gravity for pumping the water.

Step2

Set a footing for the wind pump. The footing can be poured concrete or a very large paving slab. The wind pump itself does not need to be anchored in the cement, but must be erected on a flat even surface.

Step3

Erect the mast and head assembly. The mast and head are the support structure for the pumping mechanism and fan. Pay special attention to all fittings as they must remain tight while the windmill is operating.

Step4

Attach the fan assembly. The fan assembly attaches to the fan hub on the head assembly. Each blade needs to be carefully installed, but do not finish tightening all the bolts until each blade is attached. The blades need to be balanced in order to rotate properly.

Step5

Connect the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism transfers the energy created by the wind to the pistons that pump the water.

Step6

Hook up all the piping and tank storage unit. At this point it is best to test the unit and make final adjustments.