How to Build a Pump House

If you have a water well on your property and use it as either your main or backup water supply, building a pump house to protect your well pump from the elements will save you money in the long run. Not only will it provide your home with a water system, it can save on those monthly water bills. By building the pump house yourself, you can save even more. There are several different designs that you can choose from. This plan offers you a simple way to build a pump house.

Things You'll Need

• Pressure tank Motor Water pump Seals Electric conduit Casing Electrical wiring Pipes to go into the well Electric box 2-by-4-inch boards, 6 feet long Two sheets of tin, 2 feet wide and 4 feet long Four 2-by-6-inch posts Roofing nails, 1/2 pound bag 16 penny nails, 2-pound bag One large hinge to make a door or opening One latch

Instructions

1. Prepare to build your pump house to cover your well pump. If you do not already have a dug well, you will need to either dig one yourself or have one dug. Make sure that the well is properly sealed and encased so that dirt cannot get into your water. Make sure that electricity can be hooked up to the motor and tank at this time. Lower the pipe from the pressure tank and pump into the well. This is so you will be able to get your water flowing.

2. Set your water pump, pressure tank and motor on the top of the well. You will have a dirt floor for your pump house. You need to attach an electric box and wire the motor, pump and tank together so it's working when you flip the switch. You should also use the electric conduit to keep the wires from water damage and other types of damage that might occur.

3. Dig holes for the 2-by-6-foot posts; they should be only about 4 feet apart. Place the poles in the dug holes; you will want only about 4 feet of your pole to be extended out of the ground. It is best to dig your holes at least 3 1/2 feet deep; this ensures that the posts are far enough in the ground that they will not sway or fall. Nail the 2-by-4 to the posts to make your walls. Line them with insulation to provide a protective barrier from the freezing weather. At this time, you may want to use concrete or just pack dirt tightly to stabilize the posts.

4. Begin nailing the 2-by-4-foot boards to the 2-by-6-foot posts; this will make the walls of your pump house. Line them with insulation to provide a protective barrier from the freezing weather.

5. Build your roof by adding 2-by-4-inch studs to the top of the posts. Slant these so when you attach the tin, you will have a water runoff. Attach the tin to complete the roof. Use roofing nails to secure the tin. These nails have a rubber ring to seal holes made by the nail.

6. Make a square opening on any side of your pump house. It has to be big enough to pull the pressure tank through for repairs. Build a square out of 2-by-4 studs to match the opening you just made. Insulate inside and attach it with a large hinge. You may want to use a latch to keep it closed.