How to Use a Hand Pump

Using a hand pump to water livestock

The use of hand pumps may seem like an antiquated notion to some, but these old-world mechanical devices are still hard at work pumping water around the world. Hand pumps are still common in rural areas, particularly since livestock may be fed in areas that do not have access to public water lines. Hand pumps also are frequently used in emergency situations to divert water flow, since emergencies often occur in situations that have disabled the power source used by electric water pumps. The use of these pumps is actually quite simple and requires no special skills or training. Just follow these steps.

Things You'll Need

• Bucket or hose

Instructions

1. Prepare the water outlet for the water that will be dispensed when you begin pumping. If you are draining water to another area, you will need to connect a hose to the spout, so the flow of the water can be directed. If you are gathering water, simply place a bucket under the spout and fill the bucket by pumping.

2. Grip the force rod firmly with both hands and lift. The force rod is the long metal handle that moves up and down. As you lift the force rod, a piston is lifted inside the pump. The piston creates suction in the pump and draws water through a check valve and into the pump cylinder.

3. Push the force rod all the way down. As the force rod pushes the piston down to the bottom of the cylinder, air and water are forced through a check valve located in the piston itself. The water that was located below the piston in the cylinder is now resting on top of it.

4. Raise the force rod again. As the piston is raised, it not only fills the cylinder with fresh water, but also forces the water on top of the piston out of the water spout at the same time. Continue this action until you have gathered an ample amount of water.

Tips & Warnings

• The more you pump, the more pressure will build in the pump, allowing you to draw out more water at a time. Strength and endurance are the keys to successful pumping.

References

• Hand Pump Diagram