Joined: Dec 27, 2004 Posts: 12063 Location: zombie horde wonderland
Posted: Wed May 21, 2008 10:43 am Post subject: Re: [Water] General
LittleBoPeak wrote:
I was wondering if you have any personal experience or knowledge of someone using both a manual and an electric pump in the same casing.
I don't unfortunately. I have not even done any maintenance on our existing grid-powered well pump, nor so much as looked down the casing!
We're looking into replacing it with a Grundfos solar powered deep well pump, but, funds are currently not available.
I think rain tanks are a good investment, and would put in a rain tank before I installed a hand well pump, personally. _________________ "...powerdown so soft and fluffy you'll think you're living in a pillow..." - jboogy
Posted: Wed May 21, 2008 1:08 pm Post subject: Re: [Water] General
Ludi wrote:
I think rain tanks are a good investment, and would put in a rain tank before I installed a hand well pump, personally.
That's part of my dilemma, what to do first? . . . rain tanks are a given, but the water will require additional processing after collection. The hand pump provides ready to drink water, but will require on-going maintenance. And what happens if it is damaged or destroyed in a storm?
What to do, what to do? Sure wish I could do both at the same time!
Joined: Apr 03, 2004 Posts: 6375 Location: My Grandkids' Farm
Posted: Wed May 21, 2008 1:27 pm Post subject: Re: [Water] General
I don't recall your situation Bo, but here is my No-Regrets first step solution:
Buy a generator capable of running your pump:
Good in an emergency anytime (ran our well to water stock and kept our freezer frozen with about 2gals of gas for 4 days after an ice storm)
Good for portable power anytime of course (I'm going to use it tomorrow to repair a broke down brush hog)
Along with a chainsaw, a gen. will probably be the last thing I'll buy fuel for and haul home on the back of my bike.
A cheap one (like mine) can be had for a couple hundred bucks at auction, maybe $500 or so at Ho Depot, or a good Honda with dual or triple fuel capability for more. _________________ Make a plan and work it:
Posted: Wed May 21, 2008 1:41 pm Post subject: Re: [Water] General
Pops,
I'd thought about a generator, but, I'm embarrassed to say I know as much about electricity as I do about rocket science (that is, I can barely spell it!). I just haven't got around to doing any research yet.
I know the well is 220 volts. Can a small generator handle that or does it take some kind of converter to get 220?
Joined: Apr 03, 2004 Posts: 6375 Location: My Grandkids' Farm
Posted: Wed May 21, 2008 1:52 pm Post subject: Re: [Water] General
Generators big enough to run your well have a 220 outlet and any electrician can tell you the needed size and wire in a switch to make everything safe for a couple hundred bucks (depending on where you live of course)
Our well is 450' and Susan can plug in the plug and pull the cord on our generator - it isn't that big. _________________ Make a plan and work it:
Posted: Wed May 21, 2008 2:16 pm Post subject: Re: [Water] General
Thanks, all!
Me thinks the generator should be the first order of business. Sure is cheaper than 2,000 bucks for a hand pump! That money will go a long way toward a rainwater system.
Joined: Nov 18, 2004 Posts: 1059 Location: Central Texas
Posted: Wed May 21, 2008 7:33 pm Post subject: Re: [Water] General
LittleBoPeak wrote:
Ludi wrote:
I think rain tanks are a good investment, and would put in a rain tank before I installed a hand well pump, personally.
That's part of my dilemma, what to do first? . . . rain tanks are a given, but the water will require additional processing after collection. The hand pump provides ready to drink water, but will require on-going maintenance. And what happens if it is damaged or destroyed in a storm?
What to do, what to do? Sure wish I could do both at the same time!
ok, lets say you're Tom Hanks out there on that island. ie, there is no electricity, etc. First order of business: water to drink. Water for plants which need no filtration.
The cool thing about collecting rainwater is that the investment can span years. Go ahead and get your raingutters and at least one tank. While you can. _________________ About my avatar: Guess.
Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2008 1:36 pm Post subject: Re: [Water] General
Anybody have a link to a good quality portable water filter?
I've looked at the Berkefeld ones, but I'm looking for something more portable, like something for backpackers. Thanks in advance. _________________ Death is certain, Life is not...
Joined: Dec 27, 2004 Posts: 12063 Location: zombie horde wonderland
Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 6:18 pm Post subject: Re: [Water] General
Serial_Worrier wrote:
The problem is when the apocalypse happens, do you think the zombie hordes will not come for your artesian wells?
They will probably have become extremely weak from thirst by the time they get here, therefore not much of a threat.
I'd expect if they're looking for water, they might decide to stop at the creek instead of coming here. _________________ "...powerdown so soft and fluffy you'll think you're living in a pillow..." - jboogy
Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 6:42 pm Post subject: Re: [Water] General
I know a lot about water and water wells. The question is how deep are your wells. If shallow, you can get a hand pump for about $65. Easy to use. If deep well, its another story. There are also windmills that will supply a good supply of water for free. Better than a generator as some day, you will run out of fuel.
Solar pumps are good for low volume supply of water. Plenty for drining and bathing etc. They are expensive and will require parts at some point too.
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