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bhebby
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# Posted: 18 Dec 2011 04:38pm
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my land I bought and built a cabin on had an existing well. Its a large concrete tube that goes down 12-16 ft or so. It has a large heavy plate steel "cover" that has been over it for years. The well was not used for an estimated 10 years(maybe less not sure). The pump does not pump wated when the handle is cranked up and down. I know there are gaskets in there that dry up. I am going to put a foot valve on it so it does not have to be primed. My questions are:
are those gaskets universal? I read that they are leather sometimes and do dry out and need to be replaced. best place to source these gaskets?
my water quality? SHould I be afraid of using this water for anything? Does anyone know of any services that you can send a water sample to or a kit you can buy to test yourself?Thanks in advance.
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adakseabee
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# Posted: 18 Dec 2011 06:02pm
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bhebby,
You might want to check this website for repair parts and/or a replacement cistern pump: http://www.lehmans.com/store/Water___Water_Pumps?Args=.
Just copy and paste the line above in your browser window.
As for the water quality, it should be tested so you know exactly what you have. Google one or both of the following: Water testing kits and Water testing labs. You will get a lot of hits to pick and choose.
Let us know how it all turns out.
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Malamute
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# Posted: 18 Dec 2011 10:22pm - Edited by: Malamute
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You may be able to get your water tested locally, some county ag extension agencies or other state or county agency may have a program that can test water. There may be local water treatment companies that can test a sample. Calling a well driller may yield info on where you can get it tested also.
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bhebby
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# Posted: 19 Dec 2011 01:01pm
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Great I will post my progress on this topic thanks-Bhebby
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tbjohn
Member
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# Posted: 19 Dec 2011 05:53pm
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The leathers dry up pretty much every year with not much use. Just poor some water in and hold your hand over the spiket so the water can sit and swell the leather. Sometimes I just poor water in slowly and pump the handle and the leather swells enough to pump water. I think thier are 2 sizes..a #2 and #3. unless they are torn they usually work. The problem could be the flaper under that works like a foot valve of sortss to hold the water in the pitcher. If that tears then you might have to replace that too. If I do one I do the other. Most real hardware stores have them.
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bhebby
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# Posted: 19 Dec 2011 06:02pm
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I am on the hunt for those leather gaskets. I found a few but I like to try and buy things locally,in which I have not had much luck. Thanks to all who have replied. Is most well water considered potable. There are a ton of amish in the area and they all drink it! On some advice from a buddy who works in enviromental clean up he suggested I emty at least three volumes of water then do the testing to get a good beat on what kind of water I have. I need to get that thing pumping so on to my gasket search. thanks
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SEOhio
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# Posted: 20 Dec 2011 02:15pm
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Some small town hardware stores carry these parts. It is recommended that if the seals won't swell and work for you, make certain that the pump seal "basket" will disassemble before purchasing new parts. My pump seal/rod assembly will not come apart. Lehman's has a replacement assembly.
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bhebby
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# Posted: 20 Dec 2011 09:58pm
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it pumps freely you can just tell there isnt any suction at all. I have to weigh the gasket price versus total replacement price. worst case scenario it becomes part of the decor inside the cabin if I replace it. thanks
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larryh
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# Posted: 23 Dec 2011 09:09am
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You may wish to consider if you live in cold climates that the pump risk freezing if you have a foot valve on the pump unless you have a drain hole below the freeze level. I had that on my force pump I used for several years but I don't recall what kept it primed if it was able to lose water in the cylinder? Maybe the hole was below the cylinder, its been a while. I enjoy a cistern type pump but the take about 22 stokes to fill a pail where the larger type usually run around 10 strokes to do the same thing depending on the size of the cylinder. Heller Adler is still in business I think in Canada I saw on the net not long ago and there are US dealers for their items. But lehmans is a good source for pump leathers here.
larry
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scout100
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# Posted: 23 Dec 2011 05:22pm
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You could maybe check Ebay or heck even a boot repair shop ( cobbler ) He may have just the leather your looking for and you could fabricate your own. I'd throw an electric pump in that well and try to pump it dry. See what happens. If anything you should pump it for a day and re-open some of the veins that feed the hole..
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easyshack
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# Posted: 26 Dec 2011 08:07pm
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Add alittle clorine ( bleach ) this will kill any cooties. Best way is run well, the more you use it, the better the water gets, like a coffee cup under dripping sink, after a while it gets clean.
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