How To Protect Your Well Pump
Your well pump investment needs to be properly guarded from outside sources.
Having access to clean water is extremely important, especially for those who live in rural areas. A good pump provides this access, but while problems can occur with the pump itself, many of the biggest problems that cause pumps to become damaged or fail are from outside sources.
If you are a well pump owner, it’s important to protect your pump from everything thrown at it. Because it’s outdoors, there is no shortage of things that can go wrong, from vandalism and pests to weather and temperature. These things can damage or even destroy your pump quickly.
In this blog post, Simple Pump provides advice on how to protect your well pump. We will also talk about well pump covers and enclosures. For deep well hand pump owners, we will dive into how we make it easy to protect your pump from those pesky outside forces.
What Is a Well Pump Cover?
A well pump cover is a simple device that helps protect your well pump from the elements. It’s a piece of equipment that is often overlooked but can save you a lot of money and headache in the long run.
Think about it — your well pump is constantly exposed to the sun, rain, snow, and ice. All of these elements can cause damage to the pump, and over time, this damage can add up. A well pump cover helps protect the pump from this damage by shielding it from the elements.
What Should I Think About Before Deciding on a Well Pump Cover?
You should remember a few things before deciding on a well pump cover:
Climate
The first thing to think about is the climate in which you live. If you live in an area with harsh winters, you’ll want a well pump cover that can withstand the snow and ice. This means ensuring that the material is thick enough to provide insulation and that the cover is properly sealed.
You may need to install a heater inside the cover to ensure that the temperature inside does not drop too low, which can damage the pump.
If you live in a more temperate climate, you’ll still want a well pump cover to protect against the sun and rain. In this case, you won’t need to worry about insulation, but you’ll still need to consider that your pump still needs enough of an opening to dispel the heat coming from it.
Ease of Access
You’ll also want to consider how easy it is to access the well pump. If you need to access the pump frequently, you’ll want a cover that is easy to open and close. This will help you save time and frustration.
On the other hand, having the pump be a bit more difficult to access can deter would-be vandals and thieves. While it will take you longer to get inside when you need to repair or change parts, it will protect your investment in the long run.
Material Used
The material of the well pump cover is essential to consider. You’ll want something that is durable, but you also don’t want to break the bank.
There are a few different materials you can choose from, each with its own set of pros and cons.
- Wood: Wood is a classic material that has been used for centuries. It’s strong and durable, but it can be expensive. Wood also needs to be treated regularly to protect it from the elements.
- Metal: Metal is a good choice if you want something durable. It’s also less expensive than wood but can rust over time.
- Plastic: Plastic is a more budget-friendly option. It’s not as durable as wood or metal, but it is easier to install.
You’ll also want to consider the size of the well pump cover. You’ll want something big enough to protect the entire pump, but you also don’t want it to be so large that it’s cumbersome to move or install.
Enclosures vs. Coverings: Which Is Right for My Well Pump?
Deciding on a well pump cover or a full enclosure is the other step you need to take in order to protect your well pump.
Enclosures are more expensive but offer more protection. They completely surround the well pump and protect it from the elements and pests. Coverings, on the other hand, are less expensive and don’t offer as much protection.
An enclosure is the best choice if you live in an area with harsh winters or frequent storms. Provided you take the time to build the weatherproof enclosure, your well pump will be better protected.
A covering is a good choice if you live in a more temperate climate and don’t have as many severe weather conditions. It’s also a good choice if you’re on a budget.
How To Protect Your Pump From Vandalism
One of the best ways to protect your well pump from vandalism is to keep it out of sight. If possible, try to install the pump in a location that is not visible from the road. This will make it more difficult for would-be vandals to find and target your pump.
Covers that blend in with the surroundings, like rock-shaped covers, can also help to protect your well pump from vandalism. If the cover is difficult to see, it will be less likely to be targeted by vandals.
You can also deter vandals by installing security cameras or lights around the well pump. This will make it more difficult for them to vandalize the pump without being caught on camera.
While many pump users think detaching the pump handle will keep vandals from using it, it’s not recommended, as it can cause issues with the pump itself.
How To Protect Your Pump From Pests, Rodents, and Insects
One of the best ways to protect your well pump from pests, rodents, and insects is to keep the area around the pump clean. This will make it more difficult for them to build nests or burrow into the ground near the pump.
You should also regularly inspect the well pump for any signs of damage. If you see any holes or cracks, you should repair them immediately. This will prevent pests from getting inside the pump and damaging it.
While we mentioned enclosures are more recommended for harsh weather settings, they also better protect your well pump from pests, rodents, and insects because access to the pump is completely covered.
Protecting the Simple Pump Deep Well Hand Pump
The Simple Pump Deep Well Hand Pump is a great option for those who want an easy-to-use, reliable hand pump, and protecting it is just as easy.
The Deep Well Hand Pump is built to withstand years of use and is fully made from lead-free stainless steel and aluminum. This reduces the effect the elements and corrosion will have, meaning your pump will protect itself for many years to come.
You should still regularly inspect the Deep Well Hand Pump for any damage and make sure to keep the area around it clean. This will help ensure that your pump continues to work properly for many years.
Installing a cover or enclosure around your Deep Well Hand Pump is one of the best ways to protect it from the elements and pests. Unlike other pumps on the market where it is not recommended to remove the handle, Simple Pump provides and easy and safe way to remove the handle if you aren't going to be using your pump for a while.
If you have any questions about protecting your pump, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always happy to help!
If you are interested in learning more about Simple Pump and how it remains one of the best pumps on the market, click the link below.
