How to Keep a Well Hand Pump from Freezing in the Winter

Preparing for emergencies may become even more crucial in regions facing harsh weather conditions, particularly in rural areas distanced from the modern conveniences of a city. Annual winter storms are a significant concern for many rural homeowners, making proactive preparation essential.

According to a study by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, homes in the United States experienced an average of just over 7 hours without electricity in 2021. The majority of these power outages were triggered by major events, such as winter storms, which often strike unexpectedly.

Preparation is key before any major event occurs. This involves ensuring an ample supply of things like stored food and a reliable source of clean water. For rural residents relying on groundwater, the use of emergency well water pumps proves to be an excellent solution for a dependable emergency water source. Instead of stockpiling water for emergencies, individuals can access their well water whenever necessary using a well hand pump.

When considering an emergency hand pump, especially for major events such as winter storms, you would want to make sure you find one that can withstand the elements. Specifically, the pump should be capable of enduring freezing temperatures to ensure its effectiveness during emergencies.

Keeping a Well Hand Pump from Freezing

Well hand pumps draw the water from the ground and pump it to the surface through piping or tubing. This manual method of accessing groundwater proves effective; however, a noteworthy concern arises in freezing temperatures. When the pipe is filled with water up to the surface, there is a risk of freezing when temperatures drop below freezing. This is a valid consideration.

Fortunately, many manufacturers of hand pumps have addressed the issue of freezing pipes by adding a weep or freeze hole in their installation of the piping. The hole should be situated below the depth in the ground where water could freeze. This is so that when the hand pump is not in use, the water can drain back down into the well to below the freeze line. This way, when freezing temperatures arrive, the only part exposed to the cold temperature is the empty piping. The piping that contains water is located low enough in the well that it cannot freeze.

Emergency Well Hand Pump Kit Freeze Hole

When designing our emergency well hand pump kits, we took into consideration the possibility of pipes freezing in the winter, which could leave you without power or water. To prevent this, we recommend drilling a 1/16” hole through the 1/2” pipe below your freeze line during installation. This small freeze hole will allow the pump to drain off its water down to that hole, so that when freezing temperatures hit, the pipes won’t freeze and break.

By taking this simple step, you can make your pump freeze-proof. Even in the harshest of winter storms, your hand pump will be ready to serve you through any emergency. You can order your hand pump kit today from Epp Well Solutions.