THE STALWART! Hand Pump
Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it not true that food supply is the most important provision which could be disrupted in emergencies?

No. Without water, human beings can live only a few days. Water is essential for life, health and sanitation. Availability of water should be a primary concern for everyone.

2. How can I prepare for possible water shortages?

Some water can be stored in barrels and jugs, but households which have private wells now have the additional option of installing a hand pump alongside their submersible pump for continual or long-term use in an emergency.

3. Do we have to pull the existing pump?

No. The Stalwart! Emergency Hand Pump is designed so that it will not interfere with the ongoing function of the pump currently in use.

4. How long will it last?

The Stalwart! Emergency Hand Pump has a stainless steel check valve. Both the stainless steel and PVC pump models are constructed entirely of non-corrosive materials, and should last for many years.

5. What are people saying about your pump? Are customers satisfied?

The response is usually enthusiastic. Customers write or call to tell us how pleased they are with The Stalwart! Pump installers who have installed one for a client often apply for dealerships.
(See Testimonials.)

6. Is there any advantage in buying one now and waiting to install it until I actually need it?

No. The Stalwart! Emergency Hand Pump is designed to be installed at any time in order to be ready to use at a moment's notice. Right now, pump installers are available to install it. Since they may be hard to find in emergencies, it would be wise to proceed now.

7. Could I install it myself?

A professional pump installer is recommended. The warranty does not cover improper installation, damage to the unit during installation, nor loss of the pump down the well. A professional pump installer should be able to keep your well clean and also check to see that both your submersible pump and Stalwart! Emergency Hand Pump are operating properly.

8. What does the warranty cover?

There is a one-year limited warranty of materials and workmanship on the Stalwart! Emergency Hand Pump. The pump was designed to serve people in emergencies and to give them peace of mind. If not completely satisfied with the pump, return it in new condition within 30 days of receiving it for a full refund minus a 20% restocking fee.

9. What types of wells will The Stalwart! Emergency Hand Pump fit?

The Stalwart! Emergency Hand Pump slips into the well beside the submersible pump in 95% of the 4", 5" or 6" wells we encounter.
If installed alone, it can also fit by itself into a pipe as small as a 1 1/4 inch galvanized pipe, as for driven wells.

10. Will I need to change the well seal?

Probably. However, a new well seal comes with the pump kit.

11. Does the pump need to be primed after installation?

No. With The Stalwart! Emergency Hand Pump the pumping action takes place at the bottom of the well where the pump is always submerged. That makes it self-priming.

12. May I use The Stalwart! Emergency Hand Pump in freezing weather?

Yes. The tubular rod that connects to the handle is predrilled with a small hole five feet below the handle. This small weep hole will allow the water to drain back into the well below the frost level in approximately 3 minutes.

13. From what depths will The Stalwart! Emergency Hand Pump work?

The manufacturer recommends use to a water level of 170 feet or less.

14. Is it easy to pump?

Yes. A 30-pound pull and push will pump water from 150 feet at 2 gallons per minute. From 65 feet an 8-year-old child can pump 2 gallons per minute.

15. Will it pump to an above-ground storage tank?

Yes. The Stalwart Emergency Hand Pump has the capability of pumping uphill. The shallower the well, the higher above ground it will pump. Pumping 20 feet higher requires only slightly more effort. (See Testimonials.)

16. Are there other costs besides the cost of the pump?

Yes. You will need the extension pipe and rod sets in order to lower the pump 10 to 20 feet below the static water level. Most people who use the Stalwart! Emergency Hand Pump figure that they save thousands of dollars over the cost of drilling a new well and then installing a conventional hand pump. (See Testimonials.)

17. How can I tell if the Stalwart! Emergency Hand Pump will fit into my well?

Our pump fits into approximately 95% of wells with a pump installed. The widest diameter of The Stalwart! is less than 1 3/8 inches. If you can get a one-inch PVC pipe into your well casing, The Stalwart! will fit.

18. Can The Stalwart! be used with a sand point?

Yes! Our pump is so slim it can even fit inside a 1-1/4 inch galvanized pipe for use with a driven sand point. NOTE: 1-1/4 inch galvanized pipe is actually larger than 1-1/4 inches.

19. Are there any parts that might wear out that would be good to keep on hand?

Yes. The leathers can wear out after many years of use or from standing in water for years.

20. Can the Stalwart Emergency Hand Pump be taken up and moved to another location?

Yes. The connection pipes are flush-joint threaded and assemble without glue or welding to provide a smooth surface. These threads can be assembled and disassembled many times, allowing the pump to be removed and reused in another well.