The bottom seal is a flapper. That weight is not "just a weight" it needs to have the nub pointing up. When you raise the handle to the highest position piston goes down and it kicks up the flapper by kicking the nub to allow the pump to drain. Think cold weather but still to early to remove the pump for winter. I set a cement block on end to keep the handle up and drained in early winter because it is just above grade on a drilled well case. When winter is coming I just remove the pump because a frozen seal will rip as soon as you make the first pump. Lukewarm water will thaw it but never hot water. You'll crack the pump. Edit: When you pump, don't raise the handle up high each time. You're just kicking open the bottom seal each time losing a little water and unnecessary wear on the flapper seal.
Maybe it is better to replace leather seal with rubber one? My pump started corroding inside- have to treat it with anticorrosion chemical and hone walls smoother.
The bottom seal is a flapper. That weight is not "just a weight" it needs to have the nub pointing up. When you raise the handle to the highest position piston goes down and it kicks up the flapper by kicking the nub to allow the pump to drain. Think cold weather but still to early to remove the pump for winter. I set a cement block on end to keep the handle up and drained in early winter because it is just above grade on a drilled well case. When winter is coming I just remove the pump because a frozen seal will rip as soon as you make the first pump. Lukewarm water will thaw it but never hot water. You'll crack the pump.
Edit: When you pump, don't raise the handle up high each time. You're just kicking open the bottom seal each time losing a little water and unnecessary wear on the flapper seal.
Thanks for watching and for the great information!
This was easy to fix. Everybody should have a hand pump.especially in Florida.
Yeah, anyone with a shallow/sand-point well should have one of these. Other than keeping the leather pliable so they work, they are pretty reliable.
Very helpful video !!
Thanks!!!!!
Glad it was helpful!
Great video, I had no idea how to take the plunger apart.
Had me stumped for a minute also. Thought maybe it was a one piece thing, but turned out to actually be easy to replace.
Great video!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Maybe it is better to replace leather seal with rubber one? My pump started corroding inside- have to treat it with anticorrosion chemical and hone walls smoother.
I've always just used the leather one, but rubber might be a good option also.
I live in a dry cabin in Alaska. 25 foot sand point. Top end cast iron