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How to Uninstall a Simple Pump Deep Well Hand Pump – Step-by-Step Guide

Uninstalling your Simple Pump deep well hand pump can seem daunting, but with the right tools and guidance, you can do it safely and efficiently. Whether you need to perform maintenance, replace your electric pump, or troubleshoot your system, this guide will walk you through every step with clear instructions and helpful tips.
Tools You Will Need
- Crescent wrench
- Safety tool (to secure the pipe)
- 3/16” Allen wrench
- 1/4” Allen wrench
- Channel lock pliers (2)
- Vice grips (optional, depending on rod ends)
- Bucket with water and bleach solution (for cleaning and catching drips)
Download the user manual - here.
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Set up a clean, flat work area near your well to place removed parts. Contamination can damage the pump when reinstalled, so cleanliness is important. Have your bucket of water with a bleach solution ready in case any parts or tools need cleaning.
Step 2: Remove the Pump Handle
- Remove the four 1/4-20 bolts securing the handle bracket to the pump head using your Allen wrench.
- As you remove the last bolt, support the pump rod with your hand to ease tension; the rod will drop slightly — this is expected.
- Use your crescent wrench to loosen the left-hand threaded pump rod from the clevis by turning clockwise. The handle can provide leverage to break it free.
- Unscrew the handle assembly from the pump rod and set it aside on your clean workspace.
Step 3: Secure the Pump Head and Loosen the Split Flange
- Place the safety tool underneath the coupling on the first drop pipe section to secure it.
- Loosen the three bolts on top of the split flange with your 1/4” Allen wrench. They don’t need to be fully removed, only loosened to gain control.
- Carefully loosen the pinch bolt on the side of the split flange. The pipe may drop slightly; be prepared to support the weight.
- With the split flange loosened and secured with the safety tool, you can safely begin to raise the pump head assembly from the well casing.
Step 4: Disconnect the Pump Head from the First Drop Pipe
- Using channel lock pliers or pipe wrenches, loosen the threaded nipple connecting the pump head to the first PVC drop pipe. Most threads are standard directional here.
- Remove the first drop pipe coupling and set it aside safely.
- Remove the pump rod by loosening any rod extenders or connectors using crescent wrenches or vice grips as needed.
- Carefully remove any rod guides inside the drop pipes using an Allen wrench or flat tool for leverage.
Step 5: Remove Drop Pipe Sections
- Lift the first drop pipe section, ensuring the coupling is resting securely on the safety tool to prevent it from dropping back.
- Expect some water to drain from the pipes as you detach them because of the check valve retaining water inside; prepare your workspace accordingly.
- Remove rod ends connecting each pipe section carefully with vice grips or wrenches, gripping close to the joints to avoid crushing hollow pipe sections.
- Set rod ends back inside their respective pipes to keep them clean and intact.
- Repeat this process sequentially for each drop pipe section until only the final pumping cylinder remains.
Step 6: Remove the Pump Cylinder
- For 125 and 100 models, the cylinder can be pulled up through the well casing directly; gently work it free as it will have an O-ring seal.
- If you have a 200 model, the process differs slightly: tighten the pinch bolt on the split flange and remove the well cap before lifting the cylinder out.
- Place the cylinder carefully in a clean area to avoid damage.
Additional Tips for a Successful Uninstall
- Always perform unplugging or maintenance in pairs for safety when handling heavy components.
- Protect rod ends and other metal parts from prolonged sunlight and heat to avoid damaging epoxy bonds used for durability.
- Keep parts clean and avoid introducing debris into the well during removal or reinstallation.
- Be patient when water drains from pipes during removal to minimize mess.
- If uncomfortable or inexperienced, consider hiring a well professional.
Conclusion
With these step-by-step instructions, you can confidently uninstall your Simple Pump deep well hand pump for maintenance, replacement, or inspection. Always follow safety precautions and use the recommended tools to protect yourself and your equipment. For further assistance, Simple Pump support is available to guide you through your pump’s care and operation.
Thank you for choosing Simple Pump, your trusted source for resilient, American-made pumping solutions.