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Miscellaneous Information on Pump Restoration. | |
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A growing number of you out there have been asking me for information on how to restore pumps, locate spare parts, or where to buy replica pumps. I've not got all of the answers yet, but am beginning to find out a lot more as I dig around. I hope the following notes are useful, and by all means contact me if you have a specific query.
Restoration/Renovation/Replacement.
A crucial first step is to decide whether it's to be an authentic restoration of an existing pump to its original state and in full working condition, a cosmetic but non-working renovation that aims to retain the original look, or simply installing a modern replica pump. Each of these approaches has its merits - and associated costs!
Sources of Expertise.
A wide range of skills may be needed to be brought into play, depending upon the scope of the project. The Histon & Impington Village Society, for example, decided that their pump would be non-operational but nevertheless brought back to something close to the original, and hence they needed timber casings, lead capping, stone treads, rendering, brickwork, a handrail and posts, painting and a commemorative plaque. Much of this expertise was available locally.
Volunteers in Fernham have removed their pump for renovation and in the meantime built themselves a complete new wooden shelter ready for its return.
There are many more examples around the country of such resourceful groups but, however much other work needs to be done, ultimately it comes down to the pump itself.
There's a company in Chesterfield - Casting Repairs Limited - which specialises in repairing cast iron and seems to have done some excellent pump repairs in recent years. You can contact them at: Marine House, 18 Hipper Street, South Chesterfield, Derbyshire S40 1SS. Tel: 01246 246731, Fax: 01246 246701, e-mail: andrea.peck@casting-repairs.co.uk.
A very professionally-produced website, the National Wells Index, has been brought to my notice. Potential preservers/renovators of village pumps and wells may have certain problems in common, and in time we hope to develop a joint resource to which you can refer for advice. In the meantime, I recommend that you contact the NWI, at http://www.nationalwellsindex.org.uk, to see if they can assist with aspects beyond the pump itself.
Sources of Spare Parts.
If you want to restore your pump to full working order, that's a much bigger job, unless you're really lucky. The downpipes, the rods and linkages between the pump handle and the valves are often corroded or missing, the valves likewise, and sometimes the valves are located deep down below the surface, so there's the access problem.
However, I've come across people in different parts of the country who have simply removed the old valves from their pumps and successfully replaced the rotten leather, immediately bringing them back to working condition - but this is unusual. The villagers of Icomb turned to a blacksmith in Bourton-on-the Water to make a new handle for their pump.
A company in Ipswich tells me that they have a great deal of experience in repairing pumps, drilling boreholes and cleaning/refurbishing wells. They have a collection of old pumps that they can sometimes cannibalise in order to get your pump going again. Sounds like a good place to contact if you are considering a pump renovation project.
A company in Cornwall run by a direct descendant of Joseph Evans, has now contacted me to say that they can supply spares for Evans pumps ("Lion" pumps), or even an entire replacement pump. Furthermore, they can oblige if anyone wants lead- or wood-cased pumps. The company can provide either decorative or fully working models, with either a traditional internal design or with a low-maintenance stainless steel pump barrel, for maintenance-free operation. I have absolutely no connection with the firm, but must say that this looks very encouraging.
And a company in Wolverhampton, which in fact took over Lee Howl, can supply spares for Lee Howl pumps.
Very rarely, a genuine old pump appears for sale on the Internet, but I remain very suspicious as to where the seller might have got hold of such a pump, and suspect that for every pump that appears for sale a village or a back garden somewhere has mysteriously lost theirs. So do beware.
Other New Pumps.
In addition to the firm mentioned above that can produce replica Joseph Evans pumps, I've also discovered the following UK makers of fully working cast iron models. (But I have no first-hand experience of them, so am not in a position to recommend.)
http://www.thetankexchange.com/oakbarrels.htm
http://www.langhalegardens.co.uk/shop/products/pumps/village_pump.htm
http://www.oak-barrel.com/pumps_and_taps/cast_iron_pumps.htm
And there are firms in Germany, China and the Czech Republic that specialise in cast iron pumps. I don't know of any UK agents for the latter two, but ailsadirect stocks pumps by the German Company, Puteus.
Quite a few firms produce fibreglass replicas, which might suit your budget, and some of which look convincing enough from a distance, but somehow it doesn't feel right to me.
The Water Table.
Just when you think that you've solved all your problems, it can be the case that the water table has dropped significantly from its original level, and the pump can no longer reach the water source. Might be a very good idea to check this before you embark upon the project.
Health & Safety Aspects.
Not sure how this applies to a pump on private property, but there are strict controls over public pumps and water quality. I've come across instances where, although a pump might be renovated to full working condition, the local authorities will not allow it to pump water because the quality was either dubious or, worst case, actually proven to be contaminated. It's not unusual to find a chained-up pump with a written public health warning.
Listed Building Status.
This is one to look out for, as special regulations apply. You can check to see if your pump is a listed building (sounds odd, I know, but there are many pumps that are) via nmrinfo@english-heritage.org.uk.
Possible Sources of Funding.
It's not unusual for Village Pumps to be restored via fund-raising schemes organised by local action groups, and some Parish Councils are able to apply for funding through their County Council or other regional bodies. However, if your pump is on your own private property, then this probably isn't an approach you could take. Some village history societies take an interest in pumps on private as well as public property, and might just be able to assist with funds if the pump is in a location that can be seen by the public and "adds character" to the village.