Miscellaneous Information on Pump Restoration.

A growing number of you out there have been asking me for information on how to restore pumps, locate or make spare parts, or where to buy replica pumps. I've not got all of the answers yet, but have amassed a great deal of information and am continuing to find out more as I root around.

I greatly appreciate hearing of your pump renovation projects, so I can add to my own experience and pass advice on to others.

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 and Spare Parts.

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 be 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. The villagers of Icomb turned to a blacksmith in Bourton-on-the-Water to make a new handle for their pump. There are many more examples around the country but, however much other work needs to be done, ultimately it comes down to the pump itself.

If you want to restore your pump to full working order, it's a bigger job, unless you're lucky. Quite often the handle, operating rod and linkages are broken or missing, the valves are usually rotted, corroded or missing - and sometimes they're located deep down below the surface, so there's an access problem.

However, I've come across people in different parts of the country who have simply removed the old valves and gaskets from their pump, successfully replaced the rotten leather, and immediately brought the pump back to working condition.

A useful written-up example of how an individual successfully renovated his pump to full working condition can be found at http://www.jwdltd.demon.co.uk/wellpump.htm, and another excellent write-up is at http://www.milesgolding.com/cistern.html. Take a look also at http://www.chainganger.co.uk/Well_pump/Well_Pump.htm which is a highly informative blow by blow account of a very impressive restoration project.

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.

Dorothea Restorations Ltd of Bristol and Whaley Bridge, Derbs, provide a range of specialist metalwork services, and many years ago renovated the cast iron pump in Acton, Greater London.

Similarly, a firm in Portishead nr Bristol - Acorn Restorations - also specialise in "the design, fabrication, restoration and installation of high quality architectural metalwork", including cast iron.

Although it is concerned with bringing clean water to remote villages, there's a highly instructive Canadian website providing very sound advice on the installation and maintenance of Zimbabwe Bush pumps at http://www.lifewater.ca/Section_14.htm#insert & http://www.lifewater.ca/Section_17.htm#valve. Much of their advice is relevant to a restoration project in this country.

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 you could try contacting them to see if they can assist with aspects beyond the pump itself.

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 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.

Some spares can be found at http://www.suffolkbarrel.co.uk/products.php?link=58, and a company in Wolverhampton, which in fact took over Lee Howl, can supply some spares for Lee Howl pumps.

If all else fails and you can't find a cup-leather of the size you need, you can try making your own. See http://www.lifewater.ca/Appendix_L.htm, the Canadian website mentioned above.

From time to time an old pump appears for sale on the Internet and, although most of these are small domestic pumps, probably salvaged from a demolition job, I remain very suspicious as to where the seller might have got hold of a true "village pump", and suspect that for every large 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.pump.co.uk/shop/Garden/GardenHandPumps/d33/sd6 - they also stock replacement plungers/clack valves and leather cup washers.

http://www.oak-barrel.com/pumps_and_taps/cast_iron_pumps.htm

http://www.langhalegardens.co.uk/shop/products/pumps/village_pump.htm

And there are firms in Germany, China and the Czech Republic that specialise in cast iron pumps. Try ailsadirect, who sometimes stock pumps by the German Company, Puteus, and Sigma Engineering UK for the Czech pumps.

Some 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 - take a look at the Heritage Lottery Fund's website, and the National Lottery Fund's "Awards for All". 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.

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