How to Install a Pitcher Pump
- 1). Prepare a firm, level base for your pump to sit on. The base should also completely cover the well or cistern to prevent accidents and contamination of the water source. It will be easier to bolt your pump to a wooden base, but a metal or cement base may be more durable.
- 2). Drill a hole in the pump base, making it large enough for the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe with generous clearance on all sides.
- 3). Screw the PVC threaded adapter into the threaded receptacle underneath the pitcher pump. Most pumps come with a 1 1/4-inch receptacle; if your pump is different, use the size of PVC that matches your pump.
- 4). Attach a section of PVC pipe that is long enough to reach your water source. Apply PVC cement to the end of the pipe and insert it into the compression fitting on the threaded coupling, holding it firm until the cement sets (the bottle of cement will provide instructions that are specific to your particular product).
- 5). Attach another section of pipe if your water source requires it. Apply PVC cement to the ends of the two pipe sections and insert them into a coupling adapter.
- 6). Cement a threaded coupler onto the bottom of the PVC pipe and screw on a threaded check valve. This step is optional, but the check valve prevents water from quickly draining out of your pipe when you are not using the pump; some check valves also filter the water before it enters your pipe.
- 7). Lower the pipe into the water source through the hole in the base, and mount your pump to the base using bolts or lag screws.
- 8). Prime the pump by pouring water into the top of the pump until the pipe is filled.
