Because of Simple Pump's lever arm design, materials and superior manufacture, the average person can comfortably pump from deep wells, from as deep as 350 feet static water level -- for the common configuration of hand-pumping up to ground level, at ambient pressure (e.g., into a bucket). This is much deeper than any of our competitors.

The maximum for a particular well is determined by the combination of several factors, including whether pumping into a pressurized plumbing system, or using manual or motor to power. When using the Motor Extension, the maximum supported depth also depends on the capacity of the pump cylinder used, and the voltage at which it is run. (We will also advise you on these parameters, when you submit your request for a quote.)

To explain some of these interlocking limits, we need to explain the concept of “TOTAL HEIGHT”.

"Total height" equals:

Distance in feet from ground level down to your well water, i.e. the static water level 
PLUS number of feet vertical rise from your ground-level pump head to the destination
PLUS 100 feet added proxy equivalent for pumping into pressure

Then, for either of these:
Hand-operated pump:  Maximum total height is 350 feet
Motorized pump: Maximum Total Height is 200 feet

You can divide that maximum total height up any way you want:
So you can hand-pump from a 350 foot static water level.
Or you can hand pump from 200 feet static water level, plus pump uphill for 50 feet vertical rise (five stories), plus into household plumbing (100 feet proxy equivalent to pressure). Or other combinations of water level, vertical rise and pressure -- as long as the total of these three factors is less than 350 feet.

MAXIMUM INSTALLATION DEPTH

Installations performed by a PROFESSIONAL (well driller/installer or plumber) are not subject to any additional depth limitations, beyond those described above.

For installations by a NON-PROFESSIONAL there is an additional limit. With increasing depth, installation becomes more difficult, in terms of safely and effectively handling the longer (heavier) length of drop pipe kits. To allow a large margin of safety, the maximum installation depth, supported under warranty for non-professional installation, is 250 feet.

VOLUME AND EFFORT

Pumping rates from the Simple Pump vary directly with the frequency and length of strokes of the lever arm. In normal operation, Simple Pump delivers up to 5 gallons per minute. Pumping water from normal depths is easy. The actual force required is dependent on the static water level, not the total length of drop pipe assembly. For a common installation, a well with a 100-foot static water level, it takes approximately 12 pounds of downward force using our 24” lever arm. A child can easily do this. Even at a static water level of 350 feet, it takes only approximately 21 pounds of downward force, using our 36” lever arm.