Installation Challenges Solved What 1000+ Installations Taught Me

After 25+ years in the well pump business and personally overseeing 1,000+ installations across North America, I've seen every possible challenge customers face during installation.

More importantly, I've learned what actually works to solve these challenges. Here are the real-world solutions that turn intimidating installations into successful DIY projects.

The Age Question: "Am I Too Old for This?"

Reality Check: One of our most impressive installations was completed by a 60-year-old, 100-pound woman in Georgia.

The Installation Details

• Well depth: 240 feet
• Installation time: Less than 3 hours
• Helper: Her disabled 59-year-old male companion who "did it while sitting in a chair"
• Experience level: No previous plumbing or well pump experience

What Made It Work

1. Simple Pump's Installation Safety Tool: "Made attaching each piece of the pipe a breeze"
2. Proper preparation: Had all tools ready and organized
3. Teamwork approach: One person stabilizing, one person connecting
4. Take breaks: No rush, steady progress

Her advice: "If you can screw a lid on a jar, you can do this!"

Installation Time Reality: What Customers Actually Experience

Forget the "quick installation" marketing claims. Here's what real customers report:

First-Time DIY Installers

• 1.5 hours: Maine customer, 140-foot well, zero plumbing experience
• Under 2 hours: Montana customer working in snow, 80 feet of drop pipes
• Little over an hour: Nevada customer with strong helper
• About 4 hours: Idaho customer taking their time safety

Key Insight: Experience Level Matters Less Than Preparation

The Montana customer had never installed a pump before but finished in under 2 hours because:

• Tools were organized and ready
• Instructions were studied beforehand
• Helper was available for pipe handling
• No rush - steady, methodical approach

Professional Installer Feedback: Industry Recognition

Maine Well Driller Response: After witnessing one of our installations, the crew was "highly impressed... blown away by the superiority of the Simple Pump in comparison [to Bison]... commented on the high quality of the materials."

Result: They started "recommending Simple Pump to everyone who has asked them about hand pumps."

What Professionals Notice

1. Material quality: "Head and shoulders above [competitors] in quality"
2. Installation ease: Fewer specialized tools required
3. System reliability: Fewer callbacks and service issues
4. Customer satisfaction: Happy customers = repeat business

The Most Common Installation Challenges (And Solutions)

Challenge #1: "I'm Not Strong Enough"

Customer Fear: "The pump parts are too heavy for me to handle"

Reality: Georgia customer proves this wrong. The heaviest single component is manageable with:

• Proper lifting technique: Bend knees, not back
• Helper for stabilization: One person lifts, one guides
• Break it down: Install components one at a time
• Use leverage: Pipe holder tool does most of the work

Challenge #2: "What If I Make a Mistake?"

Customer Fear: "I'll damage something expensive or contaminate my water"

Solutions from 1,000+ Installations:

• Follow the checklist: Every successful DIY installation used our step-by-step guide
• Dilute bleach cleaning: Prevents contamination (standard procedure)
• Test as you go: Check connections before proceeding
• Phone support: We're available during your installation

Challenge #3: "Winter Installation Impossibility"

Customer Fear: "Can't install in cold weather"

Montana Success Story: Customer installed successfully in foot of snow at 45°F

• Preparation: Tools and materials staged indoors
• Proper clothing: Insulated gloves that allow tool use
• Work in sections: Install components, warm up, repeat
• Ground preparation: Clear work area of snow/ice

Challenge #4: "My Well Is Too Deep"

Customer Reality: We've successfully guided installations to 300+ feet

Depth Solutions:

• 125-foot system: Most common, manageable for most customers
• 200+ feet: Requires methodical approach, more drop pipes
• 300+ feet: Consider professional installation or rent lifting equipment

Regional Installation Variations: What Works Where

Cold Climate Success (Montana, Maine, Canada)

• Winter installations: Possible with preparation
• Freeze protection: Simple drainage techniques work
• Material considerations: Cold-weather rated components

Hot Climate Adaptations (Nevada, Arizona, Texas)

• Summer installations: Early morning or evening work
• Heat precautions: Frequent breaks, hydration
• Material expansion: Account for thermal expansion

High Humidity Challenges (Southeast, Gulf Coast)

• Corrosion prevention: Marine-grade lubricants
• Moisture protection: Proper sealing techniques
• Hurricane preparation: Secure installation methods

The Professional vs. DIY Decision Matrix

When DIY Makes Sense

✅ Standard well configuration (casing through cap) ✅ Comfortable with basic tools (wrenches, pliers) ✅ Helper available for pipe handling ✅ No time pressure (can work at your own pace) ✅ Physical capability for moderate lifting

When to Call Professionals

❌ Submersible pipe through cap (requires pump lifting) ❌ Shared well system (multiple users affected) ❌ Commercial installation (liability considerations) ❌ Physical limitations (back problems, mobility issues) ❌ Time constraints (need water immediately)

Installation Success Secrets from 1,000+ Jobs

Secret #1: Tool Preparation Determines Success

Successful installations: All tools laid out and organized Problem installations: Searching for tools mid-job

Secret #2: Helper Makes 70% Difference

With helper: Average installation time cut by 70% Solo installation: Possible but takes 3x longer

Secret #3: Read Instructions Twice, Install Once

Successful customers: Studied instructions before starting Problem installations: Tried to figure it out as they went

Secret #4: Weather Planning

Best conditions: Calm, dry day with helper available Avoid: Windy conditions, rain, extreme temperatures

Real Customer Success Quotes

"Less than two hours and we kept the motor home full with water for showers and dishes with just 100 pumps." - Montana customer

"If you can screw a lid on a jar, you can do this!" - 60-year-old Georgia customer

"The handy pipe holder made attaching each piece of the pipe a breeze." - Multiple customers

"Better safe than sorry - took my time and had no problems." - Idaho customer

When to Call for Help (And We're Here)

During Installation Support

• Stuck on a step: Call during business hours for real-time help
• Tool problems: We can suggest alternatives or solutions
• Measurement questions: Better to ask than guess

Post-Installation Questions

• System performance: Normal vs. concerning signs
• Maintenance scheduling: When and how to service
• Seasonal adjustments: Winter preparation, summer considerations

Getting Professional Installation

If DIY isn't right for your situation, we work with certified installers nationwide who:

• Know our systems inside and out
• Carry proper insurance and licensing
• Provide warranty on installation work
• Can handle complex well configurations

Find a certified installer near you

Your Installation Success Plan

Based on 1,000+ successful installations, here's your path to success:

Week Before Installation

1. Study the instructions thoroughly
2. Gather all tools from our recommended list
3. Arrange helper for installation day
4. Check weather and plan accordingly

Installation Day

1. Start early when you're fresh
2. Work methodically through each step
3. Take breaks when needed
4. Call if stuck - we're here to help

After Installation

1. Test the system thoroughly
2. Document your configuration for future reference
3. Schedule first maintenance check
4. Enjoy your water security

Essential Installation Resources

Complete Installation Guide

Step-by-step instructions with real customer installation times and tips

Installation Tools & Parts

Everything you need for a successful DIY installation

Installation Video Library

Visual guides showing actual installation techniques on our YouTube channel

Professional Installation Quote

Certified installer with warranty coverage for your peace of mind

Ready to Join Our Success Stories?

After 1,000+ installations, I can tell you that the customers who succeed follow the same pattern: proper preparation, the right tools, and methodical execution.

Age, experience level, and physical strength matter far less than attitude and preparation.

Start Your Installation - Get a custom system recommendation and all the resources you need for success.

Questions about your specific installation? Call me directly at (877) 492-8711. I've personally guided thousands of customers through successful installations and I'm here to help you join them.