A common question we receive is whether the Simple Pump is NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) certified. Below you'll find a clear explanation of our certifications and the regulatory landscape across U.S. states.
Certifications
While the Simple Pump as a consolidated assembly has not been NSF certified, all materials that come in contact with water are either NSF Certified or FDA Approved.
Water-contact metals — any metal that is submerged in water, that water passes through, or that comes in contact with water is either 303, 304, or 316 stainless steel, or lead-free brass.
Water-contact plastics — any plastic that is submerged in water, that water passes through, or that comes in contact with water is either water grade acetal or NSF certified PVC.
Fiberglass rods — our fiberglass pump rods are covered with a resin that is FDA approved for drinking water use.
If you have any additional questions about the materials used in our systems, you are always welcome to contact us.
State Regulatory Approvals
As far as we are aware, there are only two states that have any kind of approvals or regulations around the use of hand pumps: Michigan and Wisconsin.
Michigan
Important notice for Michigan homeowners: We have been made aware of a situation where a Simple Pump customer sold their home in Michigan and the inspector required them to remove the Simple Pump in order for the house sale to close. If you are in Michigan and considering a Simple Pump, please read this section carefully before purchasing.
The Simple Pump hand pump is not currently approved by the Michigan Department of Water Resources (DWR).
We have tried to work with the Michigan DWR on multiple occasions and will continue to do our best to attain approval. The main sticking point is the rod gland at the top of the pump where the pump rod comes through.
What the DWR requires: A packing nut/gland that requires tightening when it begins to leak.
What Simple Pump uses: Seals that do not require tightening — only replacement when they wear out.
The DWR's requirement exists to prevent outside water from entering the pump. In practice, neither design will allow water in from the outside when components are in good condition. Either solution can allow water infiltration once worn to the point of leaking while pumping — the difference is in the remedy:
- Packing nut/gland: Tighten the nut to reseal, eventually requiring full nut/gland replacement. Overtightening creates significant friction on the pump rod, increasing the effort required to operate the pump.
- Simple Pump seals: Replace the seals — a quick job that restores a proper seal without affecting pumping effort.
Simple Pump requires less pumping effort than any other hand pump on the market, and our seal design is a key reason why. This is why we have not adopted a packing nut/gland design.
We are actively working to develop a Michigan-only solution that would satisfy the DWR requirement without impacting the design for our other customers.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin has regulations governing the well seal (cap) used as part of a hand pump installation. The seal must be vermin-proof around the well casing and submersible cable.
Boshart sealed cap: Meets Wisconsin requirements when installed per the included instructions. No modifications needed.
Machined cap: Requires two additional steps for Wisconsin compliance:
- Apply a bead of caulking in the groove of the cap.
- Thread conduit into the cap port.
When installed with these steps, the machined cap also meets Wisconsin requirements.
Have more questions about certifications or state regulations? Contact us — we're happy to help.