Annual maintenance for the Simple Pump machined well cap, pump head, and handle ensures reliable operation. This guide covers all the fasteners you need to check.
Overview
There are multiple fasteners on the head portion of the Simple Pump. We want to make sure they are tight so that over time they don't loosen and start to wear parts of your Simple Pump out prematurely.
Machined Well Cap
The Simple Pump machined well cap is different than our sealed well caps in that it doesn't have bolts that bring two pieces together. The machined well cap has four pinch bolts that come in from the side of the well cap.
Maintenance Steps
- The machined well cap pinch bolts are 3/16" Allen and you tighten them until they are as tight as you can get them against your well casing
- These bolts can loosen up over time as you're pumping the system, but if you check annually, your pump should work correctly
Split Flange
The split flange is what holds the Simple Pump system to the well cap.
Maintenance Steps
- There are four total bolts here. One on the side is called the pinch bolt. This is the first bolt you want to make sure is tight. You can crank this pretty hard - the aluminum is thick and can handle that. Make sure the split flange is really tight to prevent the pump system from dropping over time due to gravity.
- After the pinch bolt is nice and tight, double-check that the three bolts on top are tight as well.
Handle Bracket (Lever Bracket)
The handle bracket is what mounts to the pump head and manages the pivoting of the pump handle.
Maintenance Steps
- There are four bolts that utilize a 3/16" Allen head. Just make sure these are nice and tight.
- This will ensure that the handle bracket and the geometry of the handle works correctly.
Pump Rod into the Clevis
The pump rod attaches to the clevis which is attached to the pump handle to generate the piston rod motion of the Simple Pump.
Maintenance Steps
- The clevis and pump rod are joined with a left-hand thread, so you tighten in the opposite direction that you typically would tighten a screw joint
- Make sure that you tighten this joint with a wrench
- It's best to tighten this last as it may loosen with the movement of the other joints
Remember: The clevis connection uses left-hand threads. Turn counterclockwise to tighten, clockwise to loosen.
Fastener Summary
| Location | Fastener Type | Tool Required |
|---|---|---|
| Machined well cap | 4 pinch bolts | 3/16" Allen |
| Split flange (side) | 1 pinch bolt | Allen wrench |
| Split flange (top) | 3 bolts | Allen wrench |
| Handle bracket | 4 bolts | 3/16" Allen |
| Pump rod to clevis | Left-hand thread | Wrench |
Maintenance Schedule
Annual: Check all fasteners listed above After heavy use: Verify handle bracket and clevis tightness If pump feels loose: Immediate inspection of all fasteners
Video Reference
For a visual walkthrough of this maintenance procedure, watch our maintenance video: Simple Pump Fastener Maintenance Video
That's it - those are the fasteners for the machined well cap and all the head portion above that.
Technical Support: 877-492-8711 ext. 6