Instant Pond

[bindian]

Rural King or Tractor supply will have 2" pumps with a Briggs motor for around $250, hoses will be extra. 3-4" will cost a lot more. If you were closer I would loan my 2" pump to you. It will probably take a day to pump it down with a 2" pump. Nice job on the pond, you have a good eye. I took almost three summers to dig my pond. I would work on it in my spare time inbetween repairing dozers, tractors and the pan. I ran into a lot of hardpan which I had to chip out piece by piece. Mine turned out about 4 acres in size and we have really enjoyed it. Good Luck! Wish we had some of your rain.

Thanks Dozernut,
I looked at local TSC yesterday and didn't see any. I will check their catalog. I have heard Harbor Freight sells them, but not the coupling and/or hoses.
Your 4 acres of lake is a little bigger than my pond.
hugs, Brandi

 

[radrock]

Oh Wow. You do it all day, but someone else's project. I guess the fun goes out of it after loading a few hundred dump trucks. I love aviation, but get tired of it.
hugs, Brandi

Aww. I've worked construction all my life and I still like it even if I am closing in on retirement. I think with any job you get somewhat tied of it at times. But when away from it while you will miss it. I tried to get into aviation when I went into the service but they wouldn't let me do it. :-(

 

[Wilky]

Thanks Dozernut,
I looked at local TSC yesterday and didn't see any. I will check their catalog. I have heard Harbor Freight sells them, but not the coupling and/or hoses.
Your 4 acres of lake is a little bigger than my pond.
hugs, Brandi

Brandi here's a link http://www.tractorsupply.com/red-lion-5-5-hp-engine-driven-water-pump-1023077. Have one works great. Have pumped our ponds a few times also a basement when we were building sons house.
Wayne

 

[rjwerth]

Anybody got any good ideas on pumps? Water pump or Trash pump? 2 or 3 inch? Best place to buy?
hugs, Brandi

Don't think they go down that far, but I just got a Powermate 2" full trash at Menards for $800. That's $200 less than the Northern Tool version (not to mention another $110 to ship) which seems to have the same pump and engine...just a different cage. Works way better than I had anticipated!

As for the size, how much time do you want to spend pumping? 2" is all I needed...but my pond is only about 1/2 acre or so...

 

[bindian]

I finally had enough of the flash flooding today and decided I needed a pump and I needed it now, even if I had to charge it. Each flash flood (another inch today) is eroding the dam. Today's flash flood washed roots over the spillway and left debris in a 5 foot wide path. So I called around and found out we had a new Northern Tool store that just opened under my nose.
I stopped in to Conroe's TSC and they did have a selection of pumps. But I still was undecided if I needed a 2 or 3 inch pump. So I went to my favorite local tractor/lawnmower/Stihl store and talked to the owner. He said all I needed was a 2 inch pump, after I showed him the pond photos. I told him I was gonna buy one from Northern or TSC. He said he rents Honda pumps to select customers. Then the lite bulb went off that he was a Honda dealer. He said I could have a Honda WB20XT 2 inch pump for $383. Heck, I was planning on $250-300 plus buy the warranty from TSC or Northern. So I bought the Honda pump from the same guys that sold me my Stihl Chain Saw, my Hustler Fastrac zero turn mower, my Mahindra 6520, and soon to pickup........a Top Hat 24+5 foot dovetail dual tandem gooseneck trailer. Years before that I was buying Snapper parts to rebuild transmission and axle to a free to me rear engine rider mower.
So it pays to stay with the same folks. This pump, in the Northern catalog.....goes for $469. I also bought an electronic hour meter. This kind just wraps the wire around the spark plug cable 5 times and tyrap it secure. So far, it ran 2.2 hours on a tank full and lowered the pond six inches.
hugs, Brandi

 

[bindian]

So I bought the pump from Outdoor Equipment Outlet in Conroe, but begged off buying Honda hoses. I went back to TSC and bought them there and came home. Then I realized the strainer that came with the pump, did not fit the hose. So I knew the new Northern Tool in town had lots of fittings, so I went back there and bought a screw on strainer. I tywrapped the hose and strainer into a 5 gallon bucket and tossed into the pond. Can someone explain to me how to throw a two inch suction hose to get it out full length instead of just it coiling up near the shore??????????????
So here are more photos showing the pump in action. I had the discharge flowing into the ditch behind the dam that limited the pond's size. I found the discharge eroded less when the hose end is off the ground about 2 inches and squirts onto a small sheet of plywood.
hugs, Brandi

 

[bindian]

Brandi here's a link Red Lion 5.5 HP Engine Driven Water Pump - 1023077 | Tractor Supply Company. Have one works great. Have pumped our ponds a few times also a basement when we were building sons house.
Wayne

Wilky,
I saw that pump today and probably would have bought it, until Tim convinced me to buy the Honda engine and Honda pump. 3 year warranty, service and parts from good friends for a decent price. Thanks.
hugs, Brandi

 

[bindian]

Don't think they go down that far, but I just got a Powermate 2" full trash at Menards for $800. That's $200 less than the Northern Tool version (not to mention another $110 to ship) which seems to have the same pump and engine...just a different cage. Works way better than I had anticipated!

As for the size, how much time do you want to spend pumping? 2" is all I needed...but my pond is only about 1/2 acre or so...

rjwerth,
I have never seen a Menards down here, but thanks anyway.
hugs, Brandi

 

[bindian]

I just checked pump process and it has the water down to within of a couple of inches where I staked for the lower lip of the overflow pipe. So it has gone down over 1.5 feet in a little over 3 hours. With the pond basin in a bowl shape, with the island, the water will be going down faster each minute the pump runs. I probably could have got by with a 1 & 1/2 inch pump!
hugs, Brandi

 

[bindian]

Aww. I've worked construction all my life and I still like it even if I am closing in on retirement. I think with any job you get somewhat tied of it at times. But when away from it while you will miss it. I tried to get into aviation when I went into the service but they wouldn't let me do it. :-(

I understand. More and more I find myself, at work, thinking of retirement.
hugs, Brandi

 

[radrock]

So I bought the pump from Outdoor Equipment Outlet in Conroe, but begged off buying Honda hoses. I went back to TSC and bought them there and came home. Then I realized the strainer that came with the pump, did not fit the hose. So I knew the new Northern Tool in town had lots of fittings, so I went back there and bought a screw on strainer. I tywrapped the hose and strainer into a 5 gallon bucket and tossed into the pond. Can someone explain to me how to throw a two inch suction hose to get it out full length instead of just it coiling up near the shore??????????????
So here are more photos showing the pump in action. I had the discharge flowing into the ditch behind the dam that limited the pond's size. I found the discharge eroded less when the hose end is off the ground about 2 inches and squirts onto a small sheet of plywood.
hugs, Brandi

Well it looks like you are pumping a good stream of water. Pump some up my way please. No rain here and this is the ozarks. Hey if you have a long enough rope you can tie one end around the suction end and walk around opposite side of the pond and drag that suction hose where you need it. It doesn't look like the pond is too big to do it that way. Those hoses are so stiff especially when new.

 

[bindian]

Well it looks like you are pumping a good stream of water. Pump some up my way please. No rain here and this is the ozarks. Hey if you have a long enough rope you can tie one end around the suction end and walk around opposite side of the pond and drag that suction hose where you need it. It doesn't look like the pond is too big to do it that way. Those hoses are so stiff especially when new.

Radrock,
I'll get a rope tomorrow. Gotta go back into town anyway. I think I will still need another 20 feet of suction hose. I really don't wanna put an almost $400 pump on top of goo. Even if I am able to dig out a small level spot...........it's still on goo. Until the sun comes out.............anything below the top of the dam is goo. Luke helped me throw the hose/strainer/bucket assembly out further. He had to pull on my arm as I pulled my rubber boot out of the suction.
Anyway, the water is going down fast now.
hugs, Brandi

 

[firedog]

Can someone explain to me how to throw a two inch suction hose to get it out full length instead of just it coiling up near the shore??????????????

Sounds like the suction hose has been stored coiled up, which doesn't help. When not is use, store it at length.
For now, you can take a piece of 1" pvc and ty-rap (or duct tape) it to the hose. That should get you out there a little better.

Also, instead of throwing the hose in, push it straight in and then connect it to the pump.

 

[bindian]

Sounds like the suction hose has been stored coiled up, which doesn't help. When not is use, store it at length.
For now, you can take a piece of 1" pvc and ty-rap (or duct tape) it to the hose. That should get you out there a little better.

Also, instead of throwing the hose in, push it straight in and then connect it to the pump.

Firedog,
Thanks for the tips.
hugs, Brandi

 

[jinman]

Anybody got any good ideas on pumps? Water pump or Trash pump? 2 or 3 inch? Best place to buy?
hugs, Brandi

I bought a Red Lion pump from TSC for a very good price and it has worked perfectly. The instructions call for changing the oil at 8 hours to get rid of manuf. residue. I did that and the pump has always started 1st or 2nd pull. I also shut off the fuel and let the carb run dry when quitting. A water hose aimed at the inlet will clean out the pump housing and ensure the seals don't run dry while getting it ready to secure. The 2" hose kit from TSC is outstanding. It has everything you need to get started. I found a bit of teflon tape on the pump fitting makes the connection water tight and easier to get on/off. The quick attach fittings on the new hoses are a bit tight and have some sharp edges, so wear gloves for best protection when hooking up and latching. Also, if you tie some weight onto the suction fitting, it will not tend to float to the top. Getting it to stay under water can be an issue in shallow water. I found my pump runs a bit over 2 hours on a tank of fuel and moves lots of water. Depending on how much outlet hose you need, expect to spend between $350 and $400. I got the extended warranty on the pump, but you can save yourself about $40 if you don't get that. You have a 1 year warranty anyhow.

EDIT: Be sure an prime the pump before starting. The inlet fitting has a checkvalve to hold your prime water in the pump housing. After the pump starts, it will run 30 seconds or longer before it picks up water and begins to pump. Once it gets going it is "Katie bar the door."

 

[bindian]

I bought a Red Lion pump from TSC for a very good price and it has worked perfectly. The instructions call for changing the oil at 8 hours to get rid of manuf. residue. I did that and the pump has always started 1st or 2nd pull. I also shut off the fuel and let the carb run dry when quitting. A water hose aimed at the inlet will clean out the pump housing and ensure the seals don't run dry while getting it ready to secure. The 2" hose kit from TSC is outstanding. It has everything you need to get started. I found a bit of teflon tape on the pump fitting makes the connection water tight and easier to get on/off. The quick attach fittings on the new hoses are a bit tight and have some sharp edges, so wear gloves for best protection when hooking up and latching. Also, if you tie some weight onto the suction fitting, it will not tend to float to the top. Getting it to stay under water can be an issue in shallow water. I found my pump runs a bit over 2 hours on a tank of fuel and moves lots of water. Depending on how much outlet hose you need, expect to spend between $350 and $400. I got the extended warranty on the pump, but you can save yourself about $40 if you don't get that. You have a 1 year warranty anyhow.

EDIT: Be sure an prime the pump before starting. The inlet fitting has a checkvalve to hold your prime water in the pump housing. After the pump starts, it will run 30 seconds or longer before it picks up water and begins to pump. Once it gets going it is "Katie bar the door."

Uh ...Jim....uh....You are a day late.:mur: Are you a dollar short too? Thanks for the input and advice. I thought about buying the kit from TSC, but just picked up the loose hoses as I had the Honda supplied strainer..........which I didn't use. Went back to TSC this morning for another 20 feet of suction hose.


hugs, Brandi

 

[jinman]

Uh ...Jim....uh....You are a day late.:mur: Are you a dollar short too? Thanks for the input and advice. I thought about buying the kit from TSC, but just picked up the loose hoses as I had the Honda supplied strainer..........which I didn't use. Went back to TSC this morning for another 20 feet of suction hose.


hugs, Brandi

Well, I DID describe that pump fully in my own pond thread about a month ago and talked about most of the issues you are having; however, you are exactly right that I'm a bit slow on the uptake here.

What I did to hold the hose fairly staight out was loop a wire through the strainer basket and tie on a weight. That way the end of the hose drops down when you toss out the hose. I used a long pole to push the unweighted strainer end out and it would just curl up anyhow. Putting the weight on as an anchor worked as well as anything I tried. Don't put too heavy a weight on the end because that will be too hard to throw. You just need maybe two pounds to make the stainer sink and do it before the hose can curl up.

 

[pacerron]

Well, I DID describe that pump fully in my own pond thread about a month ago and talked about most of the issues you are having; however, you are exactly right that I'm a bit slow on the uptake here.

What I did to hold the hose fairly staight out was loop a wire through the strainer basket and tie on a weight. That way the end of the hose drops down when you toss out the hose. I used a long pole to push the unweighted strainer end out and it would just curl up anyhow. Putting the weight on as an anchor worked as well as anything I tried. Don't put too heavy a weight on the end because that will be too hard to throw. You just need maybe two pounds to make the stainer sink and do it before the hose can curl up.

Back in ancient times when I got the bright idea of watering my garden from a creek with a pump like this, which story I told earlier about mowing the corn off from the water pressure, the fancy intake hoses either were not available or too expensive. I just rigged a 45 degree PVC rigid pipe connection at the pump inlet and used 2 pieces of 10 foot rigid plastic pipe with the couplings just slipped on, not glued. The angle piece which is slip joint to thread allows for adjustment turning to get the strainer in the water with the pump at a higher level. The advantage is not only cheap but the fact you don't have to do all the weighing down of the strainer and no problem with a flex hose rolling up on you.

 

[Iowachild]

I understand. More and more I find myself, at work, thinking of retirement.
hugs, Brandi

One year, six months, ten days.......who thinks about retirement?

BTW Wasn't Texas dry as h e double hokey sticks last summer?

Nice property!

 

[bindian]

Well, I DID describe that pump fully in my own pond thread about a month ago and talked about most of the issues you are having; however, you are exactly right that I'm a bit slow on the uptake here.

What I did to hold the hose fairly staight out was loop a wire through the strainer basket and tie on a weight. That way the end of the hose drops down when you toss out the hose. I used a long pole to push the unweighted strainer end out and it would just curl up anyhow. Putting the weight on as an anchor worked as well as anything I tried. Don't put too heavy a weight on the end because that will be too hard to throw. You just need maybe two pounds to make the stainer sink and do it before the hose can curl up.

Jim,
I remember you talking about it. That is why I was going to buy a pump from TSC. I had the strainer in a bucket and that would float when I was moving it out in the water, than pull back on the hose and it would tip and flood to sink.

Today we got a flash flood downpour (again) of 1.5 inches and the pond is full again. I moved the pump stuff back out to the dam and tywrapped 2/3 of a house brick to the strainer and screwed it on the end of the hose, that had a 100 foot rope attached. When ready to sink the strainer, I just went around the pond and pull it in position. Real simple. So I am a mud/pump engineer again.:laughing:
hugs, Brandi