Guide
Choose a Heller-Aller Manual Pump: Shallow, Lift, or Force
Which Heller-Aller manual pump fits my well or cistern?
Use a pitcher pump for an appropriate shallow well or cistern, a 190-A lift pump for a configured well/cistern lift installation, and a 50L force pump when water must be delivered to an elevated tank or another location. Confirm source measurements and piping with the supplier before ordering.
Heller-Aller manual pumps are configured for different water paths. Do not choose by appearance alone: the source depth, static water level, and whether water must travel to a tank, house, or barn all matter.
| Pump role | Best starting point | Important planning detail |
|---|---|---|
| Pitcher / cistern pump | Shallow wells and cisterns | Confirm suction lift, 1-1/4 in. piping, and winter drain-down. |
| 190-A lift pump | Set-length well or cistern installations | Match casing base and place the cylinder below the static water level; a foot valve is recommended for deeper installations. |
| 50L force pump | Moving water to an elevated tank, house, or barn | Needs application-specific cylinder, piping, and rod planning; confirm depth and delivery requirements before purchase. |
The listed lift ranges and installation details are product-specific. For a nonstandard well or a pump that will share a casing with an electric system, send the supplier the casing size, well depth, static water level, and delivery requirement before ordering.
Compare your options
Pitcher or cistern pump
A practical starting point for a shallow well or cistern when water is drawn at the pump or sent a short distance. Confirm the actual suction-lift limit and drain-down needs.
190-A lift pump
A set-length configuration with options for 4 in., 6 in., or platform mounting. Cylinder placement and a foot valve matter when water is deeper.
50L force pump
Designed for applications that require pressure-side delivery, including elevated storage. It needs application-specific depth, cylinder, rod, and piping planning.
Useful links
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Shop Heller-Aller water well pumps
Cottage Craft Works manual well pumps, parts, and installation tools
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Heller-Aller hand-pump education
Cottage Craft Works overview of shallow, lift, force, and windmill pump applications
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Private water-system education
Independent education on testing private water supplies before choosing treatment