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Deep-well hand-pump

Water from deep wells is lifted with a pump which is similar to a plunger. A cylinder, including the plunger and valves, is supported on the discharge pipe deep enough in the well to be submerged in water at all times. The pump handle is connected to the plunger by means of a long rod. While this type of pump is self-priming due to the cylinder being submerged in the water, it must nevertheless be kept in good condition to work effectively.

From: Farm Structures in Tropical Climates http://www.fao.org/inpho/vlibrary/s1250e/s1250e00.htm. Edited by Lennart P. Bengtsson and James H. Whitaker, FAO copyright 2000.