Common Questions about Nira Pumps
New Pump Buyers
Q: Do Nira pumps freeze?
A: All our well pumps are freeze-proof. The drain hole in the top of the suction pipe cylinder must, however, be open to allow water to drain out.
Hand pumps 6B and 9 must be completely emptied of water before temperatures go below 0°C. Emptying the pump is done by disconnecting the suction pipe and pumping the pump until it is completely dry. Also remember to empty to the suction pipe before winter sets in. The ability of the seals in the pump to withstand sub-zero temperatures depends on the material they are made of and the liquid being pumped. Check our application guide.
Q: Do Nira pumps rust?
A: Some of our well pumps are completely rust-proof inside, such as the 1D and the Nira 1 antique pump, as well as the new Nira 67. Hand pumps Nira 2, 6B and 9 have steel mechanisms and can rust.
Q: What liquids can be pumped with the 2, 6B and 9 hand pumps?
A: The pumps are designed for pumping water, glycol, oil and diesel. With Viton seals petrol/gasoline can also be pumped. If you are planning to pump other chemicals or combinations, please check with our factory beforehand to ascertain suitability.
Q: How deep can the 6B and 9 hand pumps lift from?
A: Without a bottom valve 4 metres, and 8 metres with a bottom valve. A one metre vertical lift is the equivalent of around 10 metres of horizontal suction flow or pressure.
Q: Can the 6B and 9 pump handles be turned downwards?
A: The pumps can be ordered like this from the factory.
Q: How large a hole is needed in the well cover?
A: 100 mm
Q: How much pressure do well and hand pumps develop?
A: The pumps can lift liquid to a height of 10 metres. Antique models 1 and 3 do not create any pressure.
Q: Does the hand pump prevent the syphon effect?
A: No. If, after pumping is finished, the end of the flow side pipe is left lower than the level of the liquid being pumped, liquid will continue to flow until the end of the suction pipe is no longer immersed in liquid.
Existing Pump Users
Q: Is it possible to get parts for old Nira pumps?
A: Parts are available for almost all Nira pumps that have had rubber seals fitted. Niro pumps made in the 1950s and before can have the entire cylinder changed. Find out more here!
Q: Can the installation depth of a well pump be extended, and by how much?
A: The plastic suction pipe can be extended using pipe modules (available in 0.5 m, 1.0 m and 3.0 m lengths), up to a depth of 20 metres. A suction pipe can further extend the depth by up to 6 metres below the cylinder, using a bottom valve. The bottom of the suction pipe or cylinder must be at least 0.5 metres above the bottom of the well, otherwise the pump can suck up sand and debris from the bottom.
Q: When using a suction pipe, what is the thread at the bottom of the well pump suction cylinder?
A: On brass cylinders the thread is R1½" (inches) and on plastic cylinders the thread is 1 ¼" (inches).
Q: The pump is not lifting water or developing pressure, what might be the problem? The handle might also feel 'loose'.
A: There are a number of possible causes. Typical causes include:
- The level of water in the well has gone lower than the bottom of the suction pipe/cylinder
- The cylinder seal has become worn and has started to leak
- The flap on the piston in the hand pump has become jammed (either open or shut)
- There is sand or debris in the bottom valve or the cylinder
- The piston shaft is broken
- The suction pipe leaks
Q: The pump has to be pumped for a long time before water starts to flow, or pumping seems particularly strenuous.
A: See answers to previous question
Q: The water coming from the pump tastes of iron or metallic, or it is not clear.
A: Water that has been standing in the suction pipes should be pumped out before drawing water for actual use. The metal suction pipes used in old pumps may be rusty and therefore affect the quality of the water. Changes in water colour or taste are not usually caused by the pump – the quality of the water in the well should be analysed.