This is really a two part question, regarding a seasonal property that has wells, ponds and a cistern. I have used Sears Craftsman Hydroglass shallow well/convertible jet pumps in 1/2, 3/4, and 1 h.p. for over 30 years. It seems they are no longer available. Does anybody know what happened to them? Any chance the same pump line is available under a different name? I found them to be amazingly reliable and affordable. I replaced one pump with a Canadian store brand from Home Hardware (not sure who the actual maker is). It's a seemingly quality pump with a cast iron housing and an A.O. Smith motor. While three of the four pumps are drained for winter, the main house pump is left in service, in an insulated pump house with internal heating. Problem is, this pump locks up from sedimentation if it sits for long periods; two to three months I'd say. Never a problem for the Craftsman pumps in the same application. Since I have to pay a handyman to break it open, clean it up and restore operation in my absence, it's getting expensive.
I am looking for suitable replacements in 1/2 horsepower, perhaps 3/4. At any given time I have four pumps installed and a backup on the shelf. I'll probably start with a pair of pumps; one installed and one back-up. Then as other Craftsman pumps reach the end of their life, I'll replace them one by one. With that said, I'm looking for something that is affordable, reliable and likely to remain in production. So far I have noticed products form Sta Rite in both cast iron and plastic housing (Flotec line) construction. I'm not afraid of plastic, such I've had such good experience with the Craftsman pumps. But I guess there's cheap plastic and quality plastic. Other brands I see: Wayne, Everbuilt, Flint, Myers, Goulds and Hallmark. Hallmark looks beefy, but they are inexpensive on eBay. Wondering if they are low-quality Chinese?
I'd appreciate opinions on a pump to commit to for the long term. Of course I'd be grateful to hear about any sources for the Craftsman Hydroglass pumps or a stash of parts to keep mine viable. Thanks!
I am looking for suitable replacements in 1/2 horsepower, perhaps 3/4. At any given time I have four pumps installed and a backup on the shelf. I'll probably start with a pair of pumps; one installed and one back-up. Then as other Craftsman pumps reach the end of their life, I'll replace them one by one. With that said, I'm looking for something that is affordable, reliable and likely to remain in production. So far I have noticed products form Sta Rite in both cast iron and plastic housing (Flotec line) construction. I'm not afraid of plastic, such I've had such good experience with the Craftsman pumps. But I guess there's cheap plastic and quality plastic. Other brands I see: Wayne, Everbuilt, Flint, Myers, Goulds and Hallmark. Hallmark looks beefy, but they are inexpensive on eBay. Wondering if they are low-quality Chinese?
I'd appreciate opinions on a pump to commit to for the long term. Of course I'd be grateful to hear about any sources for the Craftsman Hydroglass pumps or a stash of parts to keep mine viable. Thanks!
