How to install a pitcher pipe for a mud kitchen?

Question

I work in a primary school and we want to install a mud kitchen with a working pitcher pipe. For OH&S reasons the pump won’t have access to running water or electricity.

because it’s for school ages children it needs to be robust and durable.

the water source needs to be easily emptied and refilled to ensure water doesn’t get gross.

ideally I would like to use a plastic barrel and a pitcher pump. Is it possible to set the pitcher pump up to pump water from the barrel? And if so, how? I’m open to literally any and all ideas. I run the kitchen garden but I’ve never dabbled in plumbing before.

pictures are for reference of what I was thinking. Nothing has been purchased yet. Please let me know your thoughts!

-Andy

MitchellMc · Answer

Hi @AndyL,

Regarding the pump you found, as we don’t sell or supply that particular product, I can only speculate on the exact setup requirements and how it connects to a water source. The most reliable source of information would be the manufacturer’s guidelines, as they should outline the intended installation method and any specific requirements for safe and effective use.

That said, I would expect that the general principles I mentioned earlier would still apply, particularly in relation to positioning, gravity, and maintaining consistent water flow.

Mitchell

AndyL · Answer

Hi Mitchell, Thankyou for your response! Your OHS advice was really helpful. I did some more searching for manual water pumps similar to a traditional pitcher pump and have found several play equipment specialists but they are quoting upwards of 10k for a water pump and this is for a public school so, absolutely not.

I did how ever find this similar style pump. can I position a barrel at ground level, and if so, do I need to set up the connecting pipe so that it comes out of the top or the bottom of the barrel? What would work best with regards to gravity and water pressure for this pump? The innitial picture of the barrel was just for reference but really it could be anything around that size, so long as a lid can be securely fitted to stop children accessing it but easily removed for cleaning purposes.

I look forward to your response!

MitchellMc · Answer

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @AndyL. It's sensational to have you join us and many thanks for your question on installing a pitcher pump.

That’s definitely possible. A barrel can essentially act the same as a small “well”. It’s just a matter of how you position it and connect the intake. The key requirement for a pitcher pump is that the intake pipe can draw water effectively, so it needs to reach down into the water source and stay submerged.

With a bit of ingenuity, the barrel could sit right next to the pump at ground level. You’d just need a suitable connection so the intake pipe draws from the lower part of the barrel. This can be done either by installing a larger fitting near the base of the barrel and connecting the pipe there. Drawing from the bottom helps ensure consistent flow and makes full use of the stored water.

It’s worth noting that the small tap outlet isn't large enough for this purpose. It's too narrow and restrictive for a pump intake. They’re better kept for draining the barrel when you want to empty, clean, or refresh the water. I suspect you'd need at least a

https://www.bunnings.com.au/philmac-2-tank-outlet_p4814055

and larger still would be better.

So overall, your idea is workable but it mainly comes down to how you want to position the barrel and set up the intake connection so the pump can draw water reliably.

Just on safety, while this is for a primary school (so generally a bit lower risk than a preschool setting), it’s still worth considering the pump design. Pitcher pumps made specifically for children, like the ones you often see in council parks, are typically built quite differently from standard models. They’re designed to avoid pinch or crushing points. A traditional pitcher pump with an exposed lever mechanism can create a risk where a child’s hand is in the wrong place at the wrong time, potentially leading to injury. It’s something to factor in when choosing the style of pump.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell