I am looking for an easy way to pump water uphill out of a barrel. Feel free to suggest other methods, but in particular I am wondering about the following:
Can I use a siphon like this as a manual water pump?
The product description at this link says I can use it or air; would it be practical to use for water?
Best Answer
That's not going to get you very far with actually pumping water uphill. It can get a drain/hose started -- like an aquarium siphon kit -- but if you need the water to exit the hose at a level above the water level within the barrel, a better solution would be an inexpensive submersible pump.
You can find submersible pumps of varying sizes at major home improvement stores, online e.g. amazon, at large landscape or swimming pool suppliers, etc. I have a really small (~$20) one that would be good for the barrel situation; I've also used it as a temporary laundry pump and to drain rain water from swimming pool covers. I just put on a 1/2" ID clear PVC hose and plug it in.