Building Manual and Alternative Water Pumps for Survival

Introduction

In a survival scenario, having access to clean water is crucial. Building your own water pump can provide a reliable source of water when traditional methods fail. This guide covers six different types of manual water pumps, each with unique advantages and construction methods. Whether you’re dealing with a well, stream, or need to move water from one location to another, these pumps can be built using natural or scavenged materials.

PVC Hand Pump for Wells

A PVC hand pump is a simple yet effective way to access water from a well. Here’s how to build one:

Materials

• PVC tubing or hollowed tree limbs for the shaft
• Rubber spheres or plant-based rubber for check valves
• O-rings (rubber, leather, or plant-based) for seals

Construction Steps

1. Shaft Construction: Cut the PVC tubing or hollowed tree limbs to the appropriate length for your well. Ensure the shaft is long enough to reach the water level.
2. Check Valves: Create check valves using cut rubber spheres or plant-based rubber. These valves prevent water from flowing back up the shaft.
3. Sealing: Use O-rings to prevent leaks. Place them around the shaft where it connects to the pump handle.
4. Handle: Attach a handle to the top of the shaft. This handle will be used to manually pump water up the shaft.

Reciprocating Displacement Pumps

A reciprocating displacement pump uses a piston system to move water. This pump is versatile and can be powered by hand or motor.

Materials

• Wooden components for the piston system
• Plant-based rubber or other water-resistant materials for piston seals
• Smooth pipe interiors for efficient operation

Construction Steps

1. Piston System: Construct a piston using wooden components. Ensure the piston fits snugly inside the pipe.
2. Seals: Use plant-based rubber or other water-resistant materials to create seals around the piston. This prevents water from leaking past the piston.
3. Pipe: Ensure the pipe interiors are smooth to reduce friction and increase efficiency.
4. Handle: Attach a handle to the piston. This handle will be used to manually pump water.

Archimedes Screw Pump

An Archimedes screw pump is a simple yet effective way to move water from a lower to a higher elevation. This pump can be powered by a crank or motor.

Materials

• Lightweight fiberglass for durability
• Rubber edging and food-safe silicon for better seals

Construction Steps

1. Screw Construction: Build a helical screw inside a submerged pipe. The screw should be long enough to reach the water level.
2. Crank or Motor: Attach a crank or motor to rotate the screw. This will move the water up the pipe.
3. Seals: Use rubber edging and food-safe silicon to create seals around the screw. This prevents water from leaking past the screw.
4. Pipe: Ensure the pipe is submerged in the water and the screw is properly aligned.

Mini Electric Pump

A mini electric pump can be powered by scavenged motors from appliances. This pump is ideal for moving water from one location to another.

Materials

• Scavenged motors from appliances (battery or conventional)
• Impeller and chamber for water movement

Construction Steps

1. Motor Selection: Choose a scavenged motor that can be powered by a battery or conventional power source.
2. Impeller Construction: Create an impeller and chamber for water movement. The impeller should be designed to move water efficiently.
3. Power Source: Connect the motor to a power source. Ensure the motor is properly sealed to prevent water damage.
4. Sealing: Avoid sealing motor vents to prevent overheating. Use a fan or other cooling method to keep the motor cool.

Ram Pumps

A ram pump utilizes the power of moving water to move water from a lower to a higher elevation. This pump requires no electricity and minimal maintenance.

Materials

• PVC, check ball, and fittings

Construction Steps

1. Pipe Construction: Construct the inlet and outlet pipes using PVC. The inlet pipe should be 18 inches below the water level.
2. Check Ball: Install a check ball in the inlet pipe. This ball will prevent water from flowing back into the stream.
3. Fittings: Use fittings to connect the inlet and outlet pipes. Ensure the fittings are properly sealed to prevent leaks.
4. Operation: Place the inlet pipe in the stream and the outlet pipe in the desired location. The moving water in the stream will power the pump.

Diaphragm Pumps

A diaphragm pump uses a flexible diaphragm chamber to move water. This pump can be powered by electric motors, gravity motors, or sound wave vibrations.

Materials

• PVC, rubber (e.g., gloves), and check balls

Construction Steps

1. Chamber Construction: Create a flexible diaphragm chamber using PVC and rubber. The chamber should be designed to move water efficiently.
2. Check Balls: Install check balls in the chamber. These balls will prevent water from flowing back into the chamber.
3. Power Source: Power the pump using an electric motor, gravity motor, or sound wave vibrations. Ensure the power source is properly connected to the pump.
4. Sealing: Use rubber gloves or other flexible materials to create seals around the diaphragm chamber. This prevents water from leaking past the seals.

Conclusion

Building your own water pump can provide a reliable source of water in a survival scenario. Each of the six methods described in this guide has unique advantages and construction methods. Whether you’re dealing with a well, stream, or need to move water from one location to another, these pumps can be built using natural or scavenged materials.