Last Updated on October 20, 2022 by Griselda M.
Do you want to know how to make a homemade water pump without a motor? If the answer is yes, this article will be your perfect guide!
Every aquaponics system and fish tank needs a water pump. The water pump moves water from one place to another. In aquaponics, water is pumped from the fish tank into the grow beds and back.
The water from the fish is very nutrient-dense and provides the perfect balanced fertilizer for your plants. This is why a water pump is crucial.
Typically, water pumps run off electricity. A small motor turns to power the movement of the water. These pumps can be bought at the store.
But what if we told you that you can make a homemade water pump without a motor? This means that you do not even need electricity. Better yet, it can be made using upcycled materials!
For anyone who likes DIY (do-it-yourself) projects, this article is for you. We will go through all the different ways to make a homemade water pump without a motor.
Keep reading now to get started on this interesting project!
How Can I Pump Water Without Electricity?
You might be shocked to learn that you can pump water without using electricity. But water has been moved without power for centuries.
Today, there are a few ways to do this.
One way is to take advantage of the natural principles of gravity and suction. If you use the right proportions, you can set up a system that flows down from a higher point and back around simply from the pressure of the water falling.
In this case, the higher your source, the stronger the pump and flow will be. When the water flows in and out of your system, it creates a suck that will move the contents of your pipe.
Another way you can pump water without electricity is to use renewable energy. With the current climate crisis, taking advantage of renewables is an excellent step in the right direction.
Renewable energy means that the source of energy can be replenished faster than it is used. Typical electricity comes from coal, natural, or oil. These resources take thousands of years to form and only seconds to consume.
Some types of renewable energy are things like wind, water, and solar.
You can easily set up a solar water pump that uses the sun as its power. If you want to do this, you have to make sure you find a good spot with direct sun.
Most solar panels work with Direct Current (DC) electric channels. This means that the energy is only supplied when the sun is shining on it.
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If you want to use this method, you will need to be sure to place your pumps in a place with adequate sun. The stronger the sun, the higher the power. It is possible to set up batteries to store the energy generated.
More Non-electric Water Pumps
However, if you only have a small system and do not need to pump water at night this is not necessary. Battery storage systems for solar can be quite expensive.
Another non-electric water pump is using a water wheel. This is a very traditional method that uses the movement of flowing water to turn a wheel around. Water is then funneled from the wheel to wherever you need it to go.
To use this method, you have to have a flowing river or some body of water that is moving. If you do not have access to this, you probably need to go with another option.
You can consider looking into RAM pumps. According to the Clemson College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Life Sciences, “Hydraulic ram pumps can lift the water over a considerable elevation, and do not require any external power source.” RAM pumps are useful if you want to move small amounts of water.
You have to push the pump by hand 30-40 times to stimulate air that will create pressure in your water pipes. This pressure will move water from the source to your final location. It creates a kind of hammer inside the pipe that pushes the water.
Hydraulic Long Ram Jack with Single Piston Pump
You can purchase RAM pumps but they are pretty expensive. It is possible to make your DIY RAM pump for under 200$.
To do this, you need to buy the correct piping that fits your system. Your fish tank needs to be located at a lower elevation than your grow beds.
Typically you will be using PVC pipes for this. The actual RAM pump pipe will be the largest one in diameter.
How Can I Pump Water Without a Motor?
If you really want to make a homemade water pump without a motor, it will take work and more detailed research. Lucky for you, there are plenty of resources available online.
All of the options mentioned above are motorless. It is simply using energy, air, and gravity to create a pushing force. This force is what creates the movement of the water.
There are at least 10 different ways to make a homemade water pump without a motor. Choose which one suits your area best. For example, if you live in a place with a lot of direct sunlight, go with the solar panel pumps.
If you have a windy and flat area, you can go with a wind-powered one. Of course, if you have access to flowing water, you can try the water wheel method.
However, one of the cheapest and most reliable ways is the RAM pump. This is because all you need is your own strength to push the pump lever.
Hopefully, you now have more of an understanding of what a homemade water pump without a motor looks like. It is a great option for anyone on a budget or who does not have access to electricity on their project site.
Good luck with your project and feel free to comment and ask questions below!
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FAQs
How can I pump water without electricity?
One way is to take advantage of the natural principles of gravity and suction. If you use the right proportions, you can set up a system that flows down from a higher point and back around simply from the pressure of the water falling.
In this case, the higher your source, the stronger the pump and flow will be. When the water flows in and out of your system, it creates a suck that will move the contents of your pipe.
Another way you can pump water without electricity is to use renewable energy. With the current climate crisis, taking advantage of renewables is an excellent step in the right direction.
Candace is an aquaponics expert with over 5 years of experience in the field. She has a degree in environmental science from the University of California, Berkeley and a degree in aquaponics from the University of Florida. She is passionate about sustainable agriculture and has a deep knowledge of aquaculture and hydroponics. She has worked on numerous projects and has been involved in the development of aquaponic systems and fish farms. She also has experience in designing and constructing aquaponic systems. With her expertise, Candace is able to advise clients on the most effective and efficient way to construct and manage their aquaponic system. She is an active member of the aquaponic community, often speaking at conferences and seminars. Candace is dedicated to helping others understand the importance of aquaponics, and she is a strong advocate for sustainable food production.
