Hydraulic Ram Pump

Step 1 Bill o' Materials

Before you can really do much, you've got to go out and buy some stuff. One of those sad facts of many projects. But if you want to build this (and it's a lot of fun to see it work), print out this list and head to the plumbing dept of your hardware store.

Materials for the Pump

• 1-1/4" valve
• 1-1/4" tee (buy two of these)
• 1-1/4" union
• 1-1/4" brass swing check valve
• 1-1/4" spring check valve
• 3/4" tee
• 3/4" valve
• 3/4" union
• 1-1/4" x 3/4" bushing
• 1/4" pipe cock
• 100 psi gauge
• 3/4" x 6" nipple
• 4" x 1-1/4" bushing
• 4" coupling
• 4" x 24" PR160 PVC pipe
• 4" PVC glue cap
• 3/4" x 1/4" bushing
• Short (4') section of 1-1/4" PVC pipe
• Old Bicycle Innertube

This parts list comes directly from the Clemson website. I recommend you look there for help in identifying what each of the pieces look like, if you're unsure. I'm also not convinced that the 100 PSI gauge, or all of the things that make it possible, are necessary. This will probably drop the price a good bit, and I haven't found a need for it on my pump. The associated pieces are: 100 PSI gauge, 3/4" Tee, 3/4" x 1/4" bushing, the 1/4" pipe cock. Four things not needed. But have them if you like.

Connections Note Read through the instructable and understand all the pipe-fitting connections that will happen before buying materials. The store may not have exactly what you're looking for, and you may have to improvise. I wound up getting some different parts because my local store didn't have the exact parts I was looking for. This usually appears in the form of not having a threaded fitting, but having a smooth pipe connection, or vice versa. Not a problem, you can figure it out.

Installation Materials

• Long section of 1-1/4" PVC ("drive pipe", connects pump to water supply)
• Garden Hose (male end threads into 3/4" union, supplies pumped water)
• Bricks, blocks, rocks to prop up and anchor pump
• Shower Drain assembly (must be able to attach to 1-1/4" pipe, for attaching pipe to water supply)

Build Materials and Tools

• PVC Primer (I used Oatey Purple Primer)
• PVC Cement (Oatey again, just what they had)
• Teflon Thread Tape
• Hacksaw
• Measuring Tape
• Clamps
• Pocket Knife
• Lab gloves (keeps the chemicals on the pipe and off your hands)
• Bike Pump (to inflate the innertube)

Comments

[pekar]

Nice project, I've been through the same fun process in building and playing with these pumps. What a blast! One correction What you're calling a stand pipe is actually a drive pipe. A stand pipe is an open ended vertical pipe used to improve efficiency when the pipe run from the head to the pump is a very long distance.

[habolooby]

Righto, got that fixed. Thanks for pointing that out. I think it was pretty late when I was putting the finishing touches on this, so thanks for helping me on that.

[zostedguy]

Thanks. I'm not sure where I said the drive pipe is a stand pipe. I know the difference, but may have mislabeled something. Maybe the vid. I think I mistated something at the beginning. Best, John

[mdgnys]

It has 2 nippels!

[fwjs28]

tehehe...but it has no breasts :P