Build Your Ram Pump

DIY Ram Pump – or, how to defy gravity with PVC pipe.

Ram pumps are fascinating little devices. Essentially, they use the kinetic energy of water to push a portion of the same flow to a higher height than should technically be allowed by the laws of physics. And without using electricity!

Our DIY ram pump design is simple to build, and the PVC pipe is great for temporary or permanent outdoor use. Need to water areas of your yard or farm that are hard to reach?

Also, if you’re curious about ram pumps (or know someone who might be) this could make for a fun educational DIY project as well.

Ideal for: off-grid, gardening, watering, DIY home projects, landscaping, and more.

Ready to build your own? Great! Just check out the DIY build guide and diagrams below to get started.

Instructions

A note before starting.

Please understand - the below diagrams are genuinely and carefully designed to help you navigate the build process. However, we don’t include specific recommendations for which tools, hardware, and products to use, and so on. These truly are “DIY” designs.

We do, however, have a few generic recommendations for working with PVC.

Please, make sure that any tools you use are designed for PVC. If you find yourself needing to cut or drill, please use PVC-appropriate bits and saws.
Gluing is a popular, fast, and effective method for attaching PVC pipe and tubing. Please ensure that any epoxy, cement, or glue you use is appropriate for both the materials and for your intended uses. And as always, please be safe!

Ready to build now?

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Ram Pump DIY Kit Parts List

1" Tube - 3" Length

PVC - Standard PVC

2" Tube - 3" Length

PVC - Standard PVC

4" PVC Tube - 18.4" Length

PVC - Thin PVC

1" Ball Valve Threaded PVC

PVC - Standard PVC

1" Adapter Male Threaded PVC

PVC - Standard PVC

1" Tee Female Slip PVC

PVC - Standard PVC

1" x 2" Reducer Slip PVC

PVC - Standard PVC

2" x 4" Reducer Slip PVC

PVC - Thin PVC

4" Coupler Slip PVC

PVC - Thin PVC

4" Cap Slip PVC

PVC - Thin PVC

1" Check Valve Slip PVC

PVC - Standard PVC

1" Tee Female Threaded PVC

PVC - Standard PVC

1" x 2" Nipple PVC

Plastic - Mixed

1” Swing Check Valve Brass

Metal - Brass

Water Ram Pump Plans

How do you know which part is which from the parts list? Click on "Edit Design in 3D" button above and you'll be able to click on each part to see its name.

Step 1

NOTE: when building your ram pump, you’ll want to ensure that all pieces are properly oriented in the right direction. This shouldn’t be hard to accomplish, but it is critical!

First up: the check valve assembly.

Using the diagram above, please collect the pieces you’ll need for this step.

Then, go ahead and connect them all in the manner shown above, taking care to ensure that your Check Valve and Swing Valve are oriented properly.

Once you’re done, you can set the whole assembly aside until it’s time to combine with the others later on.

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Step 2

Next up: your vertical ramp pump assembly.

This step has a few more pieces involved, so go ahead and collect them all before starting.

Then, connect them all in the manner shown above.

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Step 3

Almost done!

All that’s left to do is to connect the check valve assembly with the vertical assembly.

And that’s it! You have a ram pump!

Of course, please make sure to let any cement and/or glue dry before putting your ram pump to work.

And: happy pumping!

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Build Your Ram Pump

Ram Pump DIY Kit Parts List

Water Ram Pump Plans

Finished Product in 3D!