How to Build a Hydraulic Ram Pump

The great thing is that you can build one using basic materials from your local hardware store. Here's a step-by-step guide to making your own hydraulic ram pump.

WATER PREPPING

9/21/20247 min read

hydraulic ram pump and a couple in a pond

How to Build a Hydraulic Ram Pump Using Hardware Store Materials

A hydraulic ram pump is an ingenious, energy-efficient device that uses the power of water flow to pump water uphill without the need for electricity or fuel. This simple yet effective pump harnesses the kinetic energy of flowing water to move a portion of that water to a higher elevation. The great thing is that you can build one using basic materials from your local hardware store. Here's a step-by-step guide to making your own hydraulic ram pump.

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I've spent time working with clients in remote locations—places where running water is not a given, where every drop counts, and where ingenuity can mean the difference between thriving and barely surviving. In these settings, the hydraulic ram pump has been a game changer. Watching one of these simple, durable machines in action, lifting water without any fuel or electricity, is nothing short of inspiring. It’s not just about solving problems; it’s about understanding the mechanics, embracing the challenge, and empowering communities to sustain themselves. This experience has convinced me that knowing how to build a hydraulic ram pump is more than just a skill—it’s a lifeline.

The hydraulic ram pump operates on principles that would make any engineer or survivalist nod in appreciation. Using water’s own kinetic energy, it harnesses momentum to pump water to higher elevations. It’s a self-sustaining system, requiring only a source of flowing water to function. There are no moving parts powered by electricity, no fuel to stockpile, and no high-tech gadgets to fail under pressure. This reliability is why it’s so valuable in disaster preparedness, especially in areas where conventional systems collapse under stress.

My first encounter with a hydraulic ram pump was during a project in the mountains. The farm we were working with had been cut off from its primary water source due the well running dry during drought. The idea of hauling water uphill from a spring wasn’t just impractical—it was dangerous. We introduced the concept of the ram pump, cobbled together parts from nearby resources, and within hours, water was flowing uphill to where it was needed. That moment underscored a powerful truth: simplicity and ingenuity can outmatch complexity when the chips are down.

The components are straightforward—pipes, a drive pipe, a delivery pipe, a couple of valves, and a pressure chamber. But the devil’s in the details. The slope of the land, the flow rate of the water source, and the placement of the pump all dictate whether you’re setting yourself up for success or frustration. When teaching others, I emphasize that you don’t need a degree in engineering to master this technology, but you do need patience, precision, and a willingness to experiment. Anytime you build a plumbing fixture, be sure that you have a disaster plumbing kit ready to make repairs down the road. This should be in addition to backup parts you already have.

Imagine a flood that disrupts municipal water supplies or a drought that forces you to rely on natural springs. Without power, most modern pumps are rendered useless. That’s where the hydraulic ram pump comes in. Its ability to operate indefinitely without external power is not just a convenience; it’s a survival advantage. This pump can elevate water to heights ten times the vertical drop from the water source to the pump. That kind of performance makes it indispensable for irrigation, livestock, or even keeping a family supplied with clean water in tough times.

Over time, I’ve seen how communities adopt and adapt this technology, making it their own. Farmers use it to irrigate crops in hilly terrain. Homesteaders rely on it for self-sufficient living. And in emergency scenarios, it’s a critical tool for disaster relief teams. Each setup is a testament to human resilience, a fusion of basic physics and raw determination.

Knowing how to build and maintain a hydraulic ram pump is more than a skill; it’s a mindset. It’s about stepping into uncertainty with tools and knowledge that don’t just solve immediate problems but create enduring solutions. And in a world that often demands quick fixes, this simple yet powerful device stands as a reminder of what we’re capable of when we embrace ingenuity and grit.

Materials Needed

You can find most of these materials at a hardware store. The pipe sizes may vary depending on the size of the pump you want to build, but the following is a typical setup for a small-scale hydraulic ram pump.

2 PVC or galvanized steel pipes (3/4 inch and 1 inch in diameter, lengths vary based on setup)
2 one-way check valves (brass or PVC, appropriate for the pipe size)
1 spring-loaded foot valve (brass or PVC, usually 3/4 inch)
1 pressure chamber (PVC or galvanized steel T-joint with a threaded end cap or air tank)
1 ball valve (optional, to control water flow and for maintenance)
PVC or galvanized steel fittings (elbows, tees, and unions appropriate for your pipe sizes)
Teflon tape (for sealing pipe threads)
Hose clamps (if using flexible hose for the delivery line)
Pipe glue or thread sealant (for assembling the pipes)

How a Hydraulic Ram Pump Works

The hydraulic ram pump operates by using the momentum of flowing water to pump a smaller volume of water uphill. When water flows down a drive pipe from a source, it forces a valve to close quickly, creating a pressure spike. This pressure spike forces some water into a pressure chamber and through an output pipe that leads to a higher elevation. The process repeats in cycles, pumping water continuously.

Step-by-Step Build Instructions

Step 1: Choose Your Water Source

The hydraulic ram pump works best with a consistent water flow and a drop in elevation (at least 2 to 5 feet). You’ll need a water source, such as a stream or river, that can provide this natural drop. The pump will use this falling water to generate pressure.

Step 2: Create the Drive Pipe

The drive pipe is responsible for delivering the water from the source to the pump. The length of this pipe depends on the height difference (or “fall”) between the water source and the pump. A typical length is 10 to 15 times the vertical drop, so if you have a 2-foot fall, your drive pipe should be about 20 to 30 feet long.

Cut the 1-inch PVC or galvanized steel pipe to the required length.
Attach the foot valve to the lower end of the drive pipe. This valve will allow water to flow into the system while preventing backflow.
Use Teflon tape or pipe sealant to seal all connections.

Step 3: Assemble the Pump Body

The pump body consists of several critical components: two check valves and a pressure chamber.

Connect the first check valve (3/4 inch) to the end of the drive pipe. This valve should be oriented to allow water to flow into the pump but not back out.
Install a T-fitting next. One side of the T goes into the check valve, the second will house the pressure chamber, and the third will lead to the next valve.
Connect the second check valve to the output side of the T-fitting. This valve should be oriented to prevent water from flowing backward into the pump.
Attach the pressure chamber to the open side of the T-fitting. The pressure chamber can be made from a short length of PVC pipe or an air tank. It should have a threaded end cap so you can open it for maintenance if necessary. This chamber stores the pressure generated by the water to keep the system working efficiently.

Step 4: Attach the Delivery Pipe

The delivery pipe is where the pumped water will flow out and be transported to its final destination, usually uphill. Use a smaller diameter pipe, such as 3/4 inch PVC or flexible tubing.

Connect the delivery pipe to the output side of the second check valve.
Ensure the pipe is long enough to reach the location where you want to deliver the water.

Step 5: Install a Ball Valve (Optional)

For added control over the water flow and for maintenance purposes, install a ball valve near the pump body. This will allow you to shut off the water to the pump without turning off the water supply completely.

Step 6: Test the Pump

Once everything is assembled, it’s time to test the pump.

Ensure the drive pipe is submerged in the water source and that the foot valve is properly positioned to prevent backflow.
Slowly open the ball valve (if installed) to start water flow through the system.
The first check valve should open, allowing water to enter the pump. As the water builds momentum, the valve will snap shut, creating the pressure spike that drives water into the pressure chamber.
This cycle will repeat, and you should see water start flowing out of the delivery pipe.

Step 7: Fine-Tuning the System

Hydraulic ram pumps often require fine-tuning for optimal performance. Here are a few adjustments you can make:

Adjust the length of the drive pipe: If the water is not pumping efficiently, try lengthening or shortening the drive pipe.
Increase or decrease the flow rate: If too much water is entering the pump, try reducing the flow by adjusting the ball valve or adding a smaller input pipe.
Check for leaks: Ensure all connections are sealed properly with Teflon tape or pipe sealant.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

A hydraulic ram pump is relatively low maintenance, but you should check it periodically for debris in the check valves and ensure the foot valve is clear. In freezing temperatures, ensure the pipes are insulated or drained to avoid damage.