Make a well water pump using plastic bottles

Introduction

In this tutorial, we'll guide you through the process of creating a simple well water pump using plastic bottles and a few basic components. This DIY project is not only practical for household use but also offers a fun way to learn about basic mechanics and electronics.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

To start building your well water pump, you'll need the following materials:

• Plastic Bottles: Collect a few empty plastic bottles (2-liter soda bottles work well).
• 12V Motor: This will be the driving force of your pump.
• Lithium Batteries: You will need four 3.7V lithium batteries to power the motor.
• Wires: Use insulated copper wires for connections.
• Water Tubing: Flexible tubing to direct the water flow.
• Electrical Tape: For securing connections.
• Optional Tools: Scissors or a knife for cutting, and a soldering iron for secure electrical connections.

Step 2: Prepare the Plastic Bottles

• Cut the Bottles: Use scissors to cut the bottles in half. The bottom half will serve as the main body of the pump.
• Create a Lid: Take the top half of the bottle and cut a small hole for the water tubing. Ensure it fits snugly to prevent leaks.

Step 3: Assemble the Pump Body

• Attach the Tubing: Insert the water tubing through the hole in the lid you created. This will allow water to be drawn up and out of the pump.
• Secure Connections: Use electrical tape to ensure that the tubing fits tightly and is leak-proof.

Step 4: Connect the Motor

• Wiring the Motor: Connect the motor to the batteries.
  • Connect one wire from the battery to one terminal of the motor.
  • Connect another wire from the second terminal of the motor back to the battery's negative terminal.
• Ensure Secure Connections: Use electrical tape or solder the connections to prevent them from coming loose during operation.

Step 5: Powering the Pump

• Insert Lithium Batteries: Place the four lithium batteries in series to create a total voltage of 12V. Ensure they are correctly aligned (+ to -).
• Test the Motor: Once everything is connected, turn on the motor. It should start to spin, creating suction that draws water through the tubing.

Step 6: Final Assembly and Testing

• Put It All Together: Place the lid onto the bottle body. Ensure everything is tightly secured.
• Test the Pump: Submerge the tubing in a water source and turn on the motor. Observe if water is being successfully pumped through the tubing.

Conclusion

You've successfully built a simple well water pump using plastic bottles and basic electronic components. This DIY project not only demonstrates the principles of mechanics and fluid dynamics but also provides a handy tool for your household needs.

For next steps, you can experiment with different bottle sizes or motor speeds to optimize your pump's performance. Enjoy your new water pump!