A zombie apocalypse is most likely not going to happen, but the threat of these dead yet living reanimated humans has served as a primer for honing survival skills. Even the Centers for Disease Control offer a zombie apocalypse section to help individuals prepare for other possible disasters.
Access to clean water is essential for survival. The CDC states that a survival kit should include one gallon of water per day (for every individual). Families might not have the means to stockpile pre filled jugs. So constructing a DIY water pump may help gain access to an abundant (and consistent) water supply.
Some homeowners might not have a clue as to how to build their own water pump. Thankfully, the internet is filled with a long list of sites and videos offering precise instructions on crafting a water pump. Homeowners can choose a pump design and construction that matches their skills and DIY know-how.
Here is a list of resources to help homeowners construct a DIY water pump to prepare for and, hopefully, survive a zombie apocalypse:
PVC Pipe DIY
Pull up YouTube for a video on how to construct a DIY water pump created with PVC pipe. This pump can be placed in a body (or tub) of water to create a stream that can easily be used to fill jugs or other containers. Perfect for a scenario where a bucket or cup can’t be easily submerged to access water. Plus, PVC pipes are pretty easy to find, so individuals who may find themselves holed up in a random building trying to hide from zombies can find the much-needed materials for this project. Of course, PVC pipe is also easy to find at a local home store, and homeowners might want to build that pump now…just in case. No one really knows when the zombies might hit the streets.
A DIY Tutorial from Instructables
Hopefully, homeowners have access to a few key tools (like a dremel tool), because this DIY water pump requires some work. However, Instructables offers a step-by-step guide on constructing this pump. And the instructions are, once again, perfect for any individual who might be hiding out in a home or some other random building during the zombie apocalypse. The motor from the pump was taken from a VHS player! Building this pump also requires some electrical wire, a plastic sheet, some glue (i.e. epoxy), a plastic container, an impeller, and some nozzles (they need to be screwable, per the instructions).
Survive with Survivopedia
Survivopedia doesn’t just offer one tutorial for a DIY water pump…it offers six. One of the options is an Archimedes Screw, which can be used to pump water from below the surface of a body of water. The major benefit of this pump design, per Survivopedia, is that “…it can move water over large distances or from great depths. As long as you have the power to turn the screw, and the material that you’re using is durable enough, you can deliver water to just about any location.” This design might be ideal for a group that has staked out a fortified encampment area with a body of water nearby. This pump can keep the water supply flowing while the group makes plans on how to fight the zombies while lying low in a secure area.
Another YouTube Tutorial
The notes below this YouTube video on constructing a handheld DIY water pump note that it might be used for an aquarium. However, the pump also could be really handy during an emergency, too. One of the main materials for building this pump is a large liquid syringe. Homeowners can purchase this type of syringe at different stores or online. The video is less than five minutes long, so those who need instructions repeated may need to rewind a few times. The video has received more than six million views since it debuted in April 2020.
Solar Water Pump
A water pump powered by the sun? During a zombie apocalypse, maybe the sun is the only power that’s available! This DIY project, though, is a bit pricey; the estimate rings in at $450, per the site intueri farm. Keep in mind, though, that solar panels add to this cost. If individuals are forced to live off the land—and their wits—crafting a sustainable pump may be the way to go.
What Else is Necessary for Surviving a Disaster?
While the ability to collect water is key to surviving any disaster, the CDC also has other recommendations for an emergency kit. A supply of food ensures nourishment (choose items that don’t spoil…like canned goods), a first aid kit keeps simple medical supplies handy, all necessary medication also needs to be included. In addition, clothes/bedding, soap and other personal hygiene items and all necessary documents should be added to any disaster survival kit.
Although the zombies might not be imminently approaching or an immediate threat, other disasters like tornadoes, flooding, hurricanes, earthquakes or blizzards might require the need for the emergency kit. Make a plan, create a kit and maybe even craft a DIY water pump to prepare to survive any disaster…even a zombie apocalypse.
