INERTIA PUMP The Inertia Hand Pump operates on the "soda straw" principle. The only moving part is the valve near the top. Originally, in Afghanistan, these pumps made of hand made stove pipe with soldered joints. These days it is made out of PVC pipe which is known in some countries as "American Bamboo". This is a low lift "shallow well" pump and will only lift water about 5 meters. However, it is best suited for lower lifts of 1 or 2 meters.