Appropriate Technology

Inertia Pump

by Dale Fritz, SIFAT Volunteer

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 are made of handmade stove pipe with soldered joints. These days it is made out of PVC pipe, 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.