The Secrets of Low-Tech Plumbing

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Take control of your water supply and wet-waste disposal systems the old-fashioned ways.
Take control of your water supply and wet-waste disposal systems the old-fashioned ways.
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Basic components of a river box, used to tap rivers, streams and lakes.
Basic components of a river box, used to tap rivers, streams and lakes.
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The cistern water cycle.
The cistern water cycle.
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At start, poppet is open and one-way valve is closed. Water flows down inlet pipe and up through poppet-valve overflow.
At start, poppet is open and one-way valve is closed. Water flows down inlet pipe and up through poppet-valve overflow.
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Poppet closes, containing the full momentum of the falling water column inside the pump. The
Poppet closes, containing the full momentum of the falling water column inside the pump. The ""Ram Effect"" forces the one-way valve to open. Water gushes past it, compressing air in pressure valve.
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One-way closes trapping the water just rammed past it. Compressed air on vessel expands, forcing a small amount of water up-hill. Poppet opens and process begins a new.
One-way closes trapping the water just rammed past it. Compressed air on vessel expands, forcing a small amount of water up-hill. Poppet opens and process begins a new.
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Performance of a water ram.
Performance of a water ram.
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Anchoring a river or stream water intake.
Anchoring a river or stream water intake.

Most of us move to the country in search of a simpler life
that’s closer to nature, less wasteful, and more
self-reliant. We happily trade smog for clean country air,
city conveniences for rural independence, TV dinners and
jogging for home-baked bread and the honest sweat of

  • Published on Jun 1, 1995
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