Depending on the method you use, it only takes one or two things to build an inexpensive siphon. Whether you have decided to draw gas from the car tank or show the kids an interesting science experiment, you only need a few minutes and a few tools. Learning how to make one can be useful for times when you need to transfer fuel to the mower, empty the aquarium, and other similar operations. The materials are not expensive at all and the procedure is quite simple.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Build a Siphon for a Large Aquarium
Step 1. Gather what you need
For this project you will need a vinyl tube with a diameter of 15-22mm and at least 3m long, an empty clear plastic bottle, a 12mm ball valve, three 12mm "male" adapters for the tube and plumber's adhesive tape.
- You can use a hose even longer than 3m, as needed.
- You can buy all of this material in a home improvement center, usually in the section dedicated to garden irrigation.
- You will also need some scissors, a wrench and a lighter.
Step 2. Drill a hole in the bottle
First, remove all labels and wash it thoroughly if it contained anything other than water. Make a hole of 18 mm in the cap; the best way to proceed is to leave it tightly screwed to the bottle.
Step 3. Insert a 12mm male adapter
Fit the thicker end into the hole you just made in the cap.
Step 4. Cut the bottle
Using scissors, remove the last 5 cm from the bottom of the bowl and heat the cut edge with a lighter flame to strengthen the plastic.
Step 5. Insert the adapters into the ball valve
Start by applying a few layers of plumber's tape around the thick ends of the other two 12mm adapters; slide both of them into the valve and use a wrench to tighten them.
Step 6. Cut and connect the tube
Use scissors to cut a segment 7-12 cm long, attach one end to the bottle adapter and the other to one of those connected to the valve; join the rest of the hose to the second ball valve adapter.
The valve allows the liquid flow to be stopped and restarted without having to rest the mouth on the pipe wet with dirty water
Method 2 of 3: Construct a Siphon for Brewing Beer
Step 1. Gather what you need
To transfer home beer, or another beverage, from one container to another you need: a rubber sink stopper with a diameter of 28-30 mm, a tube 60 cm long and a diameter of 6 mm, a long tube 90 cm and with a diameter of 10 mm, scissors, drill or Dremel.
- You also need a drill bit with a diameter of less than 6mm.
- The sink plug must be concave or hollow on the underside, not full.
Step 2. Pierce the cap
Make two holes on either side of the small protuberance that is used to remove the plug from the drain; they should be very close to this recess, vertical and aligned as much as possible.
Step 3. Slide the smaller tube into the hole
Insert it into one of the two holes, put the cap on the opening of the bottle from which you want to pour the liquid and push the tube until it touches the bottom.
If the tube does not fit into the hole, you can drill the hole slightly apart, but proceed carefully. The cap must adhere well to the duct creating an airtight seal
Step 4. Cut off the excess tubing
You must eliminate the portion that protrudes beyond the hole in the cap, cutting it about 5 cm from the surface of the cap itself; do not throw away the segment that advances.
Step 5. Slip the part you just cut into the other hole
Let it penetrate about 2-3 cm.
Step 6. Put the larger tube on top of the smaller one
Fit it on the one that reaches the bottom of the bottle, overlapping it for about 5 cm so that it cannot come off.
Step 7. Blow into the free end of the thinnest tube
To proceed with the transfer, place the cap on the opening of the bottle that contains the liquid. Insert the other end of the large tube into the container you want to fill and blow the thinner one into it; in this way, the pouring begins.
Method 3 of 3: Making a Siphon with Straws
Step 1. Gather what you need
To build a simple siphon with straws, as a science experiment for children or to demonstrate the physical phenomena behind this procedure, you need two folding straws, a pair of scissors and duct tape.
Step 2. Cut a straw
Cut it out just before the folding area so that it becomes a straight, traditional straw; make a slanted cut to get a pointed end.
Step 3. Insert it into the other
Insert the sharp end into the other straw, in the opening closest to the fold; push it deep enough so it doesn't come off.
Step 4. Secure the two straws with tape
Wrap it around the joint and use a lot of it because you need to make sure it's an airtight seal.
Step 5. Insert the straw (now almost twice as long) into the container with the liquid
Make sure it is inserted deep enough to submerge the folding part.
Step 6. Use the siphon
Put your fingers on the top straw and lift it out of the container, you should see the liquid rise as you lift it. While keeping your fingers on the end of the straw, insert it into the container where you want to transfer the liquid; at this point, move your fingers and the solution should flow autonomously from one container to another.
