10 Essential PVC Pipe DIYs for a Fully Stocked Fallout Shelter

While it is unlikely and not exactly pleasant to think about, the occurrence of large-scale nuclear disaster is a real threat that should be taken seriously. As is the case with any natural disaster, prepping for nuclear fallout is something that can and should be done to mitigate losses in the unlikely event nuclear war does occur. PVC pipe is an inexpensive, versatile material that can be used in a variety of projects, especially ones involving disaster prepping. This article will showcase 10 PVC pipe DIYs that are essential for a fully stocked fallout shelter. Without further ado, let’s get prepping!

1) PVC Knife Holders – The Family Handyman

This DIY PVC knife holder build from The Family Handyman is a great addition to any fallout shelter. Requiring only some PVC pipe, a PVC cutter, tape measure, 2 end caps per holder, and some PVC cement, these PVC knife holders are cheap and easy to make. Using these knife holders will help you keep your knives clean and organized, an extremely useful function in a nuclear fallout scenario

 

2) PVC Survival Cache – Commercial Industrial Supply

A PVC survival cache is a great way to store smaller items such as batteries, flashlights, and lighters. Another benefit of these caches is that they can be buried in places only you know the location of, and the PVC pipe will make it harder for metal detectors to locate the contents of the cache. The writers over at Commercial Industrial Supply created a very detailed guide that includes a list of all the materials you will need

3) Overhead PVC Storage – The Family Handyman

  Another extremely useful prepping project from The Family Handyman is overhead PVC garage storage. If you have wooden ceiling joists in your shelter, you can create a space-saving storage unit for items such as metal rods or fishing poles. All you’ll need is some PVC pipe, PVC elbows, a drill, a PVC cutter, some PVC cement, and some WYE connectors (optional; they can be attached to cross braces for extra support).
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4) PVC Pipe Hanging Garden – BuzzFeed

This hanging garden build from BuzzFeed is a great way to increase your food-growing capacity without taking up much space. Simply take some PVC pipe with your outside diameter of choice and cut off the entire top half/fourth, leaving some of the top portion on the ends of the pipe to hang it with. Once your garden is set up, you can grow small plants like peppers and parsley. 

5)  PVC Oil Recovery System – Family Handyman

An oil recovery system made out of PVC pipe is a great way to conserve scarce motor oil in the event of nuclear fallout. All you need to make this project is some PVC pipe, some 45- and 90- degree elbows, some T-fittings, and some pipe straps. Once the build is complete, simply use the pipe straps to secure the recovery system on a wall and place a container with a funnel at the lower end. This project is great as it is practical for everyday use as well as doomsday prepping. Additionally, it can be used to preserve other valuable

6) DIY PVC Survival Bow – Instructables

Coming from user newwarhammer2 over at Instructables, this DIY PVC bow project is a great addition to any prepper’s arsenal. A bow has the benefit of having ammunition that isn’t unreasonably hard to craft yourself, and using one is much quieter than firing a gun. The Instructables article has an in-depth list of materials needed and steps required to craft a PVC bow.
 

7) PVC Chicken Feeder – Instructables

This PVC chicken feeder build from user ugarxfish over at Instructables is an inexpensive project that can bolster any homestead’s self-sufficiency. Building a chicken feeder out of PVC is much cheaper than buying one from a farming supply store and allows much more customization. The Instructables article has a detailed set of instructions as well as a list of required materials.

8) Firewood Carrying Device – Survival Hax

The firewood carrying device build courtesy of Survival Hax may be a simple project, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t helpful. Simply take some rope or paracord and tie it to both ends of a PVC pipe length. This awesome device will enable you to carry much larger loads of firewood than if you were only using your hands.

9) PVC Canteen – Survival Hax

axA PVC Canteen is a simple, cheap, and effective way to store your water in the case of disaster. All you’ll need is a length of PVC pipe, 2 end caps, some PVC cement, and some rope (optional; you can use rope if you want to carry the canteen on your shoulder). Once finished, you’ll have a handy water storage device that is much cheaper than store-bought canteens.
Source: Survival Hax

10) PVC Bow Stand – Survival Life

Last but not least, this DIY PVC bow stand build from Survival Life is a great addition to any fallout shelter and is a much cheaper alternative to purchasing a bow stand. The Survival Life article has a detailed list of instructions and required materials.

Picture courtesy of user laroye123 over at ArcheryTalk.com

Hopefully, reading this article has given you some ideas on how to make sure your fallout shelter is fully prepared in case of disaster. Thanks for reading, and happy prepping!
 
Author Bio:
Mark Ligon is the Marketing Manager at PVC Fittings Online, an online store that features PVC products including pipe, fittings (CPVC, PVC, Etc.), valves, plumbing supply, and more. Mark enjoys completing DIY projects and providing valuable PVC-related tips to individuals looking to complete their own DIY projects.