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Estimated reading time: 10 minutes
PVC pipe (polyvinyl chloride) is perhaps the most popular plastic piping on the market – and one that is highly utilized by preppers and homesteaders. PVC pipe is relatively cheap when compared to other building materials, it’s easily connected or joined together, and it comes in a vast array of different diameters, from tiny to exceptionally large.
One of the best advantages of PVC pipe is its long shelf-life. Polyvinyl chloride does not decay over time like wood or even rubber when exposed to extreme heat. It also is impervious to both dampness and even high pressure water. The end caps on PVC pipe are joined together with “Ts’ ‘ or elbow pipe made out of the same material by threading them into place or using an inexpensive solvent – or both.
The process of using a solvent to clean and soften the PVC pipe before connecting is often referred to as using a “solvent weld.” The solvent basically “melts” or melds together to make a waterproof and permanent seal – which is highly important if using the PVC to store vital survival gear, especially food and firearms.
PVC pipe comes in copious amounts of both diameters and thicknesses. This versatile type of survival material is graded and referred to by the term “schedule” and followed by a number. Generally, “Schedule 40” PVC pipe is typically used for common household projects and is also highly suitable for all the survival projects on this list.
Schedule 40 PVC pipe is used for many types of low pressure water flow projects and is designed to be able to handle exposure to up to 140 degree temperatures. This type of PVC pipe is also often used when working with or around corrosive materials and industrial chemicals.
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Here are 21 ways to use PVC pipe for emergency preparedness and survival:
1. Survival Cache
Burying a survival cache on your property, route to work, or even submerging it in your pond is entirely (and inexpensively) possible using PVC pipe. You can build a small cache to hold emergency food rations, bottles of water, first aid items, matches, emergency blankets, flashlights and batteries, etc.
Using a larger diameter of PVC pipe opens up a whole new level of survival gear that can be safely stored inside. A large survival cache built out of PVC pipe could house a rifle, multiple handguns, filled or empty magazines, and boxes of ammunition.
Check out the video below to learn more about building a survival cache out of PVC pipe and what can be stored inside.
2. Blowgun
For less than $5 you can build a blow gun out of PVC pipe. This sturdy and easily portable weapon can be made out…