Bamboo has many uses in our homes, such as for poles, gutters, furniture and mats. Yet not many farmers cultivate it and usually it just grows wild. Bamboo can also be used to make excellent low-cost water pipes.
Use straight, freshly cut bamboo poles for pipes as they are less likely to split and the nodes are easier to remove. They should be at least 7cm across at the small end.
Removing the nodes
You will need to make a special tool to remove the little walls at every node inside the bamboo. Use several straight iron pipes, at least 3m long, of different diameters (thicknesses). The thinnest should be about 1.5cm diameter. Sharpen the end of each iron pipe with a hacksaw or grinding wheel.
Using the thinnest pipe, push it through each node in the bamboo – you may need to use a hammer. Then use the next size of pipe and continue until all the nodes have been removed.
With a 3m iron pipe you will be able to make bamboo pipes that are 6m long by pushing the pipe in from both ends.
Once the nodes are removed and before using the bamboo as pipes, it is important to remove the sap and starch. This is done by soaking the pipes in flowing water for four weeks. Tie the poles in bundles and weight them down with rocks.
Preserving bamboo
Bamboo pipes can last up to five years as long as they do not come into contact with termites or fungi. You can preserve them for longer by first soaking the poles in a solution of one part boric acid, one part borax and 40 parts water for one hour. Occasionally flushing the pipes with water containing small levels of chlorine can also help to preserve their useful life.
Always avoid direct contact with the soil by using supports. Paint the supports with old engine oil or tar to preserve them effectively. If the pipes are not carrying drinking water, paint them as well.
These ideas would allow water from a well, pump or water source to travel a considerable distance to the home or garden.
Adapted from Packages 22 and 43 of Developing Countries Farm Radio Network, 40 Dundas Street West, Box 12, Toronto, M5G 2C2, Canada.
Supporting pipes