How To Make a DIY Water Filter for Emergency Preparedness

Here’s how to build a DIY water filter using 5-gallon buckets. This setup replicates the effectiveness of a gravity-fed system at a fraction of the cost by using readily available components like 5-gallon food-grade buckets.

What You’ll Need:

• Two 5-gallon food-grade buckets with lids (stackable)
• Two Black filter elements (I get these off brand, which are the exact same as the name-brand)
• One spigot or faucet (I got this one)
• Drill with 1/2-inch and 3/8-inch drill bits

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Bottom Bucket

1. Drill a Hole for the Spigot:
   • Take one of the 5-gallon buckets, which will serve as the bottom bucket (filtered water storage).
   • Make a circle around the spigot to ensure a proper hole will be drilled out. Drill the hole near the bottom side of the bucket to insert the spigot. Make sure the hole is just above the bucket base for easy access to the majority of the water.
   • Insert the spigot through the hole and secure it with the washer and nut.

Step 2: Prepare the Top Bucket

1. Drill Holes for the filters:
   • Take the top bucket, which will house the filters. Use the 3/8-inch drill bit to drill two holes in the center bottom of the bucket, where the filters will be installed. Space these holes to match the spacing of the filters, usually about 4-5 inches apart.
   • Line-up the filter holes with the lid for the bottom bucket. Drill the holes into the lid for the bottom bucket.
2. Install the filters:
   • Insert the stems of the filters through the holes from the inside of the bucket so they stick out of the bottom.
   • Secure each filter through the lid of the bottom bucket.
   • Hand tight only. Avoid over-tightening, as it could damage the filter threads or cause leaks.

Step 3: Stack the Buckets

1. Assemble the System:
   • Place the top bucket on top of the bottom bucket. Secure the lid onto the bottom bucket. When water is poured into the top bucket, it will filter and drip down into the bottom bucket, which will store the clean water.
   • Drill a small air hole in the top bucket lid if you find that pressure builds up as water filters down.

Step 4: Filter and Test

1. Prime the Filters:
   • Before using, prime the filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This step is crucial, as it removes any air pockets and ensures effective filtration.
2. Fill the Top Bucket:
   • Pour water into the top bucket. It will flow through the filters, then drip down into the bottom bucket.
   • Once you’ve poured water into the top bucket, secure the top lid to keep dust and anything else out of the water.
3. Dispense Clean Water:
   • Use the spigot on the bottom bucket to dispense the filtered water.

Enjoy your new water filtration system for under $100!

Watch this video for a visual: