It only takes one or two things to make a cheap siphon.It can be done with a few tools and a short time.Knowing how to make a siphon can be useful for things like emptying a fish tank.The materials are cheap and easy to use.
Step 1: Get what you need.
You'll need at least 10' of 5/8" by 7/8" vinyl tubing, an empty clear plastic bottle, a 1/2 ball valve, three male hose connections, and plumber's tape.You can always use more than 10' of vinyl tubing if you need it to be longer.These can be found in the irrigation section of the hardware store.You need scissors, a wrench, and a lighter.
Step 2: There is a hole in the bottle.
The plastic bottle has labels on it.If there was something else in it, wash it out.The bottle has a cap.The easiest way to do this is with the cap still on the bottle.
Step 3: One of the males has a hose.
Attach the thick end of the male hose to the hole you drilled in the cap.
Step 4: The bottle should be cut.
The bottom of the bottle should be cut off with scissors.To heat up the cut, use a lighter.The flame should be run along the edge.
Step 5: The hose needs to be put in the ball valve.
Wrap a few layers of plumber's tape around the thick ends of the two male hose adapters.They should be put into both ends of the ball valve.Make them tight with a wrench.
Step 6: Attach the tubing by cutting it.
You can cut 3' to 4' of tubing with your scissors.Attach one end of the 3' to 4' tube to the male hose connection on the ball valve and attach the other end to it.Attach one end of the tubing to the last male hose.The function of the ball valve is to allow you to stop and start the siphoning without having to put your mouth back on the tube that's been in dirty water.
Step 7: Get what you need.
If you want to suck your beer or other beverage from one container to another, you need a rubber sink stopper.You need a drill bit that's less than a quarter of an inch.The rubber sink stopper needs to be hollow on the side that goes into the sink.
Step 8: Put the drill into the sink stopper.
There are two holes in the sink.There should be holes on either side of the small bump used to pull the sink stopper out.They should be as close to the bump as possible.
Step 9: Go through the hole with the smaller tube.
The smaller tube can be stuck through one of the holes.Run the tube down to the bottom of the bottle if you want to suck into it.You can drill a bigger tube if the tube doesn't fit in the hole.Don't make it bigger than necessary.You want the tube to fit securely.
Step 10: The excess tubing needs to be cut off.
You put the tube in the bottle and now you want to cut it.It can be cut two inches from where it comes out of the hole.The excess tubing should not be thrown away.
Step 11: The excess can be stuck through the other hole.
Run the left over the tubing that was cut into the other hole.
Step 12: Put the larger tube over the smaller one.
The larger tube should be over the smaller tube that goes to the bottom of the bottle.It's best to fit the larger tube over the smaller one.
Step 13: Take the excess tube and blow it into it.
To suck the brew out of the bottle, place the sink stopper over the rim.Put the other end of the tube into the container.Take the excess tube and blow it.This will begin the siphoning.
Step 14: Get what you need.
You need two bendy straws, scissors, and tape to make a simple straw siphon.
Step 15: The straws need to be cut.
The bendy straws should be cut before the part that is bent.It needs to be cut at an angle.
Step 16: The cut straw should be put into the other straw.
Take the end of the straw that you just cut and stick it.It should go into the end that is closest to the bend.Fit it in a way that it doesn't fall out.
Step 17: Put the straws together.
There are two straws connected.You want the seal to be air tight, so use lots of tape.
Step 18: The straw should be put into the container with liquid.
The double-length bendy straw should be placed into the container with liquid.Make sure the bend is submerged in the liquid.
Step 19: The siphon is used.
The straw has your finger over it.The container has a straw in it.The liquid will come up into the straw when you lift it.Put the end of the straw into the container when you keep your finger over it.Remove your finger once it's in there.The liquid will move from one container to the other.