How to Make Your Own PVC Snorkel

Professional snorkeling equipment can cost ridiculously high prices but it does, more often than not, have several safety features. However, the purpose of any snorkel is the same. It is a tube that allows you breathe to air from above the water while you keep your face underwater to see the sights. This product has been created using all kinds of materials. Hollow reeds, metal pipes and mechanical water-to-air filters have been used at various points in time. Anyone can make a snorkel from materials readily available to them.

Things You'll Need

  • Rubber gloves
  • 1 foot of PVC pipe
  • 1 PVC curve
  • Tube PVC glue
  • Water
  • Pan
  • 2 sets of metal tongs
  • String
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Instructions

    • 1

      Put on rubber gloves. Check that there are no tears in the gloves because getting PVC glue off your hands can be extremely frustrating.

    • 2

      Read the directions on the PVC glue package and take all suggested precautions.

    • 3

      Apply PVC glue to one end of the 1-foot long PVC pipe. Spread it around the rim so all areas are thickly coated. Place some on the inside and on the outside.

    • 4

      Hold the straight PVC pipe in one hand and press the PVC curve opening to the gluey opening of the straight pipe with your other hand. Hold it in place for several minutes to let the glue begin to set. Steady the pipe against a tabletop if needed.

    • 5

      Lay the glued pipes on a flat surface to dry, propping both pipes slightly and equally above the surface. Allow it several hours to dry.

    • 6
      Use tongs and gloves to protect yourself from the heat of the boiling water.

      Boil 4 cups of water in a small pan that you do not use for food preparation. Using the tongs, put the open end of the curved side of the PVC into the boiling water and hold it there for one minute.

    • 7

      Remove the PVC from the boiling water and pinch the heated end with the tongs. If the tube does not readily squish, then place it back into the boiling water, doubling the time. If it does, then pinch it into a roughly oval shape. Allow at least 10 minutes for the PVC to cool before handling.

    • 8

      Tie the middle of the string around the straight PVC piece, about 2 inches from the junction of the PVC pieces. Secure it with a drop of PVC glue and allow it several hours to dry. There should not be more than 2 inches at each end of the string. Tie the ends to your goggle strap to keep the snorkel upright.