Mastering Water Pumps in Once Human

Water pumps revolutionize resource gathering in Once Human, transforming manual collection into automated production lines. These versatile facilities extract essential liquids like Dirty Water, crude oil, and polluted variants, enabling players to focus on exploration and combat rather than tedious scooping. This comprehensive guide explores every aspect of water pumps, from crafting prerequisites to advanced multi-stage setups, ensuring your base thrives with reliable fluid supplies.

Understanding the Two Types of Water Pumps

In Once Human, water pumps come in two distinct varieties, each serving a unique role in fluid management. The primary distinction lies in their function and placement requirements, allowing for flexible automation designs.

• Extractor Pump (Ground-Based): This is the foundational gathering tool, placed directly on the ground over suitable terrain like dirt, sand, or oil fields. It pulls up resources automatically once powered and configured.
• Wall Pump (Function Facility): A secondary device mounted on walls, designed to reverse pipe flow direction. It defies gravity, pushing liquids uphill to higher facilities.

Mastering both types unlocks complex systems, such as elevating Dirty Water from low extractors to elevated purifiers.

Crafting Your First Extractor Pump

Unlocking the Extractor Pump requires progressing through the Memetics tree, typically under Facilities & Gathering sections. Once available, craft it via Build Mode under Facilities > Gathering & Production.

The sturdy design supports extraction of Dirty Water anywhere, Barreled Crude Oil in oil fields, Polluted Water in contaminated zones, or even Sea Water from oceans. Internal storage holds up to 4,000 units, with an [F] menu to select the target resource—ideal for multi-purpose bases.

Optimal Placement for Maximum Efficiency

Position your Extractor Pump strategically. For Dirty Water, any dirt or sand surface works universally. Oil fields demand placement over crude deposits, while pollution zones yield Polluted Water for acid production.

Adjust height in Build Mode using the mouse wheel for pipe alignment. Elevate it above downstream facilities to leverage gravity flow, preventing backups.

• Pro Tip: Use flight mode (if unlocked) for precise positioning during complex builds.

Powering Up Your Pump

Pumps require electricity to operate. Connect to reliable sources like Small Solar Generators, Hydraulic Generators, or powered grids. Wall Pumps specifically need wall-mounting and direct power links.

Verify connections: Powered pumps hum audibly, and extraction begins immediately upon resource selection.

Mastering Water Pipe Connections

Pipes are the lifeline of any pump system. Enter Build Mode, approach the pump’s outlet, and press V to initiate pipe laying. Target the input of the next facility and press V again to connect.

Gravity dictates default flow: Source must be higher than destination. White flashing lights on pipes indicate direction and active flow.

Gravity Flow Basics

Standard setups rely on elevation. Raise extractors on supports or terrain to feed purifiers below. This passive method needs no extra power beyond the pump itself.

Reversing Flow with Wall Pumps

Wall Pumps invert gravity. Place the pump on a wall with the source facility’s outlet below it and the target input above. Power it separately to activate the reversal.

Example: Extractor at ground level → Wall Pump midway up a tower → Purifier at the top. Multiple inputs/outputs allow branching networks.

Automating Water Purification

Raw Dirty Water suits basic needs but requires purification for advanced crafts. Link pumps to Compact Water Filters or Stoves via pipes.

1. Place Extractor higher than Filter.
2. Connect outlet to filter input with V.
3. Power both; watch Dirty Water convert to Purified Water automatically.

For reverse setups, insert a Wall Pump: Low extractor → Wall Pump → Elevated Filter.

Advanced Multi-Pump Systems

Scale up with chains. Common progression:

• Extractor → Wall Pump 1 → Storage Tank (elevated) → Gravity to Filter.
• Filter output → Wall Pump 2 → Second Storage or Sprinkler.

Water Tanks (under Storage Facilities) feature dual connections for input/output, holding purified stocks. Connect tanks between stages to buffer production.

Sprinkler Integration

Farm automation demands pure water. Pipe from purifier or tank to Sprinklers for hands-off irrigation.

Resource-Specific Extraction Strategies

Memetic perks may enable Stardust pumping in select areas.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Pipe woes plague new builders. Key fixes:

• No Flow: Check power, elevation, and connections. Re-lay pipes if misaligned.
• Wrong Direction: Confirm Wall Pump placement—source below, target above.
• Backups: Ensure downstream facilities aren’t full; add storage.
• Height Limits: Zoom out and drag upward in Build Mode for max elevation.

Scaling to Industrial Levels

Late-game bases deploy multiple extractors feeding shared purifiers via Wall Pump ladders. Integrate with refineries for fuel or breweries for chemicals. Power grids with multiple generators sustain 24/7 operation.

Monitor via the pump’s [F] menu for output rates and storage levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do water pumps work without power?

No, both types require electricity. Extractors halt without it, and Wall Pumps can’t reverse flow unpowered.

Can I pump infinite water?

Pumps draw from infinite environmental sources, limited only by power and downstream capacity.

How do I connect multiple outputs?

Wall Pumps support branching; extractors feed one primary line but chain via tanks.

What’s the best early power source?

Small Solar Generator—reliable daytime power for starters.

Can pumps extract other fluids?

Yes, oil and polluted water via menu selection.