Direct action handpumps are usually made of PVC and other plastics, and are installed on boreholes of limited depth. A plunger is attached to the lower end of a pump rod, beneath the groundwater level. The user moves the pump rod in an up-and-down motion, using a T-bar handle. On the up-stroke, the plunger lifts water into the rising main, and replacement water is drawn into the cylinder through the foot valve. On the downstroke, the foot valve closes, and water passes through a one-way valve in the plunger and is lifted on the next up-stroke. Because direct action handpumps have no mechanical advantage, such as the lever or fly-wheel of a deep-well handpump, direct action pumps can only be used to depths from which an individual can physically lift the column of water (about 12 m). However, the mechanical simplicity, low cost and lightweight construction makes these pumps well equipped to meet O&M objectives at the village level.
'''Trademarks:''' Blair; Ethiopia BP50; Malawi Mark V; Nira AF85; Tara; Wavin.
'''Public Domain:''' [http://www.rural-water-supply.net/en/implementation/proprietary-handpumps/nira-af-85-pump Nira AF-85], [http://www.rural-water-supply.net/en/resources/details/437 Tara Pump], [http://www.rural-water-supply.net/en/resources/details/334 Malda] ===Suitable conditions===
'''Range of depth:''' 0–12 m.
'''Area of use:''' Rural and low-income periurban areas, where groundwater tables are within 12 m of the surface.
===Construction, operations and maintenance===
The pump is operated by moving a handle up and down. As the plunger is located underwater, no priming is needed. Adults, and even children, can pump the water, although if the water table is below 5 m, this may be difficult for children. The pump stand and site must be kept clean.
— the force needed to pump the water may be too great for children, especially if the water table is below 5 m.
===Costs===
From about US$ 100 to over $ 900 (1985 prices). Models suitable for village level O&M cost less than US$ 150.
===Acknowledgements===* Brikke, François, and Bredero, Maarten. ''[http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CC0QFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.who.int%2Fwater_sanitation_health%2Fhygiene%2Fom%2Flinkingintro/water_sanitation_health/hygiene/om/linkingintro.pdf&ei=cwJpT-zaO-OiiQKCst2rBw&usg=AFQjCNEWOQhTgF3a7lzhuw5OA2KmbVGxcA&sig2=Rt2EURUyGVqDcwFg6p0xAw Linking technology choice with operation and maintenance in the context of community water supply and sanitation: A reference document for planners and project staff]''. World Health Organization and IRC Water and Sanitation Centre. Geneva, Switzerland 2003.