4 Fun Ways to Mod a Water Gun

The origins of the water gun go back to the late 19th century. John Walter Wolff filed a patent for a toy gun that used pressure from a bulb or ball to squirt water. Nowadays, these toys are a staple for summertime fun.

However, did you know they can be modded? Water gun mods can elevate your gadget to the next level. Here are four fun ones to try.

1. Using the K-Mod

The K-mod is one of the most popular water gun mods enthusiasts use. This modification will increase the range of your squirt gun to reach anybody you’re trying to douse with water. The primary benefit is that it’s simple and only requires a few steps.

First, you need to disassemble your water gun. You may need a screwdriver, which is an essential item to have in your garage for many different applications, so find one that will fit the screws on your weapon. Remember what part goes where if it’s your first time because you’ll want to know that when reassembling. Locate the pressure chamber, which should be in the middle area of your water gun, and remove the bulb.

The bulb determines the water pressure when you fill the gun with water. Wrap as many rubber bands as you think you’ll need around the bulb. This makes it easier for your weapon to reach its maximum pressure level. You’ll likely notice an increase in range and the amount of squirt time for the water.

Want to boost the fun even further? Try this mod with a realistic water gun replica or one modeled after an auto water Glock. These tend to have better pressure systems and visual appeal, making them ideal for parties or videos. Many hobbyists consider the K-mod to be step one in creating custom water guns that outperform store-bought toys. Just be sure not to over-pressurize your weapon — safety first.

2. Making a Smaller Nozzle

Sometimes, a water gun’s nozzle is too wide for your preference. A large nozzle can squirt a lot of water, but you may have a tiny target you’re trying to reach. In this case, modifying the nozzle to make it smaller may be an ideal modification for you. One way to do it is to fill the hole using putty as a sealant.

Fill the nozzle with putty and then use a drill to create a hole in your desired size. Start small to see how you like the water output, then drill a larger hole if needed. This modification is ideal if you have a target you’re trying to hit but don’t want to overpower it.

For example, suppose you want to shoot water at a dog or a small child. In that case, a smaller nozzle similar to a squirt gun will be more suitable than a larger, more powerful one. The nozzle directs the water and unleashes it through a concentrated stream. A tight nozzle will let out a thin flow of water and won’t overpower the object at which you’re shooting water.

Fun tip: Pair this nozzle mod with a dual-stream system — one wide and narrow — for more flexibility during play. Some DIYers even swap out nozzles mid-game depending on whether they’re targeting a distant friend or someone nearby. This technique is useful if you’re experimenting with how to make a water gun from scratch, such as a PVC pipe design.

3. Modifying the Electrical Parts

Another way to increase the power is to modify your water gun’s electrical parts if it runs on a motor. You’ll want to use this mod to show off your powerful water weapons at summer parties.

First, use a screwdriver to open your water gun. Remove the stock batteries and install new ones, connecting them. They will act as one more powerful battery than two individual ones and attach them to the gun’s wires. You could use solder to permanently make the battery stick to the water gun, covering any exposed wires to prevent short-circuiting.

This modification will make your water gun squirt at a higher voltage. Shoot water in short spurts if the batteries make the toy more powerful than the motor can handle. There are some risks, but this is a fun water gun mod to increase power creatively.  

Want to go full techie? Advanced users are now pairing lithium-ion battery packs with microcontrollers for custom firing patterns, even turning their squirt guns into light-up displays or timed bursts. If you’re serious about upping your game, this is one of the best ways to create the best water gun for adults. Some users even add Bluetooth controls, turning their water blaster into a programmable gadget.

4. Expanding the Water Capacity

When you’re having fun at the pool with your water gun, you don’t want to keep refilling it over and over. One way to solve this problem is to use backpack modifications. Some water guns can’t use this mod, so check online before you start it. For example, you can’t mod a pressurized reservoir water gun with a backpack.

First, you’ll need an inflatable water container, such as a water bag. You could use a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe or plastic bucket. The possibilities of this mod are vast. For this example, use a water bag and fill it with water.

Now you need something to connect it to the water gun, so use a coupler from barbs and strong tape, for example. Take your coupling device and attach it to the water weapon, using clamps if needed. You can connect the bag to the existing reservoir or remove it entirely and directly attach your water bag as your primary source.

Pro tip: Add a dual-valve system so you can switch between tanks or even have a teammate refilling one while you use the other. This mod is also ideal if you’re building custom water guns for team competitions. The extra water volume can be especially helpful if you’re working on a realistic water gun cosplay or film prop that shouldn’t be interrupted by frequent refills. You will also need to ensure that your pool and outdoor areas are well-maintained so that you can have all the fun with minimal stress. You don’t have to go overboard. Instead, just using a water testing kit can make all the difference to your pool’s quality and your fun.

DIY Water Gun from Scratch 

If you want to take your modeling journey to the next level, try building your own squirt gun. There are tons of YouTube tutorials on how to make a water gun using PVC pipes, bike pumps, soda bottles and valves. It’s a fun maker project, and it helps you fully customize the size, pressure and stream output to your liking. Plus, it’s cheaper than many store-bought options. 

If you’re feeling extra creative, consider customizing the look of your water gun, too. Use waterproof paint, decals or 3D-printed parts to give it a futuristic or realistic water gun aesthetic. With the right mods and personal flair, your summer battles will never be the same. 

Remember: when you’re done creating your water gun and you’re using it with your friends, you’ll want to be the fittest of the bunch. You can easily use AI to build yourself a fitness plan that will have you feeling fit and ready to battle with your new water gun.

How Does A Water Gun Work?

Ever wonder how a water gun works? Most rely on one of two systems: air pressure or motorized pumping. In a pressure-based water gun, you pump air into a chamber that forces the water out when the trigger is released. In electric models, a motor drives a small pump that pulls water from a reservoir and shoots it through the nozzle. Understanding these mechanics can help you choose the right mods and make smarter decisions about upgrades. 

Fun Water Gun Mods for Your Party

Summer parties are some of the most fun you’ll have, whether you’re an adult, child or anywhere in between. These fun, hot days call for ways to cool down. Jumping in the pool is an excellent way to beat the heat, and using water guns adds another layer to the fun. If you want to upgrade your squirt gun, use these four fun water gun mods to impress your friends with your craftsmanship.

With these extra tweaks, you’ll go from casual soaker to certified splash champion. Whether you prefer a stealthy, realistic war gun or a loud and proud auto water Glock, there’s a mod or DIY plan out there waiting to make your next pool party unforgettable.

Originally posted September 16, 2022 – Updated May 7, 2025