HOW WE'RE GETTING WATER OFF GRID!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 ก.ค. 2019
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In this episode, we finish building the platform for our rainwater cisterns and complete the plumbing that connects all three tanks. We're one step closer to being able to collect rainwater! - บันเทิง
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In the years of watching channels like this, that doubling up of hole-saws was the first idea I didn't already know. I'd probably be thinking about a backer plate or something instead. So thanks for that.
Agreed!
Yeah, I always use a backer, but plastic isn't something I've worked with often.
I do so enjoy watching you two. The love between you two and the dog is just a pleasure to behold. Thanks for sharing your love with us...........
Nice, because of your videos inspired me. I purchase 2 acres and make my own home for my baby and my wife tank you I live el Paso Texas God bless.
"Tank you..." I see what you did there! Best of luck to ya!
Bear is such a good boy. He wants to help too! This is the best episode yet 😍❤️
Another enjoyable video about Bear and his two assistants. Nice, simple but effective catchment installation. You might want to think about giving the the PVC pipe a layer of spray paint to protect it from UV.
Or wrap it.
@@TheCaliforniareef why light? Wouldn't you want a dark PVC pipe?
@@sethlouey5064 pre heated water?
You guys are awesome . Thank you for sharing... have a blessed day.
You guys this truly is a labor of love, and so many memories to have, continue success on your homestead and great relationship between you both.
That hole saw hack was great! Always enjoy you guys videos!
Hope you you won't have a very cold winter, love watching you guys.
That's what I was thinking, where I have lived pipes had to be 4 feet down so they were below the freeze line...keep up the good work....
@@nightsong28540 this is texas I think.
@@abshir9677 sugar they still get snow, hail, and. Sleet in Texas. Really does freeze.
@@maryblaylock6545 depends on which part of texas. Been here my whole life and have only seen snow maybe 3 times. It will get down into freezing temps on only a handful of days a year. Rarely multiple days in a row. More northern parts of Texas might see a bit more though.
A few things.
1) you need to cover or paint the exposed PVC or it will degrade in the sun. In a year or two you will be redoing it. PVC has zero UV resistance.
2) how is this going to effect the out flow from your gutters? The rate of flow from the gutters is inversely proportional to the amount of head pressure. So, the restriction of flowing down a pipe plus the additional head pressure of having to come back up that stand pipe to enter the tank is going to reduce how fast water leaves the gutters. This could become an issue in the future. A potential solution would be to use a much larger pipe from the house to the tanks and then give the tanks each their own standing fill pipe. This would reduce the flow restriction and speed up the water leaving the gutters.
3) I would connect the overflows at the top as well. If you get a heavy enough rain, the small pipe at the bottom may not be able to equalize the levels in the tanks fast enough. By connecting the upper overflows, you provide a second path and potentially save water that would otherwise go on to the ground.
4) since you are going through all of this trouble, I recommend a gray water system as well. This will take water from washing machines and sinks and, store it for uses like watering plants and the lawn. More over, it will preserve your precious portable water.
@durc001 I don't disagree but, putting the tanks underground also brings problems. Actually having them up makes a lot of things easier and, as long as the tanks are below the level of the gutters significantly, it can work. Given the approximately 2ft pillars plus the 9 and 1/2 foot containers, they probably have a net head height of about 4ft. Not a lot but workable if you minimize flow restrictions and are smart about it.
Brilliant idea with the hole saw and using the smaller bit as an arbor!
That is the way hole saws are designed, you always have a pilot hole for a guide.
Hole saws are made to stack one inside another in case your first hole drilled is too small? Didn't know that. @@toddkratzer7953
You can use a long strap around the tank and use the trusty CRV to pull the tank.
Been dreaming of building my dream home out of shipping containers and you guys inspire me.
I'll agree to that statement. 🇺🇸
Me too!
I would watch that on TH-cam if you put it up :)
Dido, I was going to build a similar structure until the land owner decided to add the old farmhouse to the deal. So I’m remodeling now. Rain harvesting coming up next.
Its an interesting concept but not sure the economics work out any better than a wood framed house which would also be less constrained by the container shape.
I get so excited when I get your Notification! Love you guys!
YOU TWO are amazing to do all of this project...GREAT JOB.
I am learning all the time with you folks.💯
Thank you for taking me along your journey.👍
Be safe folks and I'll see you on the next video.📹 Peace!✌️😎
I like how you guys just get things done. I'm so inspired thank you. 🎉
it;s incredible just how much work you two have put in as a two-man show. big props! When its all done build an AirBnB tiny house on the land!
The dog sounded like it was asking "Whats wrong with you?" So cute. Not laughing at you but laughing with you two. Just so cute.
In high school I helped build a water collection system in Honduras on a church trip. So much trial and error. We initially had the tanks above ground with logic that you guys are implementing. It didn’t work, the gutters were high enough but the pressure to push the water up a 3 inch pipe was not enough. We eventually buried the tanks below ground, had to hot wire a backhoe, but it saved us a 3 days work, the pipes entered from the top and the earth kept the water cool almost cold. Simple 1/2 hp solar powered pump brought the water to the houses.
I have been wondering if the pressure from the single pipe will be able to fill all tanks. The underground idea sounds like a more practical idea.
That said, perhaps the assumption that water always seeks to level off might help... but I am of the opinion that eventually gravity itself will oppose the rise in water levels because of the entry point.
Hello
I would love to know about the 1/2hp solar pump! We are trying to figure out how to move up to our land and water is currently an issue.
@@ashbolton83did you figure out your water issue?
Watch those fingers! ❤️
Love you guys!
You two a really great people. I admire you both God bless
You guys are doing such a great job. Not only with the work that you're accomplishing on your new home, but also with documenting your progress, triumphs, and setbacks. You should be proud. I wish I had taken more time to document my off grid living to share like you guys are. Best wishes.
I really love to see a couple helping going forward like this, it's really amazing
I've been following you guys closely since the very beginning and love everything you've done so far, with that being said your plans for the water getting from the house gutters to the tanks isn't going to work. I live in the same general area of Texas and most of the rain you're going to get will be in strong sudden bursts, not extended periods of constant rain. The water is going to overflow your gutter system on the house end long before you get any meaningful flow into the tanks, especially with that uphill section of pipe. This isn't a pressurized system, it's gravity only and the path of least resistance is going to be your gutters overflowing on the house end. You'll get some water to the tanks but nowhere near enough and you're going to need every bit you catch. Also, during a hard rain you're going to get a ton more flow than your single 4" line can handle. The idea of remote locating these tanks far away from the house is a mistake. You guys really should having considered catching rain from the shed/barn roof and locating 2 of the tanks over there then putting 1 tank at the house somewhere to catch water there locally. Please take this as constructive advice based on local experience, not the normal TH-cam trolling and negativity that fills the comment sections normally. :)
A post after my own heart. One of tthe best descriptors for what I fail to convey. Standing water is a resistance. It must be overcome. It will work great the first time the 4" pipe is empty.
My exact thoughts while watching the video. Experienced the same issue here in central Texas. I am afraid you'll need a pump to move the water into the tanks, or a redesign/relocation to address the issues this and many other posts have pointed out.
As this person said, we are not here to criticise or troll. Just providing hard-learned lessons to make your project more successful and less costly.
Good luck and love you channel!!
Agree 100%
I'm in eastern Washington ...though we get some long down pours ...I ran into the same issue. I first started with a 1 1/2" down spout off a standard gutter. First rain I had a waterfall coming over the gutters edge. Fixed by fabricating a taller side and a larger downspout.
If the pipe is significantly higher on the house than the inflow on the tank a 4" pipe can handle a lot of flow. Their house can't be more than 1000 sq ft, a 4" should be fine unless there is some insane rain event. A large downspout and good slope on the gutter is a good idea though. I am a certified water harvesting practitioner and have installed hundreds of water harvesting systems. This is a wet inflow system, the pipes will always have water in them(unless they are leaking), it will make no difference in flow once the water gets moving, which will happen very quickly. The most important thing here is to have the sealed pipe on the house side significantly higher than inflow on the tank, as well as having an overflow as large as the inflow. The amount of flow the 4" can handle can be calculated, and the pipe should be sized according to heaviest expected rain events, not once in a hundred year events, just what you expect over a few year span. For instance, in Tucson we can get 3" in an hour sometimes, so we calculate that along with square footage of catchment area flowing into the system. If you have a really long run of pipe or lots bends then you may want to upsize to compensate for the added resistance. I think you guys are missing part of the physics of what is going on, though your cautionary statements are well placed, as I have had to fix a great many poorly designed and installed systems.
Jo Simon Burying the tanks would have been ideal .... 3/4 underground and thus avoid using electricity to assist in filling.
You two sure have done some work between you. Be so nice when you finished and and can move in for real and enjoy your house properly.
I so enjoy watching the adventures of you building your dream home ! Laughing over the mistakes & unplanned events are great for a strong relationship and healthy! Look forward to seeing the next episode!
I read a lot of comments about your water system and just want to reassure you that getting water to your tanks will work as long as gravity is working with you. BUT it will require overhead piping to get the drain water into your 1st tank. I personally prefer underground piping into a catch tank that has a lift pump in it to put the waser into the 1st tank. The water in 1 tank will equalize in all 3 tanks in your setup. A good pump in the pumphouse will supply water to your house at a good pressure as long as you stay within your pump's limitations.
I think you guys are on the right track. I really enjoy seeing your videos and THANKS for sharing.
John
,You Two are so COOL knowledgeable and Fun to watch, keep up the great work.
I realize that it is very time consuming … LOVE LOVE your videos and story …...
I love how happy you guys seem. Can't wait to get my home built. Best of wishes 💝
So you guys having fun, have a sweet doggy and no machinery.... So chill and real..
I was sooo!!! happy when I got my notification.Keep looking forward to this video.
U mk a gr8 couple....happy belated anniversary.....frm India.....tc. all d very best
Awesome video you guys. Have an amazing Sunday, Andreas from Off Grid Sweden 🇸🇪
Appreciated for sharing a lot of sweat and time to build this project. Love the process and it is not easy at all but enjoyable to build it togather.
Suggest putting a cap on any Open ended pipe until you have a closed system. This would prevent critters from trying to make a home in the nice horizontal hole in the geound
It's too late now but a adjustable strap wrench works great on those big PVC screw on fittings. Love you guys!
Very Impressive …….Have been watching from Australia since you began your build....and I am really enjoying how dedicated and hard working you both are to get your off grid and sustainable home ! And of course.....Your sense of humour is always enjoyable...Thanks for sharing!
Should of use those same tree balls Spencer tripping over to move tank.
Everything stops when the life uncontained video comes out. I have to see my fav TH-cam video star Bear and his awesome costars. Great job y’all, very informative.
Can't wait till the next rainy day to see it working like you want. Videos need to be longer or more of them or both.
I’ve been watching your channel since almost the beginning. You guys are truly absolutely awesome, and I wish you nothing but the best this world has to offer. Love, from Long Beach, CA.
Always in my prayers 💕 xoxo Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us.
Great Job! If financing would allow, I think I would still install a well for landscaping/gardening and a backup for the house.
Or bury a 2500 gal tank.
you may have a well but even a well has a flow rate and if that flow rate is not high enough you will get a lot of sediment with it. and a well needs a well pump as well so you would need to put the tanks higher to eliminate the need for a second pump.
you two are great Video bloggers I always look forward to the next edition
Great ingenuity on solving the hole problem, I will file that away in memory should make the same mistake. You two are so great together, I have totally enjoyed your build. I look forward to following you two if you continue with this channel.
I have tried gravity feed water tanks above ground, the gutters over flow before the tanks got filled!
I basically built a large p-trap because you don't want any standing water sitting in pipes! Promoting insect larvae, mold and algae growth.
I had to dig a big hole and build a deep concrete retaining wall to recess them into the ground $$$$ and added a roof.
Also please think about installing a inline debris catch basin to filter the in coming water and easily clean out dead bugs, leaf and bird stuff with a solar powered sump pump (I used a swimming pool sand filter after the pump) to assist in filling your above ground tanks with pretty clean water.
One 30 amp power line ran underground over by your tanks would power both tank fill sump pump and pressure feed pumps that prefilter for the house.
I read the comments, there are many good suggestions on 'what-you-should-have-done', as to make it 'easier' for you to do 'what-YOU-want'. You guys will admit, there's often 'an easier way'. Suggestion: At the end of your clip/post mention what you are planning for the next week. Then suggestions will come in that you have the 'option' to buy into. Note: Doing what 'you want' vs 'how to do it' best or easier, do not conflict.... 16 years ago I built my cabin, 16' x 16' three stories high. Ground level is a workshop. Second story is the 'Water Tank (1500 gal. 12 volt, RV water pump, solar charged 12 volt golf cart battery, plenty of pressure). Third level, living area, with a full covered porch 5 x 16. Stairs/steps are on the outside and covered. "One day, one guy, helped me lift one board." So no, I didn't build it by myself... I am connected to the grid, and county water, but I am 'off-grid-ready'.
I was surprised you didnt use the pvc to move the tanks. A bigger roller doesnt snag.
I suspect those pipes were picked up later
What's the fun in that:-D
@James Smith lol
So you think he should have cut a random length of pvc before things were set and he could take real measurements that would actually work for the system?
I would suggest possibly checking your local plumbing code to see how deep you need to have your potable water supply lines. They need to be below the frost line. Also you have cattle that could crush the pipe break a fitting if its too shallow in the ground, when its wet or during the monsoon season. I am surprised you did not place the tanks on a concrete slab or at least a gravel bed. That way you can build a building over and around the tanks.
Thank you for the video. Enjoy watching your progress!
It's starting to come together now. Congratulations u two.
Use the left over scraps from the shipping contsiners and barn for a roof over the tanks to protect them from hail
That's a good thought.
Everything looks great ✳️
Gotta say great tip Spencer, coz this will def be something I will do and now will use your tip!
Smart idea with the hole saw. I’ve had same problem before but never thought of that. Thanks for taking the time to give the tip!
very big tank, (x3), i hope a lot of rain for your system...
I like how you guys do all this work like you've been doing it for years!
Everyone is now giving away trade secrets all over youtube. Yay!
You guys have the best songs to go along with the build. It just melds way too good.
no small task and the finished result looks very nice, practical and low maintenance... good job!!
This is the 1st thing you've done that I can't wrap my head around. Are you trying to have that much potable water in the end? If so without using a ton of bleach or similar other sterilizer and rotating it out at scheduled intervals the filter network will have to be pretty amazing to work that well on unrotated or sterilized stagnant rainwater. If you don't want it potable, I can see that it might work. As for the gutters filling those tanks the way they are set up, you''ll lose more off the roof that you ever get in the tanks, meaning FULL GUTTER pressure probably isn't enough to push it up your vertical inlet pipe with the sq. footage roof you have. Perhaps you've calculated all of this and it just looks bad from my limited viewpoint, I hope that's the case.
The idea is with water seeking its own level. As water enters from the roof into the pipe water will exit into the tank at the other end. I think they have not considered a deluge will not be handled well if this is the means they intend to do it.
@@larrybe2900 I get that, below the house it will fill.....eventually......to many unknowns.....whats required? 10 inches of rain per hour? The average Texas shower isn't going in those Cisterns. I've collected rain water for decades,, all vertical downpipes that collect every drop that falls.
Maybe they will need a 4" pipe for each downspout feeding into the storage tanks to handle the high volume of water during a Texas deluge? That can always be done later, if they are losing too much water due to the limited capacity of a single 4" pipe.
@@ILGuy2012 Good idea...I still have no idea what the plan to make it potable and keep it potable is, or if it's just for flushing toilets?
As a retired plumber your doing it right 👍 looking really good. Love your videos, ❤️
That was so smart to utilize the old bit! I'm enjoying the videos.
Cool setup. A couple of ideas: You may want to build some kind of cage over that wet standpipe that leads from the gutters to the first tank. If cows are wandering around there then one may lean on it and cause it to fail. Or you may bump into it yourself. With a wet system like that you may also want to build in some way to drain the system so you don't get stagnant water in there during periods of no rain.
First let me say that I love you guys, y'all are awesome. I hate to say it though, your solution to get the water from the house to the tanks won't work. First the water has to equalize from the downspout to the up spout, but that's dependent on the size pipe you use at your house. If you use anything less than 4" at the house it'll have to work against the pressure from the up spout. There's probably 10 gallons or more of water in the up spout which weighs 85 ish lbs. I mean it might work better to change the pipe at the tank to a smaller diameter to get it the lift it needs to get it done. But then you run into the problem of water moving fast enough that it won't backflow out at the house. Idk I think there's an issue and there might need to be a redesign. Good luck
A redesign is in order. While water seeks it's own level, you're right about the line size/resistance. The gutters are going to overflow at the house. From gutter to a sump at the house then to sump pump to the tank cluster would be better. But then you have another pump... To help with sediment and such, I would think have stages of tanks. First tank is 'grey' then filter and store in the other two. But then you've got yet another pump since these Norwescos aren't pressurized. At least a roof to keep the sunlight off and will help the water quality and tank life. Also, why have sunk frost cans and then still have 6-8" of supply pipe above ground? Get the biggest pressure tank you can get to help the life of your pressure pump! I got a 120gal in my mech room. Just barely fit through the door but my Grundfos thanks me.
@@LordNelsonkm I thought it would be better if they buried the tanks to eliminate the gravity/back flow question. That's the way it works at my uncle's house in South Texas.
They could probably just add another pipe going to one of other two tanks, or two more filling both remaining tanks at the same time, if there's a backlog at the house.
@Steven Councell that's a lot of diggin for old bear....
Baburek you would still have the problem of trying to lift the weight of water in the up pipe.
I would have installed a union on each tank next to your valve plumbing. Just a suggestion. The tanks look great.
True, if you ever need to work on your system, you will need those unions
You kids are just remarkable...& so is Bear!!! I also love watching your love story!!! Y’all keep up the great work!!!
You have a keeper ,a mem that can do anything you are so blessed
Great work looks good. You may be able to have the overfill line run to your garden.
Woooo love this channel!
Thanks for putting this up, it's a great way for people that wanna do this too!
Wow ...great job on setting up those water storage tanks. Holy cow ...they look really good.
You will need some sort of lift pump to make the water go up the fill pipe. Whenever it rains.i dont think theres near enough elevation your gutters will just overflow in heavy rain.
HOODS CUSTOM SHOP yes agreed. That was my first thought. The downward force of gravity won’t be overcome by that slight elevation. Definitely will need a pump.
Yes, The pipe should have been installed in the air with gradual drop. Back to the drawing board.
@@robertsmith3774 yes that's what I was thinking
@@robertsmith3774 wait...what? If the supply pipe is "U" shaped it will work...it will just stay filled with water at the same height as the outlet into the water tank.
@@nunayafb since the water will have to travel up at least 6 feet the inlet would need to be double the height in order to overcome the back pressure. Will it trickle into the tank? Probably but in the instance of a drizzle the gutters would be overflowing. Not capturing all of the water. It is simple physics taught to real plumbers. They will learn the hard way. And so will you.
Looking forward to how it works. I am concerned the water flow from the gutters will not work as you expect. :(
7:48 THANK YOU!!!!! I've ran into this issue several times, and couldn't think of a solution. This is Frucking awesome. BTW, I love the home.
For the record. I wait for every new video with anticipation! I love to see yalls progressions!
In the future, if you ever have a need to enter the tanks invest in an Oxygen (O2) meter. Test the atmosphere before entering - it could save your life.
The famous last words I always heard is "hey y'all hold my beer and watch this".LOL Have you checked the flow rate between the tanks through the smaller pipes? You may need to put bigger equalization pipes between the 3 tanks in order to keep up with the rain flow. That is Texas and you get a lot of rain some times I would hate to see you loose water because it can't equalize fast enough.
I think they gonna use the big pipe for it😆
@@Rynaldi_Rizwan The reason I asked is the big pipe is the feed from the house and it looks 4 inch ID.The problem is with the small 2 inch pipe that is the drain also being the equalization pipe during a heavy rain with the tanks half full the one tank will overflow before all the tanks equalize. Cool of them is your equalization pipe should be as big as your feed.
@@kevchard5214 well I am not a plumber but I agree about that😁😁
@@Rynaldi_Rizwan I learned from experience when I was young living in Louisiana we built a camp with rain water catchment and 2 tanks and had this problem.
Great job, guys!
Do have been watching all you videos and am impressed that you research all your steps ahead of time. Great Job!
i have the same tanks and lids in canada and im having issues water evaporating, you guys have higher temps then us. i suggest burying or building cover for them
Black tanks and lids. Think black car with black upholstery. Broiling!
That's why they put them under the trees
@@btbcc12859 thats not enough
You may want to add a 55 gal drum and sump pump under the gutters to pump water up to the tank infill. Not really sure gravity will drive the water through the pipes and up that high. If you were to start with and 8" pipe and graduate down to four, that might give you the pressure needed tbough. Good luck!
And again I’m impressed and inspired. Keep it up.
You three work super well together. Very impressive indeed. Keep up the great work 👍🏽😊.
I love when it's Upload day!! :)
#lifeuncontained #notificationsquad #likebeforewatching
Bear: "Stick! Me help get it."
2 minutes later...
"Stick heavy Mom. Me have to dig. Me good digger."
Spencer, nice hack with hole saw, I'll have remember that one. 🙂
yup!! some people are CRAZY!! enjoy it while you can! I smile with you while you are working together. I hope you can do THAT forever. keep up the good work!
Wow, so much work! GREAT JOB you two (and Bear of course)!
You know, if you tip those on their sides you can roll them instead of having to push them. Just sayin
lol
Oh that is so hillarious but he just does it for the exercise...
Could damage tank outlets on bottom side there pretty heavy and outlets are plastic
Or she could help lol
Go buy 3 pieces of 2” steel pipe at Home Depot and roll it anywhere you want
A dead man a come a long and some steel pipe and you can almost anything by yourself. A dead man is a device with a long strong handle with a heavy duty steel wedge at one end with a small single wheel right before the wedge This allows one man to lift a heavy object a few inches. A come a long is a chain hoist with a jack style handle instead of a chain to operate the hoist this allows horizontal as well as vertical use.
Will there be some sort of pre-filter between gutters and first tank to filter out particles, leaves, dead bees or ants etc. so that they don't make it into the first tank and beyond?
Normally, I see water collection system with a debris collector, so as to not load up the storage tanks with silt and junk.
Plus, what is the frost level in your area? Will the system freeze?
I'm afraid you will find yourselves fighting gravity on this system too.
You will need UV protection on those PVC pipes as well.
So very proud of you two. Good job!!!
I’ve watched a lot of your videos... I think this one is my favorite. You did a great job making it
Along the same principle of the water level used to establish the piers footings, the gutter collection should flow until the rain stops and then the pipe would hold water, evaporating some until the next rain. I would be a bit concerned if it didn't rain for a time and the pipe water went stale or if there was water in it t during winter, freezing water would burst the pipes.
I'll be amazed if gravity has enough pressure to fill the tanks. You might need a 55 gallon tank with a float operated pump to transfer gutter runoff to the tank. The runoff has to push against a huge head pressure. Fyi use very small grid screening to protect bugs and critters from getting into tanks from overflow!
Sean Signer I think your right plus smaller pipe and a check valve to the tank and a fill tank out give it constant psi
Great job you guys it's coming together nicely
Looks great guys!
You guys are cute and I like your project, but your editing & sense of humor takes your videos from good to great!
OMG! Wouldn't have been as funny if you tipped the tanks over and rolled them. :-). Thank you!
Ignore all the comments about the tanks not filling without a pump, as long as the tanks are lower than the gutter they will. It may not be the most efficient way of doing it but it will work. What you should have done though is installed a clean/access point at the lowest point as it will end up with a lot of stagnant water sitting in the pipework. All these system are 'make it up as you go' and no one ever gets it spot-on first time, you will be tinkering with them for the rest of your life!! 😃 Keep the videos going and well done so far.
You guys are doing such a great job. Ive got the same tanks on a gutter system on my shop and barn. We use them as back up for water troughs for livestock.