Backfilling Our $10,000 Off Grid Water System

[@timelmore2]

You once said that you can look at a project and tell when the builders gave up. THIS IS THAT MOMENT!

[@boudreaumay3040]

Hey Kids my hat off to you for being an inspiration hopefully to young and old a like. Dare anyone to ever question your work and with your neighbor's I can assure you they are so pleased with what your doing that motivates them to be so helpful. You bring back memories to me they way we were at your age and even younger and I thought it would last forever. But God had other planes and I lost my Barbie Doll last year completely unexpected and I have been watching you two and all though I can say honestly your task have helped me I still miss Her and Her beautiful being inside and out. Your in my Prayers for you and your dreams and thank you for sharing some of them.

[@frugalprepper]

I know nothing about off-grid water systems, but there are two things that I am wondering about. If there is no air vent on the second tank how is it going to fill and drain properly. Where there be air trapped in it. Are you concerned that the small leak may become a larger one once you fill the tanks all the way up? There are only filled up a small fraction of the way. There will be a lot more pressure on that seal when they are full.

[@PaulPetrea]

Jesse & Alyssa, you guys are great. Been following your videos almost since the beginning. But, you have poured more money, time, and energy into this project, than was necessary to complete the water system.

[@matthewweare1854]

What a great neighbor! Glad you have a good supportive community around you to help out with this sort of project.

[@Trek4Truth]

thank you for demonstrating why professionals are necessary and we builders have a lot more knowledge than many give us credit for.

[@stevenhardy2898]

The doit yourself craze in this country has gone a little too far. When I built my own house, I used garlinghouse plans, a real mason, and hired a real electrician to guide me every step of the way. He made decent side money for his knowledge,spent a couple hours with me on Saturday mornings and enjoyed himself while there I also asked the county for courtesy inspections,which saved me a bunch a money on window building codes...which had changed along the way! (Come final inspection ,I would have had to redo four windows and the cedar siding.)

[@billsmith9610]

Whenever and if ever, they actually build a house. As soon as she is pregnant , they will have a for sale sign up, to get away from all their future disasters. My neighbor dug his entire foundation and footers out, with a pick and shovel and wheelbarrow. He worked everyday, after work, until done.They talk about going to the air conditioning when it gets too hot. If my boss would only let me do that when it's too hot haha.

[@stevenhardy2898]

Digging it by hand...wow. . I discovered near the end of my 1 build that a decent used diesel skid loader could be had for less than 10 k. Individual accessories could be rented way cheaper than renting the whole machine using the quick attach mounting system. (small backhoe, post hole digger,grader blade or even a grapple blade. When the build was done, I encountered a layoff and sold the midsized Gehl for the same price I paid for it within three days of putting it on somebodies driveway with a for sale sign on it.

[@ismaeltenenbaum4103]

Of course Professionals are needed (we shoud discuss what a "Professional" is or should be, but anyway...) The problem is, what do you do when you can not afford to pay for Professionals? what do yo do? how do you do it...

[@tellesmoshe]

Ismael Tenenbaum obviously these people have money somewhere. Seems that they keep spending away. Besides, they got followers who are willing to help but they fail to take advice.

[@pu1ypj]

I don't know why people love to hate them. I really like this kind of videos, they are showing their day-by-day and they are funny. Way way better than other homesteading videos.

[@audiotechlabs4650]

I have been following you two since day 1. Without trying to insult you guys, you were so greenhorn at the start with THE most energy and determination of anyone. I think you should get the prize for coming the furriest for learning and NOT giving up and quit! Other people have done what you have, but, you are the ones I have watched and I see your subscriptions have been a steady rise to what it is today, so I am not alone. Congrats on all you have accomplished. I watch any and all of your videos just to see what kind of lengths you will go through to get what you need. Thankz

[@fayloyan]

I thought the rigid PVC pipe connecting the 2 cisterns were still leaking from the last video?

[@miket6978]

yup they said it was good enough lol

[@MrParts4sale]

don't worry about leak rigid pipe will break when tanks settle at different rates

[@MrParts4sale]

he used rigid pvc pipe between the two tanks. the other black flex pipe in the pvc will be ok

[@petergillock9533]

It's awesome that you have friends and neighbors who are so willing to help out. I hope you repay them some day, not with cash, but with something much more meaningful. Keep up the good work.

[@Warpfield]

I saw standing water between the cisterns. You still have a leak there?

[@james5460]

That straight connection between the two tanks is great - if they were standing on concrete. Putting this on top of a hill, and with natural settling, you'll be digging that up to put in a flexible connection within two years.

[@Tom_Err]

with the already existing leaks they will do in a few weeks. Some people have to learn the hard way....

[@kirstenwhitworth8079]

How very cool is that! Yay, Richard! You are a hero!

[@nighthawksrj9797]

Thank you.

[@nighthawksrj9797]

No worries mate!

[@billr2996]

Having good neighbors is a godsend. Love your channel and reading the arm chair quarterback comments is very entertaining.

[@rocksy71]

loving the daily videos showing your progress, at this rate you'll be done by Fall. which Fall is anyone's guess but keep on keeping on

[@Brynoize]

Scroll Out, nice.

[@danieldavenport29er]

Thank God for neighbors. Makes life a little easier

[@bryanpulling6977]

hey Jessy and Alisa I know you guys have a lot going on I just wanted to say thank you for posting almost everyday really enjoy in a sense being part of your journey! keep up the hard work and remember to take some time for your selves again thank you guys

[@RichardGDBaker]

Jesse ,Alyssa. Stick at it guys. I applaud your spirit and resolve. It's enjoyable to watch and heartening to see how supportive you are of each other and your endeavour. It's fantastic you have such kindly neighbours too. It further illustrates how wonderful people can be.

[@Titus-as-the-Roman]

On a different note, looking at all the rounded rock which goes deep into the soil it's clear that this whole area was once a huge fast flowing river system from melting glacial ice. Do you know if this area your in was once part of the glacial Lake Missoula system that ultimately carved out the Washington Scab Lands.

[@bobhale8325]

NEIGHBORS! What a wonderful invention. Congratulations on the days accomplishment.

[@bubblehead6160]

Richard is a great neighbor!!

[@nighthawksrj9797]

Thank you.

[@N4w4k]

Hey Richard, do you know more about their plan to fix the leak, to fill the second tank without adding a vent and ensure a little bit of water circulation when the intake and the output are on the same side? Surely you have discussed this with them?

[@billswingle2672]

Kind neighbors are a godsend!!!

[@fiendeng]

You folks are awesome ! Keep sharing and keep being open and honest ! This will help many people, myself included

[@r1ot1ng247]

@1:19 is that pipe still leaking?

[@georgesmith7773]

hey, Champ, they don't care.

[@dutchcourage7312]

@george, indeed apparently they do not ... and clearly they also don't read all the good comments, or simply choose to ignore them and think they know better... You know that recent episode about 'needing help and accepting help', well they do, but the things they need isn't a patreon-account... or maybe they do, because they might well need that money to retro fix their system... also, he seems like a 180pound guy or so, so stamping and compacting that ground on that fixed already leaky fixed connection will be 'a ok' ... drama waiting to happen, and all they have to blame is themselves... just wait and see them also 'forgetting' an airation on the second tank, and then filling it all up and wondering why their tanks only hold 2/3 of the capacity.

[@ZeoCyberG]

It's a small leak that may seal itself once under the pressure of the ground on top of it... But it's not just going to stay there... Remember, they plan on installing a rain catchment system later and that means they will have to dig that all up again to access the pipes and hook it up... So by then they'll know if the leak went away or whether they'll need to fix it but either way they're going to be digging it up again later... Covering it up now just protects it from falling rocks, etc. and the sand will be a lot easier to dig up than letting it fill it up with rocky soil again...

[@georgesmith7773]

Dutch - exactly. I've read most of their blog. it's equally chaotic. these people are teaching neophytes that it's ok to cut corners on construction issues that can get them killed or destroy their property. that's scary. I've watched their early videos. that five acre tract is mostly the side of that hill. there's a clearing on top. most of the timber is young, and not of any real lumber value. there's a single deer trail that crosses the clearing. neighbors are too close to make the property of any capable of supporting enough wildlife of any food value. five acres will barely support a couple of goats or sheep and some chickens. no way it will support a cow and calf. no way they will ever see off grid and self-sufficient.

[@stevenhardy2898]

The factoid statement about trapped air struck me as total bullshit. If you ever watched a siphon work, you will understand what I am talking about. Get the flow right and the air disappears

[@kerriegrant6293]

You work so hard i'm proud of you, you deserve to have your wonderful home, you lovely kids, hope to send you another donation soon, God Bless

[@MagniKhan]

Guys, much love to ya. That being said. I've done major projects on my own and I know how daunting they can get. But please stop and listen to the wisdom being imparted below. STOP and fix your leaks! Re-level your tanks! You will regret it if you don't, trust me. It will eat at you daily knowing that is done improperly. And of coarse the time it will take to repair it when the inevitable happens will be exponentially greater then. Just STOP and reset. You will thank your selves later. Good luck and be safe.

[@HamBands]

I do not see an upper vent pipe between the two tanks. I assume you will be installing one to allow the two tanks to equalize their water levels.

[@nutmegsjourney4242]

I would have had the inlet/feed pipe going into the second cistern at the end farthest away from the first cistern and leave the outlet pipe on the first cistern where it is so that you're constantly "rotating" your water like stock on a supermarket shelf. I also would have put a flexible pipe between the two cisterns and also set the whole system up so that you could add more cisterns later at your leisure. I would also make sure both tanks had breathers and overflows.

[@QuestForTheOpenRoad]

thumbs up for good neighbors! I have a nice tractor, and i help when I can, especially in winter when we get feet of snow, and regular plows can't move it.

[@intensewalkera]

Oh come on you guys, give them a break , ALL water systems leak, Jessie told us so. If water can get out, contamination can get in. As everyone else has already said, that rigid pipe connection , between the two tanks is elephant in the room, which you choose to ignore. Comedy gold, thanks for the laughs.

[@jedidiah5131]

Great job ....keep up the good work and what a great community, neighbours helping neighbours....

[@jamesrimell7505]

Not commenting on what has gone before, but that valve box is not sealed from below. Water pressure if the ground becomes damp (likely with new infill) will push sediment up from below filling up around your valve head bolt with no way to clean it out.

[@lindadouglas6902]

My husband and I have been following your progress for some time. We are also living off-grid (solar) but our terrain and climate is a little different here in the desert.

[@rixanneh18]

Richard and Sophia thank you for helping them :)

[@TheKazzarry]

After watching this water system come too. im reminded how lucky i am that all we needed to do was lay a concrete slab and whack a tank on run 3' pipe down the hill and boom we were done, still took a week tho :P

[@dennisalanvids]

READ YOUR COMMENTS!!!! Lots of people trying to help you out! Aren't there a lot of land slides out there? You really don't want anything leaking. A bad enough leak and a good amount of rain will push that puppy down the hill. I'm planning out my water system and learning a lot from your comments so thanks for that :) We are all just looking out for you guys PLEASE SLOW DOWN!!!!!!!

[@norman3605]

I'm glad to see you are filling in that hole. Being in that hole has been incredibly dangerous for you both, and I'm so relieved to see you haven't been hurt or killed in a trench collapse. Please brace your walls in any future excavations before entering the trench. Even a shallow (3-4 foot) trench can collapse; pinning or crushing the person with dozens of tons of force.

[@dantraenkenschuh647]

One of my favorites. Good video production. It's the other end of primitive technology .

[@DaybirdAviaries]

It's nice to have help.

[@HeartinessApproach]

Yay Tractor Fairy. Which we could all help. Thank you Richard.

[@wheezer345]

Thank you Richard & Richard's wife!!!!!! :)

[@nighthawksrj9797]

You are welcome.

[@BPollard86]

Rather than give you guys hell, let me tell you a story instead. We had a clogged toilet and couldn't figure out what was going on, why it would flush so slow, etc. After ripping the toilet up and doing some damage to the tile, we found that a little root had pushed it's way through the wax seal and down into the drain. From that one root we pulled handful after handful, filling a large garbage bag, with what looked like dredlocks. That little root had come in, made itself a home, and branched like crazy to get tons of water for the oak tree. Turns out that roots find water by detecting a difference in temperature with their surroundings. It won't be too long before the trees find your cisterns and start wrapping roots around them. When they find that leak, they'll send that little scout root in, and after that it's game over. That flex pipe between the two is a good idea as well. Geology is dynamic, not static. Take advantage of it still being sand and do yourself a favor. You'll sleep better.

[@williamkraft5574]

I'm glad you started your day being shaded with the trees, hope this lasted for several hours. Jessie, your a hard worker but watching Alyssa tossing those mini boulders like was nothing was amazing to watch. Nice to see a couple that can work as hard as the other. Best of luck and looking forward to your next video.

[@Africanfrogs]

The comments are filled with expert advise why not listen. just a matter of time until all these "issues" are gonna have to be dug up and re done.

[@Al3xTrucho20]

MrRideutah I'm no expert and even I know they are taking the easy route on everything they do.

[@jamesnixon5126]

MrRideutah A

[@tabranch3165]

Richard,a worker doing what he's told to do !

[@ColtRice17]

@ 8:15 that laser level beeping was soooo loud. great video as always and I love watching you guys.

[@Mitchvr32]

Future episode title "How to repair leaks on buried water system"

[@MayhemRv]

Reminds me of a saying my dad had : Bye you books and you chew the covers!

[@maplequeen822]

Great video! Go Alyssa! Hopefully you'll be done with the water system soon and it runs smooth. Tons advice below some good some bad, I did agree with the recommendation to fill with water first before you finish. I'm sure you guys have this handled. Hope to see the next video. I eagerly wait!

[@MrParts4sale]

when tanks settle it will break solid pipe between them. i warned them in last video. have fun digging it out again lol

[@MrParts4sale]

youtube post.

[@Czeckie]

good 10% of the comments are saying just that, the pipe will break. They must have seen it, they just 'nah' it.

[@michaelcunningham4587]

Great video! The Bugaboo ending was purrfect!

[@TechSmurf]

Dozens of smart people trying to help you in the comments, and you just keep walking towards that cliff like it doesn't matter. Remember what you said about getting to the end of a big project and losing the drive to do it right, but you're trying to keep perspective? Nope. It's gone. You've cut enough corners that you will end up digging this thing back up again.

[@michaeljacobs9613]

I admire the can-do engineering. And to the keyboard warriors, some professional, why not just watch and enjoy. Surely Jessie has considered allowances for the decisions made. Loving the daily videos, but don't compromise making videos against your progress (despite enjoying both). Can't wait to see the building/ planning/ house assembly!

[@davidsling3]

thank you Richard..

[@nighthawksrj9797]

:)

[@somethingsomething404]

+Nighthawk92 I hope they paid you for your time and help, they're making money just by you helping them. Let alone the value of the help. Cheers for being a good neighbour :) but don't work yourself to death helping the helpless if they're not at least covering your costs(+an appearance fee lol)

[@ianhollis51]

Wow! Your block grows a ton (maybe tons) of rocks. My house is on limestone cap rock, but not much more sand. and your rocks are huge.

[@stopmotionj2455]

I really like that I never now what you two are going to do next. :) Keep up the good work.

[@jayherde0]

Realizing that most of these comments are 'hind-sight', here's a thought to tuck away for use later. The WRENCH for the valve stand might like to have a collar with an inverted cone/flange to guide it onto the shut-off. You might even consider extending the collar a bit to cover the valve and hold back any sand that might find it's way into the 'standing' pipe. Make the handle almost to the top of the standing pipe and put t-handle at the top. Basically make an extension and leave it in the standing pipe. Hope this is helpful.

[@gsp0113]

You know, I've been following this couple for a few weeks now and I have to say I'm getting worried. I feel like they're in over their heads with this water supply project. Are their lines and cisterns even below the frost line? To me, it doesn't look it. And not using Teflon tape on all those fittings? I don't know. Can any experts out their allay my concerns?

[@freethought2296]

Don't know if you're aware of it but that do make hand operated plastic pipe cutters. They run around $30 on Ebay and will save you some sweat and make nice clean cuts.

[@oscarroque01]

Quick Q: is the water system open or closed? Like, does it at least have a vent valve at the highest point? Just wondering.

[@strykerv1620]

Yes...on the far side you see a water in line. and opposite side a white over flow valve.

[@pu1ypj]

They said yes for me on the Facebook, there is vents.

[@dgdynasty2149]

love your progress. you two seem like awesome people.

[@wantblackwolf]

Still no air release tube/vent for the rear tank? Good luck getting water into it I wonder if the pressure would be enough to blow the tops off.

[@RedefineLiving]

As the rear tank water lvl lowers it will need to pull in air. As it is filled it will need to push out air. Is it vented? It seems like it should also be connected to the front tank at the top also so it can breath. Did anyone consult a professional?

[@mwnciboo]

I've never seen a channel go from overwhelming positive, to "meh" to "I'm done" so quickly the comments are a pretty good indicator that viewers are not happy and they all think that burying (even partially) when the system is not proved is at best unwise.

[@MrAngryNapkins]

Take a piece of plywood and lift one side and use it has a slide and have him dump the sand on the slide....

[@Magny80]

"River Dance" mode on the sand in the middle of the cisterns, nice lol. When you threw that rock out of the ditch, I was thinking it was gonna hit the camera, knocking it over, and would of been part of a blooper reel. I would suggest a tamper to compact the sand a bit better than stomping. A DIY version is a simple one, but gotta find the metal parts. A 5 or 6 foot metal pipe, a square metal plate 12"x12" or 18"x18" should be good, and some angle metal brace piece to keep the plate from moving during the tamping process.

[@scottk1298]

Thanks Richard!

[@nighthawksrj9797]

Welcome.

[@caroletaylor8675]

Will you vent the far tank so the two tanks equalize? someone mentioned that you needed a vent on that tank. You are doing so great. neighbors are great!!! So proud of your progress. I loved watching your progress. Pat yourselves on the back!

[@melodygibson4889]

thank you Richard,

[@nighthawksrj9797]

Welcome.

[@JohnSmith-ug5ci]

Thanks for sharing your dreams. God bless.

[@jimpilot330]

Dont think I'd sleep too well knowing that those tanks were leaking so much underground!

[@Thrakerzog]

You'll be digging out the entire system within the next 12 months to fix the joint breaks and leaks.

[@brianwallace9491]

How does air get out of your rear tank? If you fill in the front tank and overflow/vent in the front tank how does air get out of the rear tank? You need a secend connection to the rear tank at the top to allow the air to move into the front tank and vent out as the tanks fill. Also, believe it or not, tank to tank connections should be flexible and water tight. A drip at a few inches will be a stream at full fill.

[@AdmiralPreparedness]

I used to love playing in the sand.....Please tell me that installation was inspected by a state plumbing inspector or at least by a plumber.

[@michaelgreer9440]

Your kidding right

[@eddeetz493]

Very happy to see the sand backfill protection. You can always barter for operator and equipment use. Trade day for day with the mill. Ever consider some ducks to build garden soil? You can herd ducks..A hog panel chicken tractor / hot house let's you get garden started early..pick up tractor and fertilize. Ours would fly and return every time dad left the drive. You could use the existing ditch to build a water feature..ponds on levels. Throw valve..instant garden fertilizer. Duck eggs and meat are in demand.

[@danieldowning4583]

Hey Guy's. how will your water tanks be filled , what is the water supply? if it has come I missed it. Love your channel.

[@mbainrot]

And some bonus trivia, the tank, at least here in Australia is referred to as an IBC or an intermediate bulk carrier, carries around 1000L of material. They're referred to as a bulk carrier because the cage usually has some slots in the base for a skid lift/forklift

[@ronaldshepard4625]

I noticed when you join both tanks together you didn't show all of the video. how did you get that short piece of pipe with threaded fittings on both ends to go into the holes without moving the tanks?

[@tfssludgyspoon5007]

I'm not a car person at all but bug a boo's meows are too cute

[@lesternielson9280]

I'm curious... when you pump water up to fill the cisterns, where does the air trapped inside go?

[@PastorHinChrist]

WOW! Thanks, guys!!!!. Have you thought of using a Sawzall? You are both too awesome.

[@melissagoetz8847]

You really could build some amazing rock walls!

[@terimack2810]

hi you guys have harvested so many rocks, are they usable? like in a future fireplace? or garden wall? or some one who wants them?

[@billyboyblue17]

One thing you haven't mentioned (but I'm hoping you covered) is a vent/overflow for the second cistern. Since you are filling the one closest to the trench and have what looked like 2" PVC between the two tanks, you will have to have a vent in the tank away from your trench. Otherwise you will never be able to store water in the second tank much higher than the 2" pipe joining the two tanks.

[@Patty-jj4en]

With all the rocks you could build a rock house! We have lots of rocks on our land as well. I spent a whole summer picking up loose rock here on our place. "Rocky Acres " would be a great name for property.

[@Kropikovo]

Question: Was your forest once the bottom of a sea, or riverbed? Much sad, much round-ish rocks... riverbed?

[@darrenslatta]

Have they installed a pipe to equalise the air pressure between the 2 tanks or is the second tank just going to have reduced capacity?

[@howardfortyfive9676]

At 5:00 the man says MAKING DO WITH WHAT WE HAVE. What a novel concept.

[@dott5335]

I case I didn't see it mentioned below, y'all should fill those tanks pretty soon. If it rains and water fills the pit, your tanks will float and that would be a disaster at this point. In fact, the sand alone can cause the tanks to rise.

[@xw6968]

Kind people i still think that there should be a flex pipe between the two tanks😕 .But a kind man that is helping you.👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻

[@combie81]

For the inlet - why not encase it loosely in the pvc for 1-1.5 feet from the tank outwards to help keep the threads clear should you need to remove the connection and it'll help stop any sand getting back in?

[@Captkman]

Just think what an awesome rock garden you guys could do when you get to that point in your property development.

[@stevenbaumann8692]

I was waiting for a bug a boo appearance. I was not disappointed 😊

[@dantraenkenschuh647]

Will roots enter the " sand zone " and surround cisterns & piping?

[@carl58]

does this system have a vent of some sort would think filling it would make a air pressure bladder at top and draining would pull a vacuum without one

[@ronaldwarren5220]

I'm thinking that it might have been less work and expense to drill a well. My parents and grandparents had a couple of travel trailers on some land in Northern Michigan that we used for vacation/recreation purposes. This was in the early 1960s. They and several neighbors used a sledge hammer to pound a well point into the ground and hit water about 20' down. At first we used a pitcher pump but later dug a well pit below the frost line and installed a shallow well pump. I think they used galvanized pipe to run it to the travel trailers. The system worked great for many years. The water was shut off during the winter months as no one used the property then.

[@conundrumconundrum5589]

Where you using purchased sand or the soil yall filtered? Also, how is the back you seem to be getting around without bothersome pain?

[@garybutterfield8953]

A small thing but a personal pet peeve, 'level' is when something is horizontally even , 'plumb' is when something is straight up and down. He was 'plumbing' that valve box, not 'leveling' it. Makes you sound like a rookie.

[@Trek4Truth]

I agree, he just bought a $700 laser level, turn on its side and it will chalk vertically, set on the bank and center on pipe.

[@MichaelJohnson-ql3qp]

It may be a dumb question but don't you need a vent line from one cistern to the other?

[@gailreese4699]

Thank you friend . Good job

[@rastas000]

I want a Tractor Fairy!! Complete with Unicorn

[@CaylaFenton-Reeder]

I'd rather have a dragon tractor fairy and 14 billion dollars.