Critical Off Grid Lo Tech

Dirt is the ultimate in lo tech, and it's common to these critical off grid lo tech solutions.
We install and use a simple pond water system that is freeze-proof even in severe winter conditions. But what if the pond water is super nasty, can we use it? We'll see if the Berky water filter can make effluent drinkable. We also give you an update on our root cellar as it keeps a 1000lbs of fresh food.
Handmade stuff by the girls: www.gridlessness.com/
And for more regular updates: / gridlessness
Would you come to an Off Grid Event?? Leave a comment, subscribe, and join the adventure!

[@Gridlessness]

Would you come to an Off Grid Event? Camp out for 5-6 days in the wilderness with us and other likeminded people? Do some simple camp building? Maybe a few clinics; butchering, timber frame building, wood working with Dave....?? LET US KNOW!

[@jontscott]

Not sure my kids are tough enough to hang with you guys, maybe it is an age thing being that they are all under 10. That said learning to butcher and timber frame a house sure sounds like a blast with you guys! You are brave to drink that water, I am often skeptical of our city water (Longivew, WA, USA) but the idea that I would drink water that was once run off from a pig pen seems hard to imagine.

[@dougbrooks7476]

Absolutely would love to but one tiny problem we are at 41 degrees south ooops

[@jpcsm2000]

definitely want to. Keep us posted on info.

[@hannahives9209]

That would be very interesting!

[@newroots1360]

We were thinking of driving the Chilcotin for 6 days in May, but maybe a trip up your way might be in order instead... Looking forward to seeing what comes of this!

[@augustlindow1162]

Love your channel! My family has been watching for years. It’s the only kind of entertainment I let my kids watch. If you guys need a plumber involved in your development let me know. I own a plumbing company in kasilof alaska and have been in the trade for over 20 years. I can bring a box van fully loaded with material and tools so long as the border patrol lets me through. I would be happy to offer some indoor plumbing solutions that involve an indoor well and Simple Pump that gives you indoor pressurized water without the need for electricity. Let me know, I’ve got tons of ideas. God bless!

[@richardsabean5781]

I pumped out of a hand dug well ( 19 feet deep) for 20 years.. Ran a pipe above the ground covered with a foot above & below the pipe with shavings & sawdust,,, made a box 3 x 3under the kitchen sink,, filled with sawdust tight to the floor,,, pitcher pump bolted to the sink counter... One winter we had 17 days it never went above zero F,, & NIGHTS at 25/41 below zero F... 2 tarps over the line keeping the sawdust dry,, 3 feet wide,, covered with fir brush & logs keeping the tarps in place... never walk or drive with-in 5 feet of the line... Clean spring water,, did the same thing to keep carrots in the garden all winter,, every couple weeks shovel snow ,,roll the tarp back a couple feet,, pull 5 gallon bucket of the sweetest carrots ever!!

[@Gridlessness]

I've had these winter carrots and they are fantastic!

[@lesthompson5907]

@@Gridlessness will you sale me a chees ? How much in English pounds ?

[@_MANNATESTIMONIES]

Jeff, Try raising the filter from the bottom of the pond and have it higher. The lower it is and closer to the silt... the more dirty / smelly the water.

[@suzannefronzaglio2427]

I'm just watching this now, and that's exactly what I thought the problem was too. We had a cabin up in the mountains in SW PA growing up, and there was a large lake below our cabin. We fished and rowed the rowboat about every day up there, and the lake never smelled stinky. One very hot and humid summer day, we and some other kids we played with every day decided to jump off one of the docks into the lake, to cool off (we were begging our parents to take us to the swimming hole about 15 minutes away). We didn't know that there was about 2 feet of muck at the bottom of the lake, and we all sunk into it when we jumped off the dock (it wasn't very deep where we jumped in). Oh my goodness when we got out of the water, we had dark muck all up our legs and in our sneakers (we left our shoes on). Smelled like a sewer!! Had to go back to the cabin and use the hose to spray the muck off. As soon as he said in this video that the water stunk so bad, that's the first thing I thought, they put that pipe with the concrete block attached, in that pond and it sunk to the bottom, and that's where the water is stinky from the muck of decomposing matter in at the bottom of the pond.

[@misterz2719]

I would create a green space around the pond and move the animal pens, and make the pens mobile so it's better rotation on the land.

[@BowhuntingRoad]

Jeff you are the second most luckiest man alive.

[@shmig_]

Paused the video at the zoom in of the eyes only to notice I happen to pause at 11:11. What a nice coincidence. Another beautiful video thank you for taking the time to make these and post them to the world.

[@catharinalausen6263]

Hey Julia I received the belt I ordered, and it was awesome. Not only the stamping but the hardware was top notch! 👍!

[@Gridlessness]

Great, glad you like it Catharina!

[@franksantos4680]

awesome❣️

[@michaelmount76]

Happy new year's to you and your family. I'm sure hundreds of people would love to come and stay with you and learn your ways.

[@timothyroe8678]

Liked the no trespassing sine from Greenville Tennessee

[@spikekrossa]

Ah Chilliwack, manure pits, and sweet corn!!!!

[@archangel20031]

OK, the cats finally out of the bag. We, the men who watch this channel, are here for one thing and one thing only, to get to look into Rose's eyes! All the other good stuff in just icing on the cake!😉

[@markbutler2444]

I would love to join you for a week or so camping! That sounds like a good time for everyone 😬

[@shannonfalk9852]

Hi there everyone, happy New Year! I've been enjoying your experiences for sometime now. Been living the self sufficient life for about 7 years in southern Manitoba, but not off griddin, only when the power goes out. Would really appreciate given the opportunity to join you all camping in your bush, to shoot with the girls, & help Rose with the cookin or other chores that need done. I don't get to do that with my daughter since she is tied up living in the city doing other things. Many thanks for all you're doing also with your homeschooling values.

[@krickette5569]

Another great video! The off grid camp sounds like an excellent idea and I think it would be a blast with you all leading it.

[@bobbygreen2291]

Keziahs frozen smile was priceless,she is such a beautiful child , and they all are , thank you for sharing with us , the world full of people six thousand miles away and y’all feel like neighbors.Jeff it’s January one here in North Carolina and I been out walking my dog in a t shirt it’s 73 degrees Fahrenheit

[@angus9941]

Manitoba. -44 Celsius this morning

[@bobbygreen2291]

@@angus9941 I have felt one time fifty below and I don’t ever want to feel that again,,in 1978 it snowed 27 inches and the temperature fell that night to fifty below and froze and crusted that snow , I had a 455 Oldsmobile full of nothing but pure antifreeze and the motor froze and busted and fell out on the ground in small pieces the starter was still bolted to a piece of the block.

[@aztecwarrior5510]

I love the sign the ladies have in their home 👏👏👏💚💚💚💚

[@russelltomlinson2353]

Absolutely would come to an off grid event. You folks have got it dialed in and are thriving that’s great !

[@sailingbvi1]

Great Idea! Off grid event!

[@CatCrazyFamily]

My Wife and I think that’s a great idea! Sign us up!

[@alfbittner6489]

I'm up for an off grid event, just have to navigate around this pandemic. Winterised water system is a must for your location, don't know how you survived before. The pretty blue eyes with snow on the lashes needs to be framed.

[@bhagatsall2166]

I would love to come to the off grid event

[@anupamdash1102]

Sensationalizing water the right way. Good on you folks. Wishing the family a fantastic year ahead!!

[@mdbontrager]

Rose is right. That water is a testament to the Berkey water filter. I have one too and in my humble opinion, it's the best. I'd never use pond water for drinking except in an emergency. You will find that it will fill the filters up quicker because of the extra contamination.

[@stevetobias9097]

Haha OMG! Confucius say: “Next time you drive to the Lower Mainland, do not stop in Chilliwack!”

[@bulldozer7656]

Love y'all, keep up the great work and for bringing all of us along...

[@rayst.pierre163]

That sounds awesome! If I could just convince the 'X' to let me take my 2 young ones, (6 and 9) who have been asking if their daddy could take them there to meet the gridlessness girls. I have been pretty much teaching them survival and earth skills, including hunting and fishing for the past couple of years. They can't get enough!

[@KChandler9362]

Pretty neat idea making a hole in the pipe to keep the end water from freezing. There is a thing towns use called a curb stop valve. It’s the valve that’s buried under peoples lawns . When you turn the valve to the off position there’s a little hole on the side of the valve that allows the water on the non pressing side to drain out. Pretty much the same idea. 👍

[@russellgerow1203]

Happy New Year Jeff and Rose and girls I would love to come and do that Homesteader project I being a father of five girls myself think that you as a father are giving them girls all the memories of a lifetime good job great job to you and Rose. I think Rose has put up with a lot of stuff from you which makes her a very strong individual in her own right

[@bennym1956]

Loved the ending to your own fairy tale ! 💕Jeff and Rose !!! You both have raised an awesome bunch of girls, your whole family is a great example of how to do it right. Happy New Year and hope you have many more. Send some snow my way down here in Georgia, USA. Actually have my A/C on today, New Years day, wearing shorts.

[@stevemacdaddy9909]

Again I say you guys are awesome!

[@bimadth8842]

Hello from INDONESIA. You guys are great.. I wacth all your video and you all awesome.

[@jimplantinga6288]

You guys are the best! The off-grid event is going to be beyond Awesome! I'd love to be a part of it. God bless you into the new year!

[@mr.tingley]

Run the water through a slow sand filter then add the cl2. Looks like you guys got it figured out though. Your event sounds fun. I'm just over in Alaska but I think Canada still has some hard-core restrictions on travel. Fingers crossed 🤞 that changes by spring. Thanks for the content, happy new year!

[@yanyamkonyak6878]

Hi Gridlessness family iam back after long time to your family channel. God bless you all, i love to watch

[@papayork1907]

Okay, you guys are funny as heck! And Jeff, you`re right, Rose has beautiful eyes and a great smile, what an awesome couple you are! Your Daughters are amazing! Great family warmth! Thanks for the ideas, we`re doing our best to put together a gridless farm here in Maine and water during the winter is definitely a struggle.

[@krhayes100]

Can't express how excited i get every time i see you and your family have a new video release. happy New Year and i hope your holidays were memorable.

[@poasacracco]

Happy New years guys sending Aloha from Hawaii

[@dennisnorman215]

Happy New Years to you and you wonderful family !! My Daughter is pleading that we come to your off grid camp out ! We are always entertained and excited to watch what comes next !

[@Jinxanpeanut]

Much Love from South Ãfrica.

[@mathassu4701]

Hi, Jeff and people! You are crazy and I love you, guys! hahaha

[@dougherber9700]

Awesome video. If you creat a still well in the pond so water runs through gravel first, then sand, before going into the take up inlet, it will be much cleaner. Can also add carbon ( an make your own) then puts less stain on you filtration system inside. Keep up the great work.

[@janettehumphrey9751]

Happy New Year to you guys. Thank you for an amazing year of great videos, I'd come up to see you guys and learn from you.

[@allencharlei8351]

Happy New Year love all the videos keep up the good work

[@cgummow138]

You Canadians talk like it's cold up there. Wishing you the best in 2022!

[@jamesfletcher279]

We used to get drinking water from a similar source and we had a uv filter 4 particulate filters and a ph corrector and pressure pump we used that water for years with no problems,great videos I think your kids are fantastic

[@charlestonicemoss3180]

We like the idea of the off-grid location you are describing with like minded people. Thanks for sharing how to bleach, strain thru cheese cloth, and purifying the pond water in the Berkey.

[@greywolfwalking6359]

Good on ya Jeff n Rose!!! The forever together adventure continues!!! Cute! Good technology for the homestead!! ( water )

[@kkmartino6354]

Happy New Year! A way off grid event would be awesome!!!

[@hippykdb]

Happy New Year!!! And just hearing about your camp out has made 2022 already better! Please send or post detailed info as my family and I are going to do our best to make it out there. It sounds like an awesome event!!! Take care and keep safe, Kevin.

[@salassandy6343]

Shoutout sir frm. Philipines always watching our video...

[@bandbfan9705]

We wish you all a Very Happy New Year full of Love Laughter Health and Happiness! I am in awe of what your family has accomplished. I wait very patiently for every video and appreciate the education you are offering your viewers. We are in for the Off Grid Event ...We are in search of some property in/around Quesnel to do what you and your wonderful family have done.

[@Fred_Bender]

You can buy large bags of potato starch as a coagulant aid .This will aid in having the suspended solids clump together and settle to the bottom of a tank .Then you can draw the clearer water off near the top of the tank.This will lessen the load on your filters.

[@melchorkaamino5115]

nice Henry Fonda's inspirational movie - On The Golden Pond

[@margaritagonzalez8625]

First of all Happy New Year!! Second, I’m so there! Dibs on the cabin! I’m excited to go up before the mosquitoes! We need to know the COVID restrictions Jeff! Blessings to Rose and the girls! Oh you too Jeff!! Blessings to you too! Lol!!! Love this channel! Can’t wait for Saturday mornings! I’m out!

[@connorreilly4082]

Would totally come to a off grid event Have yall looked at sand filtration or ozone generator as water purification methods

[@komate]

hey guys, i just follow you for some weeks now. i really like the positivity and dedication on all your projects. you are really entertaining and fun to watch. all the best from germany - unfortunately its not as easy to get cheap land over here, to live completely offgrid. maybe i can visit some day with my wife and 3 daugthers. all the best, stay safe - martin

[@andrebelanger4663]

Good job again guys hope this new year brings new adventures And good health Best regards from northern BC

[@darlenealvarez7266]

We definitely would love an off grid experience 👍👍👍we’re a family of four with 2 teenage girls. Hope to hear back from you!

[@confusedsquirrel8844]

That would be great but I could never get my girls to go for it, though I think they would love it.

[@kansas_off_grid]

Would be a long drive for us to your property for the Off Grid event but would love to make it . You guys are awesome. Keep them Videos rolling out. Peace, Love, and Happy New Year to your Family.

[@johnparker-tn1os]

If it would be the highlight of the year you wouldn't have to ask me twice I'm on the way. Thank you for all you guys do have a blessed happy New Year.

[@goldfeverreliever]

You guys make me smile Thank you

[@yllanamanuel1537]

Happy New Year to a Wonderful family of yours!

[@kabodick]

Happy New Year! 🎊🥂🥳. A way off grid adventure would be fantastic!!

[@herbs-and-homestead]

Happy New Year! The way off grid event sounds amazing. Would love more details and I’m curious about US/Canada border crossing. However I would love to pick your brains about the off grid life. Also great idea with the frost free pipe drain below the frost line.

[@DeeSixHomestead]

We would totally come from south eastern SK. It would be a great chance to learn and see all the stuff you guys have built! Very cool!

[@edwardwhitford5002]

Your plans for this spring sounds great would like to take part, let me know I am a retired carpenter with some skills in the outdoors

[@alunwheeler3422]

I just love you guys so funny everyone in the root cellar good to see you having fun in the cold 🥶

[@potatocountrycooker]

That would be an Awesome event to go to.

[@survivingminnesota8381]

I love the off grid idea.

[@campdn]

Off grid event sounds pretty cool. I may be interested.

[@edgilnelson9579]

Thanks for the vid...luv your sense of innovation...my wife & I think your group camp would be a great opportunity for people to learn & do things they've watched on vids...go for it

[@robertlafollette2236]

Happy New Year. God Bless.

[@max0390rip]

You all are great.

[@sciencewithmrc]

Sounds fun, the off grid event

[@canadianhonker2537]

That would be a good experience - to learn some things is always good, do it!

[@jerrytahuya493]

Off Grid Event? Hell yeah! I'm in, just tell me when and where. This will be awesome!

[@royclemo8744]

Boy, you guys out there are really getting some cold weather and snow this year. I hope the water line will still be safe in those temperatures. Happy New Year to the whole family.

[@JerrysThisandThat]

Berky for the win. Happy New Years to you all.

[@L1vR-1948]

👍 Thanks :-) best wishes for 2022

[@yanasasim7501]

Hey Jeff. we live in BC and we are down for the event!!

[@tedandjennvanderwekken3465]

A Freedom System that smells like CHILLIWACK!!!! too funny!

[@jorgequinones991]

I like how the girls laugh at Jeff silly things. Happy new year for all.

[@danaharsh7592]

Would love to get back to BC. I will seriously consider the trip. Really enjoy your videos.

[@jaimemendoza8985]

Always enjoy your videos love the beautiful scenery even the snow a happy belated New Year God bless stay safe

[@dontfit6380]

Well I’m glad I waited to the end to comment. I was going to say you need a Berkey water filter!

[@albertalakeland]

Happy New year to you all! All the best always!

[@GranE56]

OMG 😳😳😳 an off grid event!!!! HECK YEAH!!!!

[@maongjamir7913]

Happy New Year Jeff and Rose and the hard working girls,love watching your channel,love and regards from Nagaland, India

[@martinschamberger846]

Happy New Year!

[@ashcatdundee]

Would absolutely love to bring my family over from Scotland , maybe next year...

[@ravincathomestead-cecilia2894]

Drinking that water, wow, Happy New Year

[@pamelapelech3249]

Dang, that sounds fun, but I am in my 70s, kinda late to start, but just love the fishing and hunting and all of the adventures you do.

[@gregorythomas333]

Happy New Year! If Rose is cooking...I'm definitely there :)

[@WhatDadIsUpTo]

I'm 75 and my underground* house is in the works. * I'm building a tilt-up slab on grade in a 2,000 year flood plaine in Tornado Alley in North Texas. Once the steel and concrete box is completed, it gets burried under 6 feet of earth, reestablishing the top of a former rolling hill, so eventually, it will just disappear. 😂 Crazy? Hey, I'm autistic. This forever house is my rite of passage! My kids will likely disown me when they have to sell it when I hop into the next great adventure . . . And maybe not. Building "underground" requires intentional thinking. No do-overs. Gotta get it right the first time.

[@CreationBound]

If we were not all the way in Maine, we would absolutely join you in May! Not sure we could pull off that big a trip in spring.

[@mking3219]

Happy New Year yall Was wondering about you because of all the storms

[@famtube007]

Every centrifugal pump as part of the design has what is called NPSH (Net Positive Suction Head). As long as flow pressure drop in the pipe plus the vertical head is less than pump rated NPSH then you would be okay. The little drain hole to only prime the pump when needed is a great idea. The hole can also act as a anti-siphon device when needed, perhaps not in yyr situation. A small 1/2" by pass valve , 90 degrees to foot valve can do the same purpose so you would not lose the prime. During the summer valve can stay closed and can have some automatic fill mode and in winter valve closed and used only when water transfer is needed. The draw back is the foot valve needs to be pulled up to manipulate bypass valve.

[@willeecolor6182]

Well off grid sure sounds fun I’ve been doing it all my life I don’t know if you’ll find enough people to attend the event but you’re headed in the right direction