DIY Shallow Well Pump Installation | Off Grid Cabin Build #54

[@grantw.whitwam9948]

I always use that clear reinforced line to hookup our pumps, great to see the water.

[@markapickett]

I know you have plenty to do already, but, if you find your water pressure situation is still problematic in the future, whether it’s multiple uses at the same time or velocity at a hose bib, you may find that replacing the pvc/pex tubing between the tank and the pump with 1” or larger tubing greatly improves your systems performance. Any pressurized system is only as good as it’s delivery pressure and/or volume - in this case, volume. It may never be a problem, but later, if the water pressure drops significantly in the shower when the kitchen sink is turned on, that may be a good first step that helps. Also - helpful tip - there is a distinct right and wrong direction to use a pipe wrench and/or channel locks. Using them backwards is never a good idea. You can hurt yourself if the teeth lose their grip as well as getting a decidedly less powerful effect when using your tool. Smashing your knuckles or worse can really dampen your spirits! 😉 Carry on, my friend! You are doing very well! God bless!

[@deeremeyer1749]

Pressure is flow x restriction. And "low water pressure" is a LACK OF FLOW. "Increasing" the size of plumbing to a faucet does not give you "more water pressure" and the "appliances" - faucets and all other "flow control valves" are always the "choke points" in a system and until you supply more SUPPLY FLOW you'll never get more "watet pressure". Especially using a SHALLOW WELL "JET" PUMP AS A "BOOSTER PUMP" and "sizing down" the PUMP INLET TO "MATCH" THE PUMP OUTLET and idiotically installing a 1 1/4" check valve "upstream" of the ACTUAL "downsized" 1" system inlet at the actual "source" where a FOOT VALVE should be located to keep the entire suction line primed. The "half horsepower" pump finally "surged" at 800+ watts - more than 1 HP since 1 HP = 740+ watts - several seconds after "startup" because the SYSTEM was not primed and an "inverter" connected to "electrical storage device" AUTOMOTIVE BATTERIES not being "charged" by an AUTOMOTIVE CHARGING SYSTEM that actually supplies ALL an automobile's electricity after "startup" and the initial "surge" load will NEVER supply "115V" at the

[@luk_deg]

I have the same exact pump setup at my cottage, I use a manual pump to prime the pump at spring and I dont mess with a cup of water!

[@jschiek8054]

Wild coincidence, I’m also setting up an off grid property in North Idaho and am getting ready to install a shallow well pump (Burcam) to replace the janky Shurflo RV pump that miraculously worked to give us showers in our two story home for almost three months. Thanks very much for the great video!

[@tomkelly8827]

I searched far and wide to find something like my setup and here you are! I have the same pump and pressure tank, rainwater tank and run off solar as well! Hey you know it made no difference to switch your voltage to 115 though, you still use the same amount of wattage. At 230V you use half the amps that you do at 115V so the wattage to run the pump is identical. The only difference is the breaker in the box

[@meza201011]

Enjoy watchung your videos. Teflon tape would also help with using on the fittings then top it of with pipe dope. Makes a better seal then just dope alone. Dont know if anyone else suggested it on comments below. Just some advise. I had fittings leaked before just using dope by it self. Keep it up . Great videos.

[@kenairockband]

Thanks for posting your progress. I’m a first timer putting in a very similar system for our yurt in the interior of Alaska. It’s good confidence booster to watch others doing it for themselves.

[@HMSSfrigate12]

always a good idea to use 2 wrenches when tightening fittings.

[@jonathanandrew4750]

Uu

[@deeremeyer1749]

Not unless you only use one hand.

[@DoyleShadduck]

You only have one hand?

[@ModernMountainLiving]

Marty, I have been watching since the footings were poured and this is the first time you mentioned that you served. Big Thank you Sir.

[@MrTrekFanDan]

Subbed. 🤔. Word of advice for all....replace your standard pressure tank switch with an automatic low pressure shut-off lever.... AND add a “low water” power shut off at a calculated distance above the pump. These two tips will save your pump and water. Especially with low yield/recovery wells. 🖖😎

[@dtm7909]

Do you have a link for the low water shut off that can work in a system like this ?

[@fortwoods]

I’ve been watching your videos for awhile, but this one really helped me. I need a pump like yours that can run off an inverter. Now I know what to get for my off grid setup. Thanks a million!

[@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving]

You are very welcome.

[@socketwrench7]

Excellent video.. everything I needed...thanks a bunch..

[@czar89031]

i am pretty much interested in DIY style, Martin my friend thanks for showing me your video & i live in Thailand retired from USA, taking care of my old Father-in-law & i am fixing his house to off grid just like you.

[@ri438j]

Just a little DIY comment, I always use teflon tape on steel threads before putting the pipe dope on. Makes the fittings easier to tighten and if you need to un-do it for any reason, it comes apart more easily.

[@bigdog0u81]

Yep same on my water heater drain. Pulled that off and put a 3/4 ball valve with a garden hose adapter drains way better.

[@a.r.moyapapitawaira7369]

Bro, the same here, my pump (trykkpumpe) is also under the house, but I think it is a very uncomfortable place when it comes to provide maintenance to the pump or system. We are moving it out into an accessible box. Here gets -30 in winter. Thank you all for sharing. ✌️

[@Edgardocelectric007]

Hi Martin just jumped ahead a bit and saw that you were using the Klein 11 and 1 👍👍👍 I’ll been using them for over 30 plus years Klein makes great Electrical tools and consider the best for the trade. Really liked the progress you’ve made family included since it’s been a family affair

[@GlenS123]

Happy Thanksgiving to your family, the blessings you have to be thankful for! Don't know if this is a quick temporary install, but those steel fitting are short lived in potable water. Check valve will work on suction, but discharge is better location for best performance. Age old rule of thumb to follow "no restrictions on pump suction". Some pump designs can't handle restrictions on suction, others are more forgiving. God Bless!

[@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving]

That is how it is to be installed per manufacture of the pump. I checked 3 times.

[@andrewbriant1946]

Hello from Down under, I take my hat off to you guys you and the kids have done well to get the comforts you enjoy now, I look forward to seeing all the new videos

[@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving]

Hi from up over. Hahaha so glad you are here. Look forward to seeing you in the comments often.

[@canuckyank82]

Man, I kept an average of 30 goldfish alive and reproducing over 17 years and 2 shallow well pumps. I could connect easily to the fittings and the electrical and the head pressure. The pond had a fabulous waterfall thanks to those shallow well pumps. Loved your solution as it reminds me of myself. All the best with it as you continue on. Great video!

[@jsmythib]

These pumps are really cheap, and work great! Just watch out for your prime side... If anything happens and your not around, you will burn up the pump if the intake goes dry. Water hammer has destroyed my connector multiple times, but no more! Finally diy'd it correctly. lol

[@HousewifeInTheWoods]

We have a similar pump, I dunno what ur bank holds but... my pump really bangs my solar. Just a suggestion, if u can, add another holding tank, so u can have more water stored and it isn't kicking on and off as much. Especially at night. I ADORE mine **edit** adore my pump, still don't have another tank..... we went without running water for a few years and this year I got hot running water at my kitchen sink 😍😍😍 heaven ♡ I'm just loving your videos! And your family is so beautiful ♡ ***edit... we have the same type hot water heater, has never been a problem indoors at all

[@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving]

We will probably add another tank when we can afford it. One step at a time.

[@HousewifeInTheWoods]

@@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving us too, we still don't have an add on.... baby steps ... you guys are cruising tho! So much fun to watch, and I'm learning a lot too... we've made a lot of mistakes 😶

[@sreekumarUSA]

021321/0631h PST Thanks. I’m watching this episode, just today and happy to see the pressure pump function successfully. Hard work and such perseverance and relentless, that too. Sir .... hats off to you. Cheers. 73s...

[@THEWRITESTUFF61]

Always a great feeling when, "a plan comes together." Especially plumbing!

[@timsimorangkir1618]

Mr. Johnson and Family, I miss you guys so much. 🌹

[@arnitajasman]

Senang sekali lihat proses pembuatan rumahnya 😍😍😍😍

[@jongibran8346]

Yah ada yg begadang😁

[@vanlifenomadfirekeeper]

Might put insolated box around the pump to quiten it down, plus to keep it from freezing. Just an idea.(-: love watching your videos.

[@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving]

Good idea.

[@robinfrazier9763]

Well I wish you the best of luck with that foren pump as I have had 3 of them that didn't last for very long but my American made pump has been going for 8 years now . Rob.

[@prestone6838]

Legend. Thank you for showing the pressure afterwards.

[@WiSeNhEiMeR-1369]

Hello JOHNSON's Since I last visited your CHANNEL ... I installed 24 Ground Mounted 208 watt Solar Panels ... SIX (6) 48 volt EG4-LL BATTERIES ... & a 240 / 120 Volt Split-Phase GROWATT SPF 6000T DVM-MPV inverter ... & am living pretty much a HYBRID Solar Life /// with a GRID Bill of $ 10.64 per month to leave DUKE Energy's METER on my home for extended CLOUDY Weather Thanks for SPARKING my INTEREST in SOLAR COOP the WiSeNhEiMeR from Richmond, INDIANA ...

[@garybonz]

My suggestion, connect the check valve to the outlet so the pump spins up faster this will be easier on your inverter and the motor. If you do this you need to plug the threaded outlet that the pressure switch is connected to and connect the pressure switch somewhere on the house side of the check valve.

[@tucker476]

Thank You for service.... I am retired Army.............

[@enalfianliwa5953]

anda orang hebat pk martin....👍👍👍👍👍👍 semangat pk martin..

[@jschiek8054]

Recently moved to North Idaho myself and found myself in a situation virtually identical to yours here. We’re off grid and were running water to our two story home off an RV pump. Both the original and backup RV pumps fried out and we upgraded to a 1/2 hp shallow well pump, very much like yours. This video was TREMENDOUSLY helpful in getting ours up and running. We had 2 weeks with no running water and it was a nightmare. On the chance that you read this, I wanted to ask if you found any ways to make your pump more efficient on the electrical side of things? We’re running on solar and I’ve noticed a single toilet flush can reduce our battery output by as much as half a volt (which would normally take hours with our other, more energy efficient lights and appliances). We can run the generator if we need to, but it ain’t, you know…Boss. Anyway, LOVE this video! Thank you so much for posting! A debt of gratitude for having running water goes to you, and your excellent play by play instructions!

[@jockflynn54]

I like to see a plan come together, great video

[@sandhollowhomestead6972]

Great progress! Being inside for the winter and getting the necessary items done is awesome! Breathe! Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

[@doctorsmoothy]

Thanks for measuring the power consumption.

[@KoalityofLife]

Make sure and seal that pressure switch really good so no bugs can get into it. Don't need a bug falling in between the contacts and keeping it from turning on. :)

[@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving]

I used to see that in AC contacts a lot. Ants seem to like them.

[@dper1112]

You're using compression fittings, which work with both PEX A and PEX B. As you noted, compression fittings have the annoying effect that the fitting itself is narrower than the diameter of the pipe, which isn't ideal for high water flow. To get around this, you could use PEX A and expansion fittings. When those go on, the PEX is stretched, and it then shrinks over the fitting, such that both the pipe and fitting have the same diameter. But it's more expensive and you also need a special tool. My guess is the pump noise will only matter at night. If someone gets up and uses the bathroom, then when the pump kicks on, if the noise is loud enough to wake people up, you'll probably just add some insulation to the floor (which one imagines you'll do anyway), and if needed an extra box around it down in the crawl space, and that will fix that. On-demand hot water heaters like that are quite common in Europe and Asia, which explains why they're in C. In the U.S., the most common water heating method is an immersion element, and in places with really expensive electricity, those have not been affordable for a long time, thus on-demand heaters.

[@andrewbradley8450]

Wow loving all your progress well done

[@suenorton873]

Happy Thanksgiving Julie, Martin and kids.

[@juliejohnson9531]

Sue Norton thank you!

hey marty your all video are very good but you never talk about cost of each project except well drilling loss keep up good show thanks.

[@williamlane9140]

Great video man. I have the same rv pump. Works but not that well. This is exactly what I need for my setup. Thanks for doing a video start to finish. Nice work!

[@MrPabco]

Nice job man. Please make sure to plug that pump into a GFI. If you can get 220v to that pump you will draw 1/2 the amps. Not sure if you have a conduit running from the inverter to under the house though. Keep on keeping on.

[@anthonyparker8519]

I was thinking the same thing if he was running a 220 it wouldn't draw as much amps maybe 400 I could tell by his voice that he wasn't excited about the 880 amps also if the motor is using less amps thenvi promise you it will last longer

[@jubalmusic]

Thank you! I really enjoyed watching this. I thought to myself: I like this guy, he has a kind voice … must be a believer. I think I’m right. BTW - I wonder if you installed a much larger pressure tank, if that would solve some power usage issues and provide consistent pressure. … say 50 gal.

[@GoldensRule45]

The pressure switch actually opens the circuit when it arrives at the cut off pressure and stays off until the pressure set point to re activate the pump. These 2 pressures are usually 15 psi apart so the pump isn't turning on and off( short cycling) Storage bladder tank helps greatly with that as well

[@yasminghani2073]

Excellent idea

[@Kingsleykrewvlogs]

Looks great !!! Man, your patience with these Negative Nancy's is AMAZING !! I wanna slap them all. I mean, really... they don't need to live there, so what's their deal.. Arrrgggghhh !!! OK, Fi's rant over. Enjoy not having the water cut off mid hair wash (I'm thinking more of Jules & Sarah here. LOL) Have an awesome day guys !!

[@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving]

How do you pronounce Fi? Like Bee or Pie?

[@Kingsleykrewvlogs]

@@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving LOL.. like Bee... as in the beginning of Fiona. (coz that's my name. ha ha)

[@juliejohnson9531]

Thanks! It’s a great improvement!

[@gilbertmick62]

Bravo Martin tu connais beaucoup de choses c,est vrai qu'on tu à une maison faut tout savoir faire 🤗😉🇫🇷🇫🇷🇫🇷🇫🇷🇫🇷

[@cathydurocher564]

Should use brass fittings that galvanized will eventually rust & leak

[@WayneTheSeine]

Awesome set up with the pump.

[@OurCabinInThewoods]

Good deal that will make life alot better.

[@rushbayou5230]

i use a 3kw inverter and my shallow well pump is 1.5 hp, 110v 2.5amp. my battery bank is small and sometimes the pump kiks off the inverter. so i will be adding a "soft starter" to my pump. but there costly and DIY on you tube is sooo much more cheaper. just a thought if u find out that your having this problem. id like to add a much larger pressure tank too. i did the rv pump thing fior 3 years and froze 3 of em. too much plastic. the upgrade is nice for showers ;) ps.. the prob ti home-depot is they never have what ur looking 4

[@sofiahAgani]

G sabar dehh liat rmhnya sep apa nntinya😚semangat pak Martin n family🤓🤓🤓

[@edgardomachado2704]

Hello Martin Today I received my Aguastrong shallow well pump with pressure, thank you PGA150SA/1.5HP. Well, that's the reason I got to watch your video. On the previous thank, we used a PVC check valve. I noticed that the water was still flowing back to the city from the reserve tank, and I saw you use metal, which I think is the best idea. Well, any suggestions are welcome. Edgardo Machado (Ed) from Panama Almirante Bocas del Toro

[@priaberkumistipiss]

semoga semuanya lancar dan rumah pak martin selesai tepat waktu.. winter is coming

[@martinmiller7623]

Interesting and great production value sir.

[@donaldsaunders4736]

Great video Martin very well explained 👍

[@davebohnert542]

smaller motor wouldn't work harder. probably a little smaller flow rate and less lift. but your source is at ground level so the lift isn't an issue and am sure a much better4 flow rat than pulling it from under ground. and certainly less strain on your battery bank. good luck Dave

[@gregkahle9046]

Looking good, awesome job!

[@metamud8686]

9:30 not sure what kind of mixture of metals you're using there, but it looks like an interesting combination of stainless steel, galvanized and brass fittings. You may want to look up what happens when you mix those fittings as far as galvanic corrosion is concerned.

[@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving]

Asked the inspector it is all good.

[@metamud8686]

Then at least it works in theory. Time will tell if it works in practice too. :-)

[@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving]

It will be a fun experiment 🧪 maybe you will qualify for my I TOLD YOU SO CLUB.

[@Jriad]

@Johnny AppleStead really ! he is building his home from scratch , asking for direction at every step , reading a huge piles of manuals and sometimes he have to wing it to keep going he is not doing any mistakes by intention if any are made he asks and inspect and learn the worst club ever is the i told you so it just for showing off just give your 2 cents and hope for the best

[@selador11]

A better way to run the current setup would have been to get a lawn tractor battery. Hook up to the pump. And put a float charger, or battery maintainer on the battery. And put a cheap check valve just before the pump. You could even make your own check valve with a couple cheap fittings, and a marble. Since you've done a major upgrade in pumps, this advice is pretty much for anyone else wanting to do a setup like your original. =0)

[@oldfart5127]

Martin, you all are doing a great job. I sincerely believe that the good lord has talk to you. And has lead your family to Idaho for safety/biblical reasons. Your plan on your homestead is the right direction. I seen in the comments that you were in the Army. Officer or NCO? I am retire Army, Master Sergeant. God Bless and Happy Thanksgiving to the Johnson Family.

[@richardbennett6237]

Enjoyed this ! Thanx

[@johnetheriedge8675]

Why do you insist on using an Ford A model wrench instead of a pipe wrench when dealing with pipe fittings? Also you should use 2 wrenches to tighten all joints! Enjoy seeing all your adventures!

[@frankrodriguez2332]

i'm really happy for you guys. keep up the great work..

[@ncbeeguy]

I'm not sure if anyone has mentioned. You might want to install a vapor barrier on the floor of the crawlspace it looks like you have alot of moisture wicking up from the ground .

[@matthewkiser4454]

Several have mentioned even though he has said and shown plastic barrier folded and laying on crawl space floor. He just wanted to get plumbing and anything else done so it wouldn’t be damaged from dropped tools and scooting around on it. Plus at time didn’t have roof dried in and didn’t want any rain water coming though floor pooling up on it

[@caosvision6328]

que buen video compadre. gracias por compartir

[@selador11]

Absolutely agreed about the pex diameter. For decades, (a century and more?), plumbing dimensions have been universal in the US. If it says 3/4"... It measures 3/4" inside. But along comes pex, and if it says 3/4", it is ALMOST 3/4" outside diameter. I'm surprised they got by with that. Also agreed about the hose bib and it's small hole. If you need the greater flow, find a gate valve type hose bib. GREAT idea, using that for a drain! And you can use a hose to get the water outside the crawlspace. Heater: American flag on the front, but it won't show the temperature in freedom degrees. LOL

[@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@mainelyelectric]

I never use 2 hose clamps! The only time that two would be needed is on a well pump deep down in the well with the pump hanging from the pipe!

[@bracercayman8711]

Great job Martin.

[@michaelteti5148]

Do appreciate what you do!

[@idahodad1]

Now that your house is still open, make sure that your water heater installation meets code requirements because you will need to have your future gas piping inspected. Propane companies will not set or fill large tanks without an approved gas system that has been "blessed" by the inspector.

[@Melicoy]

AWESOME FANTASTIC !!!! Nice work !!!

[@hortytims]

You can always tell What country something was made in Philips screws are made in America square or robertsons are made in Canada

[@donalddalley7274]

A blind person taught me that they prefer Robertson screws because those screwdrivers can't skip. Very handy in tight spaces where you can't see what you are doing.

[@zakksrage]

well pumps are solar nightmares

[@SurvivalLiving]

Very informative video. Much appreciated. Been going over many designs for water storage and delivery for our homestead. Your design will work perfectly for our needs. Thanks again for sharing your journeys with us. Its very helpful 👍

[@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving]

Your welcome.

[@m_soko]

From a 20 yr plumber? Whenever you can, use all brass fittings. Galvanized is troublesome and wrong for this application in a number of ways

[@notadumbblond3]

They eventually rust or break right? Like the ones my landlord put on the well plumbing for the RV park here. I get rust coming through a LOT.

[@americanpatriot912]

Kellie yes builds rust and then the contact points won't work ,make sure your electric turned off to the pressure switch and then take some fine sand paper clean the points and your back in business.

[@hplandservices3465]

Usually you hold the wrench in the other direction when tightening

[@jsmythib]

@@notadumbblond3 Galvanized, using zinc- which is toxic to humans. Just one datapoint.

[@trenchantsometimes5149]

@@americanpatriot912 - Husband just installed on of these pumps but there is a problem and he isn't into plumbing nor electrical. It's fine when we run the cold water but as soon as we try to use the hot the breaker flips. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated..

[@PakSon34]

I hope you always health and happy sir

[@venny1702]

GoodJob pak Martin🙏 .. bisa bangun rumah sendiri bersama keluarga

[@derrick_builds]

What did he call the pipe-dope? Must be from the north. Hey man thanks for sharing the videos. Keep up the great work.

[@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving]

DescriptionPipe dope is any thread lubricant, thread sealing compound, and anaerobic chemical sealants that are used to make a pipe thread joint leak proof and pressure tight. It is also referred to as "thread compound" or "pipe thread sealant."

[@philshalischieffer9588]

Wow very impressive. Love the enthusiasm, too.

[@questionsforchristians]

dang you ghetto rigged that haha. good job. glad you were thinkin outta the box

[@silenthunter_on_wotb5288]

Cool !!!

[@18twilliams]

The pump is much better! It should be on a 12-2 line! USAF here 70-76!

[@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving]

12-2=10 hahaha just joking of course.

[@dbrown6936]

Not sure about your clear hose, is it rated for 60psi ? I know it's temporary, just saying. Great video, luv watching you guys. So positive in every aspect.

[@ArthurValencia9438]

Thank you for the informative & entertaining video. I loved it. Art in CA

[@MrKylebeard]

great job!

[@PaullaWells]

Congratulations on the upgrade. Woo hoo! Have a great thanksgiving!!

[@deeremeyer1749]

You have to prime the ENTIRE suction side of the system including everything "downstream" of the pump inlet and that check valve you installed at the wrong end of the suction line.

[@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving]

The water source is a little above the pump.

[@josephsaucedo8691]

All klein are for life no questions asked they are used by election you can find at home Depot even if it rust just take it back there that good about it. Best tool you can buy👌✌️👍

[@johnmerton3630]

get some 90mm sewer pipe,-paint it black- run your water through it and set it up in the sun before your electric hot water and it'll take alot of load off you power supply. I've done that and in the summer midday it is too hot to use but cools later -winter just right temperature.Careful in hot weather pipe may burst if too high pump pressure as the pipe can soften.

[@garybonz]

You can also add a larger bladder tank and the pump won't cycle near as much.

[@drue6360]

HOLY OVERTIGHTEN BATMAN!!!!

[@dunianaurakeanu9983]

Gara" sara johnson aq jadi lihat channel ayah nya hehehehehe

[@scifycartoon]

The best flow valve is a ball valve!

[@edwardteach2625]

Stainless & Galvanized & Brass fittings connected together to make a battery when you pass an ionic fluid through them?

[@bestseedorchard1107]

PEX inside diameter is small , I always try to use 1 inch PEX where normally 3//4 would do and always 1 inch pex for any line with heavy flow possible

[@roberthuckeby9820]

Hope your having mixed metals joined together doesnt cause electrolysis issues for you

[@vicobriansoctavian1774]

Good work & nice work :)

[@keramanbinmohamadiemansh7184]

Yes.