How Our Off Grid Water System Works

[@MynewTennesseeHome]

I have a rain water catchment system for all my water needs too. My main tank is 2/3 in the ground, I ran into rock. I only got it 2/3 into the ground and covered the top 1/3 with dirt held in place with terraced concrete blocks where now strawberries are growing. I have a "first flush" tank that feeds my cistern and use one of those harbor freight shallow well pump/tank combos. I also have 2 IBC totes and several barrels above ground to catch water for my garden and animals. We get temps into the teens occasionally but only stays below freezing for a few days. I don't have my above ground tanks hard plumbed and if full there's enough mass they don't freeze solid. I have a Big Berkey for drinking.

[@MosaicHomestead]

I have been on off grid water for a couple of years, my water source is also rain water, the biggest difference between your system and mine is, I only used copper tubbing ,my hot water heater is solar and my pumping system is 12v and runs on wind and solar, I also use berkey as my water drinking source, nice system.

[@Retrofire-47]

If you designed this entire layout and constructed it I have to admit I find that impressive

[@Anamericanhomestead]

THANK YOU!

[@billwoehl3051]

If you can get the bottom of the tank at least 10' above highest output, you won't need a pump, a 10' drop will give about 60 lbs. of pressure in the house. And... cover that PVC or switch to CPVC, OEX, or copper for anything out in the weather and sunlight, sunlight wreaks havok on PVC. Also, creating a vortex in the tank will keep it from freezing ❄️

[@frenchfryfarmer436]

Plus "line drop/resistance" if any distance is covered....in my case 500'

[@darthlogicus]

How does one create a vortex in a sealed tank? Did you install something to agitate the water or is there some other way I haven't considered?

[@thesmiths629]

My problem with a high tank position was my house eaves are 10' and rain had to be able to flow into the tank freely by gravity. If I had a 3 story house and only needed plumbing on the 1st level this idea might work.

[@darecofreedomfarm3]

10’ of water gets you 4.32 PSI by my calculations.

[@ezosoro]

Yea… to get 60 PSI you’d have to be closer to 138 feet high.

[@kristyb787]

WOW, they have water that comes out of the wall, That is one of the best remarks your son said, I'll never forget that, lol

[@darthlogicus]

Some friends and I want to create our own sustainable space. This is invaluable information. Thank you for sharing!

[@watchmansduty]

Excellent idea

[@josefnewsom7992]

Pressure relief valve. I love the fact that there are no coded and regulations out here.

[@mcanultymichelle]

I like how we can view what you’ve done with your system. Easy to understand 🤔

[@SustainablyYoursHomestead]

Very cool setup! You made it sound a lot simpler than I would have imagined it being.

[@reneecasey5719]

You will LOVE those BIG faucets with canning etc- we moved to a old house and before the remodel we had to put in a NEW faucet and now its the favorite - and so so helpful- Thank you for all your in and advice- after 18 years we’ve been able to move to our forever home- and were thankful_ so your advice is helpful as were a little rusty - but its coming back JUST IN TIME

[@darecofreedomfarm3]

I have a 9 acre water catchment system that waters my garden with a ram pump. My water well is 1/4 mile away. I power it with 230v from my split phase 230v inverter. Through a direct burial 8awg 2 wire. I get 115 v at the well house for lights by running one leg to ground. It supplies two households and a machine shop with water. My house is all electric. I am off grid and take long hot showers. I average using just over 6 kWh a day. Sometimes up to 12 when my wife runs the AC and does the laundry. The power company had me using 20 to 30 kWh per day.? I’m sure I use less now, but I don’t think I use that much less!!

[@anneprocopio8519]

Is it possible to contact you directly? I have a couple of questions. Thanks. Blessings.

[@darecofreedomfarm3]

@@anneprocopio8519 you can ask here! I can’t talk much anymore because of cancer of the mouth. But I can peck out words on here or maybe text.

[@wiremanibew]

Nice system. Not worried regarding code,but safety, would suggest a gas shutoff on gas feed to water heater

[@danmullins5802]

I love your set up! Can you tell me what brand pump you used? Also model if you have it. Thank you

[@robertbrewster6890]

Awesome! Thanks Zack!

[@itchinforfishin8038]

Awesome work I think for an off grid set up this is an amazing setup man! Definitely taking some ideas from this thank you!

[@JB-tv3xm]

Very cool setup. I have a Berkey for emergencies in case I have to use water from my creek but when I tested it I noticed kind of a charcoal taste. I would probably get used to it if I used it all the time.

[@MynewTennesseeHome]

The charcoal taste goes away after it used for a time or two.

[@JB-tv3xm]

@@MynewTennesseeHome great- thanks

[@Anamericanhomestead]

Yeah, that taste will go away if you keep using it. It doesn't last long.

[@WildVke]

My daughter has a Berkey and it's the only thing they use for drinking water. They love it. Never tasted bad or like anything, just water

[@detroitredneckdetroitredne6674]

Great video brother thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise and hello from Detroit Michigan 👋

[@steffenschmidt3470]

I also want to plug my distribution system to the solar system. That sounds cosmically enriching :D

[@alanchristensen5735]

Excellent system. Good advice looking at doing this for my place.

[@watchmansduty]

You can always set you up some kind of pot belly stove water warming system if you have it higher than your line it automatically circulates.

[@p.fleming2353]

Question: When there is a forecast of freezing weather, you drain the pipes so they don't freeze. If things get to the point where there is no weather forecast, how will you handle that?

[@Anamericanhomestead]

My temp gauge will still be working and I'll just have to watch it more closely.

[@p.fleming2353]

@@Anamericanhomestead Thanks!

[@mariaelenamelendez1511]

Protect Your pides with the foam tiñes like Used for Refrigeracion Aldo On solar water heater. I enjoy Your vídeos very much!👌🏼👏🏼👏🏼👩🏻‍🌾🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@tonywestvirginia]

Hey, That is how most is done here in West Virginia other than I put the wires in conduit .

[@randyclarke9463]

Nicely done and well explained. How do you keep bacteria, algae and other critters from growing in tanks?

[@kimmccarl1089]

Very nice If I could ever go off grid this looks like a system I could use

[@godse.r.9610]

We just had a well put in and a 1000 gal holding tank. 1 pump in the well, one pump in the tank. Now the company tells me I have to chlorinate the water because the black 1000 gal tank is not air tight. I obviously don't want chemicals in the water, which is why we dug the well in the first place, though we have county water. I don't know whether to send the 1000 gal tank back and just hope the well/electric is always working, or keep it, but without chlorinating. We would just Berkey filter the water then. Thoughts? And Thank you!

[@travisengland1368]

Paint your pipes black and also wrap them it will help with the temps. Im in the south also

[@wholefoodslifestyles3603]

The butcher top counter top looks very nice! Was it pricy? Seems probably worth it if it is ??

[@Anamericanhomestead]

It was definitely more pricy than the stuff we had originally budgeted for. But I think it will be worth it.

[@JR-of5hp]

Home Depot and others sell slabs of various wood types and sizes

[@theodoremassonburg4196]

Hi. Great job. Where did you get the water pump?

[@collinporterfield102]

Great video. Especially the Zeal recommendation at the end -- my wife is an Ambassador in the company.

[@bobdobalina838]

To what extent do you filter the rain water between the roof and the black Reservoirs? (bird sh*t! :) Thanks again!

[@nasdsrekk3503]

really looking for some guidance... but i think your video is perfect! Right now we have county water. We have access to a stream that can provide all the water we need. I have a sump pump submerged in that creek and 5 IBC 275 gallon tanks for storage. My plan is to hook the totes together with PVC and hook it to the main line ( 1/2 pex tubing) that is fed by the county now. basically unhook the county and hook up this system and boom, the whole house is connected. My question is, would this pump work? How is it when you guys have the shower and a faucet running? Does it keep up on pressure? I am pretty sure I can design the system based on your video, but just not sure on the pressure situation. We have one shower/toiler, a kitchen sink, bathroom sink and a standard 40 gallon (traditional) nat gas hot water heater. Also two outside hose hookups, but i would probably do away with 1 or both of those much like you did. Lastly, do you have a components list? Mainly the filters, pump and pressure tank? Thank you!

[@Big_Daddy_Don]

You have my vote as the one of the best looking off grid homesteads! You are running neck and neck with Doug and Stacy! By the way, what type of siding is that on you buildings?

[@luederst]

It is Hardy Board (concrete)

[@Blankfuneralpotrait]

Can you show how you hooked up the hot cold lines to your faucet plz?

[@bearrootshomestead7210]

Water heater looks great to me. I would advise flushing it every year to extend its life. What’s the draw from the pump on your solar?

[@Anamericanhomestead]

Its easy to flush and a MUST if you're on well water. But because this is rain catchment water and will have a low mineral content, you can go longer between flushings. But still a good idea. You're supposed to flush with a mixture of 50/50 water/vinegar.

[@mccardieclan1755]

WOW!!! so happy to see this video!

[@MrBellapeme]

This system is awesome and easy to built! So you do not have any purification system for the rain water you harvest but for the drinking water? Have you ever measured how much water do you use per day? I am planning to go live off grid and the only water source I have is the rain so I need to know that’s enough.

[@SaltCityFab]

Can you provide a link for the water pump you're using? Thank you.

[@CoryRausch]

Curious if you would share where you sourced your spin-down filters. Also, we have a Berkey filter as well for our drinking water but have been told we need to have a UV light filter as well if we are collecting rain due to the other bacterial components. Thoughts on that?

[@davidjoly9816]

Thanks for sharing your setup. Are all those white pvc supply lines UV stable? I noticed the sun was shining on them. If they're not UV stable, you should paint them with an exterior UV stable paint.

[@joannszuhay450]

Yes, I love my Berkey also‼️. I love your videos ‼️🙏🤟🇺🇸

[@lugo2214]

Thank you for this Just what I needed to clarify my ideas for a 5 AC Florida homestead. Do you have any first flush drainage system on your rain catch lines?

[@Anamericanhomestead]

Yes, everything we have has drain/shutoff valves in place

[@larrygrace9133]

Do you have links for the spindown filters, pump and accumulator tank?

[@jonathanbennett4233]

What proportion of roof surface to occupancy do you run into with water consumption? Also, our place is at 3000 ft in southern VA in the blue ridge mountains. If you can't embed the tanks deep enough to avoid draining the system, what median temperature in winter is too low for this type of system to be practical. And, nice teeth.

[@Kathleen67.]

How much did it cost? I am definately going to do it. How about a list if links for the products you used?

[@pantalantic9p580]

Hi. I'm not off grid yet. But doing homework. I have a hot water system outside my house. Standard for houses. Can I connect my rainwater into it instead of the paying for water. Thanks.

[@bobdobalina838]

Wonderful video thank you so much! just a question what diameter are your white pipes? Looks like 1 inch. Also, looks like PVC for outside the house transitioning to pex for the inside of the house? (The blue and red pipes). Greetings from an expat living off-grid in County Limerick, West Ireland!

[@peem1244]

Great video, organised and instructional. I really like your setup, very neat and tidy. Aside from your particulate filters have you considered a UV filter for your setup? Thanks for sharing. Stay safe and keep up the good work.

[@rolandovazquez9246]

Can you show us how the water pump starts automatically when the valve is open to get water

[@Bandido077]

Thank for the information!

[@deltab115]

What was the reason you chose a rainwater harvesting system over digging a well? What would have been the cost difference? Harder to dig a well by yourself so it would have had to be hired out, most likely. But just curious. Also, do you have any sort of water purification besides the filters? Thanks!

[@logistiekoperator4552]

What about winter, doesnt the water freeze.? Any ideas on warming it up..?

[@jonzaremba]

Really like your setup. Any reason you chose PVC (rather than PEX) for the exterior lines by the water heater? I'm looking to do something like this in a much colder environment where freezing will be a constant problem for several months of the year. Can you see any reason why I wouldn't want to use a 200 gallon storage tank in the house, and bring the water heater and pump next to it to stay out of the elements?

[@karenbuckner1959]

Hi. I'm a new subscriber in the northern ozarks, so colder than you. We have a well and some rain water catchment. I like your system. Do you have a video that shows the connections & drains at the tank? Trying to see if we could keep valves from freezing and busting in winter. We're trying to make decisions whether we could make a rain harvest system work year round, or to put our money into a solar pump system. Any thoughts or recommendations? Thanks!

[@brendah4773]

This was very interesting. Thank you kindly my Friend!

[@sNEAKYnIGHTmUPPET]

when you need to drain your system, your pump is installed with a low point. how do you drain it? Also, why didnt you install all the filters and pump inside so that it wouldnt freeze in the first place?

[@bigluffy8348]

How well does the system do during during drought what's the backup??

[@adamfenech132]

Can you share a link to the sediment filters your using? Thanks!!

[@dabinslc12341234]

Question: do you have a parts list and/or blueprints/parts list for your system?

[@Anamericanhomestead]

Sorry, but most everything in the video is easily searchable on google. I didn't build this with a blueprint. I just gleaned info from other vids

[@dabinslc12341234]

@@Anamericanhomestead sounds good and I have to admit, I have done similar projects the same way. Thank you for your reply and sharing your insight and experience. Have a great day!

[@lugo2214]

Hi I’m wondering if you filter the rain collected water and then run it thru a burpie to deem it fit for human consumption?

[@terrytyree9415]

Dear Sir pump I am a electrician and you need a tank float this will keep pump from burning up when the tank is empty

[@terrytyree9415]

About 20 dollars cost

[@ShaMuhmma]

So maybe to some this is obvious… I’m asking any way. How does the pump work automatically when used at the sink or shower? In terms of power consumption I’m confused how to get the pump to use power only when using water. Seemed you turned the outlets for hoses and etc then the pump turned on.

[@MiningChef]

My offgrid cabins propane water heater is bad. Anytime I introduce cold water into the line the hot water raise or the heater shuts off because it goes above 140

[@thesmiths629]

I do regret not having the time and funds to burry my collection tank. Simply because my av Bove ground tank is visible and neighbors seem to think I'm 100% prepared to provide for a community. My heart would love that, but my reality knows I'm not a municipal water source.

[@TiaraPoodles]

Rural camouflage the goal .......

[@eastonwilliams1722]

Tell them it's a septic system lol

[@laurieasmus9998]

Zac, this is a great system. I am planning my off grid homestead, and will be doing rain catchment. I am wondering, with water now into the house, how are you handling the grey water from sinks? and do you have a flush toilet, and some sort of septic? or do you use a composting type of toilet, electric or "buckets", like Doug and Stacy? Thank you.

[@BiblicalApologetics]

Hey Zac, did you ever mention where you buy those tanks at? You said they come painted black?

[@laurieasmus9998]

Home Depot has the large like 2000 gallon tanks.

[@Blankfuneralpotrait]

What brand pump, sorry if you answer this in video I’m only couple minutes in

[@geoffreyshubert2263]

I have a lot of animals to get water for and I am not too sure how to make sure I can still do that in the winter so as to keep them watered. Just trying to get information if anybody has done that.

[@ThisisSeeLifeHomesteading]

I know here in Ga. If you just cover the lines and hot water tank, they do not freeze. how about there?

[@robertrynes2846]

Can you please tell me what pump you are using, I’m getting ready to do a very similar system

[@martindominguez4788]

Who did you hire for installs and price on system

[@paul_gilbert]

Thanks for the video.. really helpful!

[@scsnowbiker]

Great information! Thanks for sharing!

[@Tom_M_Riddle]

Where do you get your gas from for you water heater?

[@terrytyree9415]

Do you have a flotation switch for your tanks if not the pump will burn out when the tank goes down

[@zfouleur]

How much solar wattage does this take to run the system?

[@andysierra6934]

Pressure relief valve.

[@SmashGhost]

This was super helpful - thanks!

[@JAFTOBpr9]

Question: do you have debris deterrants/catchment for where your water comes off the rooves, into the "pipes" leading to the large water catchment tanks? - anywhere along the line to the big tanks?- or just from water coming From the tanks? How long will the big tanks last without becoming corrupted?(leaking or leaching, cracking, splitting, etc? What type of seal do you recommend for attaching piping to the big tanks?

[@Anamericanhomestead]

I'm thinking about setting up some sort of pool vacuum that I can use to occasionally clean up the bottom of the tanks. not sure how long the tanks will last.

[@nagjrcjasonbower]

Rocking it as usual... NEVER GETS OLD!!! Hey... Do hurricane lanterns fueled by kerosene scare off bats or other undesirable critters in camp? My uncle was on the receiving end of a rabid bat years ago and we also have a decent number of wild packing dogs here in Georgia...

[@kristenvincent3622]

Love this! Does the manifold charge multiple lines or can it only run one at a time?

[@jeremiahchapman9288]

I can share general knowledge even though this is not my system. The manifolds allow water to flow to all of the lines at the same time so long as you have each of the line valves open. It is a good system.

[@kristenvincent3622]

@@jeremiahchapman9288 thanks, that’s what I was hoping. I plan on putting in my water system this fall. This was a very helpful video, as I don’t have much plumbing experience. The biggest benefit I see to this is if something goes wrong (leaks) you can isolate the problem line without having to lose water everywhere else if you can’t fix it right away. We are in an old RV for the last 5 years while I build. One of the capped lines (switched to a composting toilet when that broke) blew in our bathroom while my husband was at Work off island, I had to wait a week without running water while waiting for him to come home with the parts (and spares!). It makes a *huge* difference in quality of life.

[@jeremiahchapman9288]

@@kristenvincent3622 This is EXACTLY right! :-) That is to me what makes the manifold with the valves SOO amazing! :-)

[@mavisd8673]

Does the water heater use a pilot light or electric ignitor?

[@fest5887]

Do you have diagram of the layout for this system?

[@Iam_Machines]

Nice setup 👌 what is psi of your main pump?

[@Anamericanhomestead]

It stays around 50-60

[@Iam_Machines]

@@Anamericanhomestead got it. What's the PSI the pump is listed at?

[@yerneedsry]

#1 you rock.

[@valentinavox5105]

I need this. I need a plumber willing to do it.

[@TheMyrrhMaid]

Where did you get your countertop from? The countertop where our sink is needs to be replaced due to damage and we need to get that done sometime this year.

[@Anamericanhomestead]

I think it was home depot. Don't buy their laminate at Home Depot or Lowes, complete JUNK!

[@mxgangrel]

Maybe I missed it. What powers your pump? Are you using 12 volt dc, 24 volt dc, 110 ac? Thanks.

[@Anamericanhomestead]

We have AC power that comes from our bank of batteries and solar panels. We are in the middle of a power upgrade with lithium iron batteries, video out soon!

[@graftedbranchhomestead]

May be a bad question but how do you get the pump to come on only when the faucet is on?

[@HAChrist]

It activates with pressure, when it senses a loss of pressure i.e., water running at the sink, toilet, shower, etc.

[@alyenendrovtsorokean7406]

This is inspiring, thank you!

[@mxgangrel]

Did you bubble check/soap check your gas lines?

[@Anamericanhomestead]

Yes

[@christophe2570]

can you link the pump...

[@shawnwilson318]

It’s called a water heater. You wouldn’t need to heat up hot water. “ hot water heater” its super simple I’m sure you’ll figure it out.

[@emulord]

Assuming it you have a gas tank?

[@glasgato5770]

If you were to bury your tanks now as they are, would it make any difference?

[@Anamericanhomestead]

That would be a lot of work. Not really.

[@puskabeuford8667]

Only add on is heat tape to keep pipes from freezing. This way you wont have to drain the system. Not really needed but just allows you to flip a switch and be lazy. Lol🦌👍🇺🇸

[@JohnBraman413]

i always thought offgrid living was no water, sewer or gas? exception i can see is solar for power.

[@Lstaley]

Why did you go with ac powered pump instead of dc direct from your solar/batteries?

[@Anamericanhomestead]

The batteries and solar array are too far away for DC power travel.

[@brendah4773]

Living off grid? I would be, I am, very naive when it comes to living off grid. I’m the typical city girl in Loveland, Colorado. I admit, when I shower, I enjoy having hot water and pressure. Now, if I lived (which i never have) the off grid lifestyle, I would definitely consider this 😃 Truly interesting

[@darecofreedomfarm3]

I live off grid and take long hot showers. That part ain’t that hard or expensive if you diy.

[@brendah4773]

@@darecofreedomfarm3 oh nice!

[@lancejones6863]

Nice set up for your water. Was curious, did you all build homes or are they modular homes?

[@Anamericanhomestead]

Modular

[@lancejones6863]

Thanks, guess I'm curious what company, if you don't mind. Have thought about going that route.