Step-by-Step Guide: Expanding Rainwater Collection at Our Off-Grid Cabin - Off Grid Water Systems

Welcome back to our off-grid living series! In this video, we dive into the process of expanding our rainwater collection system using 275-gallon IBC totes. This is a crucial upgrade for ensuring a sustainable and reliable water supply at our off-grid cabin.
What You’ll Learn:
Assessing Your Current System: We start by evaluating our existing rainwater collection setup and identifying areas for improvement.
Why IBC Totes? Learn why 275-gallon IBC totes are an excellent choice for expanding rainwater storage, including their durability, capacity, and cost-effectiveness.
Planning the Expansion: Step-by-step planning of the expansion, including determining the best location for the totes and how to integrate them into the existing system.
Installation Process: Detailed instructions on setting up the IBC totes, connecting gutters, and ensuring proper filtration.
Maintenance Tips: Essential maintenance practices to keep your expanded rainwater collection system in top shape.
Why Expand Your Rainwater Collection System?
Expanding your rainwater collection system with IBC totes significantly increases your water storage capacity, providing greater self-sufficiency and reducing dependency on external water sources. This is especially vital for off-grid living, where access to municipal water is limited or non-existent.
Join Us on This Journey!
Watch as we tackle each stage of the project, sharing tips, tricks, and insights from our own experiences. Whether you're new to off-grid living or looking to upgrade your current setup, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to enhance your rainwater collection system.
Stay Connected:
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more off-grid living tips and tutorials.
Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content.
#rainwater #offgrid #offgridlife #selfreliance #selfreliant #offgridwatersystem #offgridliving
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[@godsgreenacreshomestead708]

I just found your channel yesterday and I'm an old widowed lady. I'm starting an off grid homestead in the mountains of Missouri all alone. My family thinks I'm nuts and refuses to come up from Texas to participate, but I've been here since last August and making progress! I managed to get enough containers and grow bags and large rocks pieced together to have some fruits and veggies growing despite the completely rocky ground in the Ozarks. I've also found that there are all kinds of medicinal herbs and plants growing everywhere wild up here! Made my first infusion of plantain and self heal from the bounty. It's hot as the Dickens right now but starting with 1 tote that my neighbors fill with water from town, but have a rudimentary tarp collection and trash barrel for rainwater for the garden. My plan is to be doing what you're doing when finances allow. It's cost me almost everything to get here and get stable, so it will come when it comes! Who needs Texas? Not me 😂 Blessings, Texas Deb

[@saner6888]

Wow very impressive! Put some around your place type videos on you tube… I’d subscribe 🌻 good luck to you , live your dream🩵

[@godsgreenacreshomestead708]

@@saner6888Gosh! Thanks for that. My only camera is my crappy android and it doesn't take great video. I'm living on SS right now but I'm a retired artist/designer and am trying to work on crafts to sell soon for some extra money. Maybe it will happen. Good Lord willing ❣️

[@fredabellefleur5418]

WOULD REALY LIKE TO SEE WHERE YOU ARE AT THE DEVELOPEMENT OF YOUR PLACE.yOU HAVE TO FILM IT TO SHOW US. lUCK IS ON YOUR SIDE AND TAKE CARE.🌹🍀

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

@godsgreenacreshomestead708 keep up the hard work Deb and chasing those dreams. I know it isn't easy....but it's worth it. Glad you are here with us.

[@godsgreenacreshomestead708]

@@OffgridwithJayandJen I'm sure not a quitter! Good Lord made me pretty tough. Just can't let the arthritis win. I just go slower now. 😂🤣😂🙏

[@clyde4296]

Other people need to follow your example because you guys are like peanut butter and jelly you go together perfectly !!!

[@patriciapepe3013]

Nice work Jay and Jen. Having all that rain catchment is perfect for your cabin and property needs. You are an excellent example of self sustainability. I love that you share everything step by step .....and with great humor!!! Keep up the good work.

[@marcmo7138]

Caddy shack came to mind when you were carrying the hose @3:29

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Lol......funny

[@timmyb8657]

I added a first flush system to my rain catch and it helped so much with the sediment

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Thanks for letting me know......I was curious if they were worth it. I have gotten mixed reviews

[@melinda5777]

​. They are fantastic! ❤

[@CrickysOffgridCamp]

We call our extra bunkhouse, the Doghouse, lol ..nice vid folks....picked up a few ideas

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Nice

[@rebeccapratt-j5e]

I learn every time,Jen,love the hair shows your beautiful face,you both bring this granny joy,my grandpa was a farmer and used pantyhose on allot of the equipment

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Awe....thank you

[@marikajohn6522]

Good joy with water. 😊😊

[@Chirita008]

Love Jay's humor! He's so charismatic too! 🥰 Both of you are very lucky to have each other. Cherish it will all your heart. I was wondering if the bears would rummage through your veggie patch. I sure hope not. 🤞

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Hope not! They have lots of berries and other foods in the woods so hopefully they stay away!

[@airman6822]

My tote is about 75’ from the cabin. I decided to run a pvc pipe in a shallow trench to my cabin. The pump is also at the tote. Saves dragging the house out all the time and is quiet, we don’t hear the pump anymore. Kind of like our “city water” supply.

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Nice

[@suezaple4950]

My two favorite off grid folks , how awesome that your adding more to you water collection will you be insulating them with wrap so they don't freeze come winter , Ive heard there is a special wrap. And yes indeed Jay you do have a wonderful wife not afraid to get her hands dirty and a smart thinker . What a great idea for the he/ she shed very nice will be exciting to see . God bless folks your doing so well. LMAO Jay your comment at the end lol.

[@mel41138]

Thank you guys 😊 I found you recently and you are truly an inspiration. I'm a disabled grandmother raising my granddaughter who is autistic taking notes I definitely plan to leave the city to go offfrid by the grace of God. God bless you 🙏💞

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Blessings my friend

[@shawnmcquillan3874]

So happy u have water!!!! Let it rain!!!

[@lawaincooley6788]

Oh wow! I found your channel during the winter. It is so lush there in summer!! Happy to see you all blessed!

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

The difference is quite crazy isn't it? 😊

[@lorettaandjasonoffgrid]

We were supposed to get another bin setup this weekend but got caught up in other things. Will watch later!

[@LR-xx5ig]

I like the way you guys did your tanks. But you should add more until you have a continuous year worth of water

[@BrendaHewitt-y1w]

Love the music.

[@elizabethchetwood1916]

“WE Shed”, since it will serve purposes for both of you!

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Very nice......I love that

[@cindyleasure6901]

Great job on getting all that free water!

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Thanks!

[@Warhorse1975]

Great idea with pex. You could even put a filter between the tanks and make a first flush system, keeping the 2nd and 3rd tanks from getting dirty, You could tie all the shed into the cabin. Put it under ground to avoid freezing. Little to no pump transfer in the future. Again love watching your videos! It’s amazing how far you guys have come in such a short period of time.

[@joellacecil7474]

We just love you two and love watching you❤

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Awe....thank you

[@dirttdude]

hey kids, i'm back online! it will take me me a while to catch up with all the videos i missed. stay tuned for late comments

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Ha....good stuff my friend

[@Shelleys4Seasons]

Looks great, love the way you did it especially since it's only for the summers. I think if you did the overflow you would need to stagger them. Just don't forget to take the splitter off before winter!

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

100%

[@debbieshort9660]

You two are doing a wonderful job.

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Thanks Debbie

[@cue881-yo7kz]

Terrific job guys! That creates an awesome feeling of accomplishment and should lessen your stress when the rains slow down. I always say: you never have too much water or too many solar panels! Use that on a shirt logo! Pick up an extra 12V rv water pump and wire it so you can plug into a powerstation, just in case of an emergency where you have to pump out one of the tanks. Just to be safe. Stay safe, and God Bless! Congratulate each other on a job well done! PS You could use the pressure washer to help clean out those tanks. Might make it a little easier. Last thing: get a white rv drinking water safe hose to connect the tanks you are going to drink from. Buy the fittings and custom cut the big hose into what you need. It will save you money over the washer hoses and you don't want your drinking water to taste, or smell, like rubber. Camco makes it and you can get them at any RV place or Amazon.

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Nice.....thanks

[@garydavis786]

More water stored equals more peace of mind! Always more progress equals more happiness! Be happy.

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

@@garydavis786 so true

[@dougtheriault4656]

hay Jay and Jen they have water rig on tracks that wood go up your hill on problem. you should bury a tank below your frost line so you could have water all winter

[@johnr3603]

Beautiful and smart,tasteful, funoutdoorshower with Jen will get million hits!

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

@@johnr3603 I'll work on her, lol

[@markspade9211]

Thank you so much for the videos . Jen will be sewing up bear rugs soon 👍. Keep up the great work .

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Love it. Lol

[@NoName-NNISOTBS]

You're now ahead of the game!

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Woot woot

[@jaythomas996]

It's difficult to find the words to appropriately express how much I enjoy your videos. Keep them coming! You guys are a great team.

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Wonderful to hear this.....thank you my friend

[@johnkirby6547]

Great job you guy's 👏. More water storage is awesome. I agree when the extra tanks are full close them off to isolate them from a leak or broken hose. If you're going to put the new shed by those 3 you could add another tank and connect the gutter to the 4th tank so they fill at opposite ends. Loosen the top lids to release pressure as they fill. Great video and looking forward to seeing the next.

[@bobbycampbell9529]

Awesome. SEMPER FI

[@brendafarrow3117]

Glue pvc for food grade waterlines . You could trench pvc lines to the cabin . Never seen water run uphill before , your in a mystery Spot ? W0W 😢

[@bjornsoderlund8123]

So nice to follow you sir and mam.😊

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Thanks for being here A

[@alicianneboyle2443]

Hey Jen ~n~ Jay thanks for having me. I've learned a great bit from this video and like always all the other one's too. I have a hundred gallon round tank for rain. Where can I pick up a cover for mine? Thnks in advance. Take care yinz are doing great together 🙌🙌

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Humm.....our go to is Amazon unfortunately there just isn't a huge selection of stuff like that local from our experience. Another option might be some black heavy duty plastic.....something used for gardening maybe?

[@davidsimon4387]

Thanks Jen for the Cheerful Smile much appreciated 👍😊❤

[@loucinci3922]

Enjoyed the video. Thanks for sharing

[@joycemazzarella2098]

Ya'll are so cool, the way you show how to do things that are really just common sense born out of necessity. It's a blessing to know there are a bunch of like minded people out here. Thank's again for the great video 👍👍👍✌✌✌💖💖💖

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@debrezo58]

Awesome job!!!💖👍💖

[@debbiemurrell3632]

AWESOME!!!

[@kristingrounds4163]

Woot woot!!! You guys are going to have so much water!!!

[@johnr3603]

Fill and fix the hot tub!,

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Hot tub has been fixed. A video about it is coming soon! :D

[@johnr3603]

Do you ever bleach in the ibcs to help clean?

[@yorotirb3941]

You could also control the tank levels by lifting your hose if that would do you any good, say your sparse on water and want a hi level in just one tank but still be able to go to others when its full.

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

See this is smart.....I would have thought of that.....might have taken me 10 years tho. Ha ha. A full tank drains better than three tanks that are half full I would think.....so I might just do that. Thanks

[@Mcslap13]

Can't wait to watch through this, adding rain water catchment system to my camper is also on the agenda

[@stevanandrews9210]

When the new building is made it should be the Jen Den! Congrats on the expansion of the water storage system - you've given me some ideas for my project in WV, which I hope to start in the autumn. Cheers from 🇬🇧

[@alyciapeters5073]

Great job!

[@paperchaser9565]

I agree, everyone should have a ibc tote for free water

[@mollymorris623]

Good work!

[@SarahStuff-p5u]

Let's try this first, you guys just have such an awesome perspective on life.

[@sonjajohn-14]

I love your channel!!! Did I miss the product you used to cover the IBC totes? This is an excellent system. We live in Texas and we plan on using something like this for our garden and Livestock. We have a 1500 gallon water storage tank for home. We have a well but we are on the grid at the moment.....

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Hey hey, thanks for being here. Jen should have the link for the black covers down in the description box. Let me know if you can't find it. 1500 tank is awesome

[@davespoemsandsongs9497]

Jay and Jen I really like your new setup, that was a great ideal doing that I enjoy watching you both working together joking around with each other you are great couple together

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Awe, thanks buddy.....appreciate your kindness.

[@billmitchell7731]

Big 👍🏻. You can never have enough water👍🏻💛🙏🏻

[@lisarmurphy]

Woot woot!!! Excellent video's

[@KrissBartlett]

Definatelly good job well done that is good way to join the tanks to really good Guy's

[@davidpatrick1813]

the tank filling .. totally cool .. good work.;. You could make a fish pond down the side bank .. and the overflow can feed it..

[@db.mc2]

Great planning Jay and Jen 👍🏻 God Bless 🙏🏻 Appreciate you my friends 🫶🏻

[@vonheise]

I would like to split the difference of our 96° and your 70° degrees and settle for 83° each! I would replace the wash machine hoses with short RV hoses at some point as they don't shed rubber over time. PEX would be even better. Our yard and garden could use some of that rain too! The Air Force requires a supervisor to sign off as checked and verified on every critical job completion. In 2002, after a 16 hour repair, a supervisor was tired and signed a job off without checking it, and the aircraft lost a wing during refueling. It was approaching decommission due to age, so was auctioned off for 700 dollars after all usable items such as engines and avionics were pulled off... Glad you have a 'supervisor" who actually checks behind you... 😎

[@justiceleague1146]

Can’t be too prepared! Thanks for sharing valuable information!

[@davidsimon4387]

You guys think outside the box and it's fun to watch....:)

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

I'm glad you enjoy it.....we have fun with it. 😊

[@jackiebinns6205]

Very awesome 😂🎉

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Thank you so much 😀

[@ireneromero5326]

What a great water catchment system that you set up! Have a great weekend! 😊❤

[@shirleythaxton306]

Love watching you to. And love your water catchment.

[@davidsimon4387]

Another authentic Video about Life ❤

[@marinellahobbyfarm-manongb4891]

Just subbed

[@DewDropInHomestead]

Awesome!!!! we are doing a lot of the same things you guys do!! I think I learned more from your channel than I do any other!! Not to mention, I get a lot of laughs at the same time! Great job you guys 👍🏻😎

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Love it

[@brendahogue5487]

Jay love and enjoy watching your videos. May the lord bless and protect you and Jen and working on the rain catchment

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

@@brendahogue5487 best wishes my friend

[@LatonaLand]

“JJ shed “ Thank you both for the great content , love watching your channel ❤

[@mondeo984]

I would consider a 100 USD pressure washer to clean the tank

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Good idea......I actually have a cheapy one coming soon

[@johnstadler5202]

I would also suggest a sediment screen , like a fine window screen to filter dirt , sticks or any other dibri from getting into your tanks and fine window screen will do a great job , but you may have to clean it from time to time , so make it so you can easily take it out and rise it out !

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

@johnstadler5202 good stuff.....check out our rain catchment video....we do something similar

[@denniscote686]

You-re right that Jen is smart! And cute as hell tool

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

😉👍

[@stevenhawk7751]

That's a really nice set-up, keep up the good work.

[@klcameron709]

They are non potable application. But no longer than they are. The lead risk is minimal. If it says NSF 61 it is potable grade product. I like your set up

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Great info....thank you

[@pierrebarton9099]

Hey How Are Yall Doing!? Yall Have A Very Nice Place. The Lord Love Yall ❤🙏🏿Gainesville, Florida

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Doing great my friend. Best wishes

[@LindaSAndrews.]

This is so interesting I'm learning so much. Thanks for sharing

[@evelyncunningham6939]

Smart thinking with the washer hoses

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

😊👍 thanks

[@pmartin6759]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Combine it and end up with WE SHED!!!!!!

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

I actually love that......good for a giggle too. 😃 thanks buddy

[@joebenjamin9840]

Looks great! Water is life👍🏻

[@lucyl2770]

Great water setup - and great videography as usual!

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Thanks Lucy

[@906Dreams]

Call it the Heshe’d

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Lol.....I like it

[@MichelleOhio]

Loving the new water set up! Are you guys still doing live streams at all?

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

We were just talking about that.....we will check the weather and pick a good night to celebrate and hang out with you all. 😊

[@johnstadler5202]

also , if you angle your tanks at 30 degri's you wont have to move them often to clean them as the out spout will get rid of 90 to 95 % of the sediment !

[@andrew-cm3zn]

Just drill holes in the top side so you can flow water into the next tank and only use the bottom taps for out going water

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

@andrew-cm3zn but then I have to move the hose around, this way I don't. Just saying

[@davidpatrick1813]

I'll comment again .. there is a way to have the rain waters come in via a trap. The trap can have a drain plug at the bottom and that is where you can open and let the debris out rather than letting it go into the tank ... however I recall you have some sort of filter at the fill hole of the tank ... look into it .. What if you don't have to flush the tanks out but once every two or three years?

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Now that we have the set up more permanent and figured out I may try out the first flush thingy

[@briankitchen6686]

They feed from the top so tank 1 acts as a form of heavy filtration Then tank 2 acts a settlement tank requiring less filtration. Then tank 3 acts as a filtered water storage, finally the water is drawn from the final settlement tank. Also all tanks are teed allowing a tank to be isolated for cleaning.

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Makes sense

[@marydingus4360]

Great job guys!❤

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Thanks Mary

[@chipprice1174]

I'd call the new building the "doghouse" Because if Jay keeps on talking, he's gonna be in the doghouse! LOL

[@johnstadler5202]

You can just get an automatic flow valve for about $ 5 ! , but a combo of that and a float senser would be less problems !

[@leebernardo1000]

I think you're going to need some form of air bleeder for each of the secondary tanks so as the primary tank fills it will allow the other tanks to equalize with the primary

[@timclark7507]

Yes. Or crack the lid

[@marciatesch3951]

Just awesome! You guys have it great.

[@paperchaser9565]

Great video

[@stewartrogers494]

Great idea, are you aware idc totes are made to be staked three high in transportation full and four high full in warehouse ....... keep on toting ........great white north ......S

[@lcook0825]

Good video. You shouldn’t run out water.

[@javiermartinez701]

Hi. I just found your channel today. Why you don't put a simple reusable cloth filter to avoid dirt getting in the first IBC container?

[@michaelrice3538]

Great video, Jay and Jen! I know you shut off water to the cabin in the winter, but how do you manage water needs then? (I empty all my tanks on fruit trees, spruce trees, etc., in late fall and leave one 525-gallon tank about 60% full. I stagger three tank heaters at various depths in this big tank and hope for the best. So far, so good re not freezing. We have electricity but plan to use solar generators to power the tank heaters if the grid ever goes down.)

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

We empty the ones outside and melt snow the rest of the winter. The tank that is hooked to the cabin actually stays pretty warm until late December....so that is nice

[@katrinagauld5177]

If they are all full in fall, you will have to empty before winter so they don't freeze.

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHLLZXmAeamVbas

[@thomaswhite5871]

Whoot Whoot, hey you can run hard tube at bottom both tanks will fill equal.. you can link as many as you want. It works just make sure you get good seals

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Good idea buddy

[@thomaswhite5871]

I wonder if you build a wood case 6in insulated you could keep 2 totes unfrozen threw winter with a circulation to keep water moving..

[@lindajames4122]

Great video.

[@SergioBernardoAlmi]

Good job 👏🏼

[@Revelation22-13]

2 Corinthians 3:17 King James Version 17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. God bless you

[@BrendaHewitt-y1w]

Fantastic