Placing our Utilities - The start to water and electricity

Setting up utilities at our remote house feels amazing! We still have a long ways to go and it is still a bit of a pain, but any small improvement is just one more step forward to making our lives easier. We initially purchased our solar set up back in June but just never had the time to set it up.
HUGE shoutout to ‪@MitchellsInAlaska‬ These kind souls brought us around 2 cords of split, seasoned birch. It will not be enough for winter but it is an amazing start and will be saved for the coldest days this winter to help keep us warm! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
Our Mailing Address: PO Box 13372, Trapper Creek, AK 99683
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[@paulbishop5419]

You should put the water tank on something because its going to sweat when you put the cold water in it and your floor will be getting wet. Over time it will cause trouble.

[@dcranch4820]

Excellent point!!!

[@BS.-.-]

I was just going to write the same thing. You need air flow under it.

[@bettablue2660]

They won’t do it. Anybody recommends something, and they just know better. Everyone suggesting has lived much longer, I’m guessing, but they (Cody) knows it all! Hell see how much he knows when heaving happens in the Spring and the foundation is destroyed. Both of them like to do the same work twice.

[@BS.-.-]

@@bettablue2660 who cares if they wont take your suggestions. Not either one of our lifes or money. All you can do is suggest.

[@brendajones9467]

So nice of MitchellsInAlaska for the wood. ❣

[@gregf5730]

Way to go Mitchells in Alaska for the firewood!

[@johnjaco5544]

You need a main shut off,ball valve at the tank,if you get a leak you have no way to stop the water from flowing down stairs.And insulate the pex coming down.That inlet spigot is gonna freeze,you'll see once it gets cold.Dude I've lived this life style in cold country for over 40 years,I've learned the hard way.And by the way water and electronics don't mix,keep them separated.

[@FromThePrairies]

Water operator here who works in a cold climate. You're going to want too add two things to your fill line. Most critical is a check valve between the fill line isolation valve and the tank so that the water can only travel one way and you don't risk loosing the volume in the elevated tank should something fail during filling. The other is a vent for when you isolate and drain it for cold seasons. Both the vent valve and the outside valves should be open once the line from the tank is isolated. Do not depend on things just trickling out when the weather is well below freezing. I'd also seriously consider having an isolation valve at the tank too. You may also want to consider getting a pump that will circulate water within the tank (think fish tank) to keep it the water from becoming stagnant. This will depend on what you experience and how long it takes for you to go through your water. Putting a cover over it is a good idea. Good luck!

[@poppy1045]

Hi guys, thank you all so much for sending all that good advice to this lovely, hard working couple.

[@davidstoddard9160]

You could get a child's plastic pool to put under your water tank up in the loft , to prevent any leaks from condensation

[@dper1112]

If you're going to add fiberglass insulation later, you gotta bring the PEX piping farther inside. Sandwiching it between fiberglass and foam is a recipe for a frozen pipe. The golden rule of plumbing in the north is, "don't put it in outside walls". Well, if you're careful to always draining that line after filling the water in the winter, it should work out OK.

[@Chris_at_Home]

Also if you don’t have a proper 4’ foundation any plumbing in the crawl space will have problems unless you run heat tape. My first house up here had a crawl space that was just skirted with insulation and it didn’t keep it warm enough. Our Alaska off-road remote cabin I built high enough off the ground to make a room where I put down gravel, 4” of high density foam board and two tote tanks. I built 2x6 walls with insulation in them around it. All the plumbing except the drain is inside. When the tanks are full it is over 2 tons of water. Our house i built in the side of a small hill and it has a full foundation with a daylight basement. All plumbing on outside walls comes up through the floor. The outside walls have 7” of spray foam.

[@scubamech707]

Your fill should have been seperate and at the top of the tank. Filling in the same location means your pump will have to be powerful enough to not only fight gravity, but also fight the weight of whatever water is in the tank. Oh and also, rule of thumb for firewood, think of how much you'll need and triple it.

[@RobertJLessard]

Ya I found that out the hard way. Much easier to fill from top.

[@deborahmcsweeney3349]

So much to do in so short a time I know. My grandpa used to tell me when we hiked, "When the trail ahead looks too steep, the mountain too tall, just look at your feet! You'll get there faster!!" I use this in life so much. Look at just what you can do today and don't let the list overwhelm you!! Y'all are doing great!!!

[@yoop177]

Great wisdom!

[@kevinz763]

Should put a ball valve in at the tank so you can shut water off as soon as it comes out of the water tank before your 1st 90° fitting that way if you ever have any leaks you can shut the water off at the tank and not have a 300gal water mess in the house would be my recommendation

[@merrycraker1262]

I was thinking the same thing. Thats a lot of water if there's a leak. I would definitely add a shut off right at the tank!

[@Chris_at_Home]

I hope the floor can handle the weight over time. 300 gallons is over a ton of water. Also a overflow pipe near the top of the tank going outside so when you fill it you know it’s full. I don’t vent my tank inside at our off road cabin because it adds moisture to the cabin.

[@averybowlds8655]

Regarding your water tank: Because it is “translucent” you are going to get more algal growth/other stuff growing in it regardless of the copper pipe. Best practice is not letting light get into the tank. Several coats of the “Blackest Black” paint you can find will make it so that you do not need to physically clean the tank… may be able to get away with just shocking with chlorine once a year or so. Best way to figure out if you did it right is to drop a flashlight into the tank. If you can see light, give it another coat. Looks great overall.

[@cheryldowner4834]

They do sell dark covers for these on Amazon I understand...

[@cheryldowner4834]

I know painting is definitely probably cheaper but it's already installed.

[@jeffholverson8294]

Additional thought, for absolute sure put rockwool insulation between your piping and the foam board insulation on the roof. You don't have enough r-value to protect your pipe from freezing. You might want to think about putting in some kind of a flow limit or valve so that if your pipe burst downstream from your supply tank it does not empty the whole tank into your house. There are gallon per minute limit valves available that will allow plenty of blow for your use but prevent a full OpenFlow in the event of a burst pipe

[@robinwilliams5608]

I am so happy the both of you were able to get the cabin dried in. You will have a much warmer and safe dwelling, especially during the winter. Y'all have worked tremendously hard. Kudos to you both. Excellent job! Try not to listen to those who only criticize. They have no idea what you both have been through. Praying for your continued good health and progress on your home.

[@LissaFlatt-gq8ov]

The tree that you climbed up on has burls. That means it has some beautiful properties to make wooden bowls, and other decorative things. It's highly sought after by wood workers. Don't burn it as firewood. 😂 Enjoy watching you build your home.💖

[@teresamexico309]

That is interesting info, thank you. I did know that the "burls" could be caused by insect damage or some disease but I did check it out with my friend google and says that also stress can cause them.

[@sgrvtl7183]

SO NICE of the Mitchells' to give you some wood. GOOD LUCK with your preparations for winter~!

[@sarahschlosser1203]

Great job Cody but take care of yourself and injury from over use would a bad at this point in the game. Cheering for you guys nice that Mitchell's in Alaska helped out. Stay safe and healthy

[@MrDaveR-uq7iq]

Retired Journey , Had to post a comment ! You need a shut off valve close to the tank please put one in , not four feet away from the tank ang don't plan on using any outside hose bibs in the winter period and don't even have water sitting in them .... Only reason I posted is you have had enough problems there and you don't need anymore .... Welcome to Alaska and Mother Nature will take water lines under pressure OUT on most outside walls .... Have fun Building both of you and be careful up here .

[@suseyq4559]

Great job guys. Just an idea you might want to consider while the water tank is empty. Is there a plastic piece with upturned edges that you can place under the tank? Somewhat like a flower pot and the tray under it. It might catch the sweat from the tank or any potential leaks where pipes are inserted into the tank. (Anything, even a tarp or something wrapped around the bottom) If not, paint the wood with an epoxy or something to repel absorption of water by the wood. I’m not here to do anything but watch your hard work as you get closer to a successful outcome. Good luck to both of you. This has to be so hard!

[@trapps99]

They may also want to raise the batteries up in case there is water issues

[@deenabutcher3365]

I'm sure you had moments where it seemed almost unobtainable to actually get yourselves set up for winter. When you're cold and tired it's so easy to feel overwhelmed and nearly defeated. But look at you now! A warm and safe home with basic power and water makes a world of difference. You can prioritize those things that must be done outside while still able to get around without much snow, and the "extra" things inside can wait until bad weather keeps you inside more. Many many thanks to Tony @mitchellsinalaska for getting you a great start on your wood. I have no doubt that you'll be able to get the rest in the next few days. Congratulations on another great week of progress.

[@Miss.Libby.]

Wow Cody - great work on gathering your firewood, and in setting up your water supply. Each video is filled with evidence of how you’re growing into your new Alaskan life. Your resilience and fortitude is growing steadily and with great intelligence and strength. Well done. Not seeing much of Lori these days on the videos. I miss her vlogs. Take care of yourselves. Best wishes from Australia 👏🏻🇦🇺🦘

[@lesliethornton4012]

You should have put a cut off value on the bottom of the tank, if you have a spit hose near the tank you have no way of shutting it off and you are going to flood your home.

[@toms1499]

May think about installing a overflow on the tank so in the event you over fill the tank it wont spring a leak inside and make it visible while your filling so you know when its full. speaking of leaks and condensation, they dont mix well with exposed osb plywood, really should elevate the tank with some 2x4s or something in the oppisite direction of the floor joists along with anything else you can do to prevent moisture or water of anything getting to the osb especially for any length of time. Keep up the good work, love the videos!

[@exumtam]

I look forward to every video! So exciting to watch young couples grow and learn together. Sure there are mistakes along the way but that’s called life. I enjoy reading all the hints and thoughts of others helping in such positive ways. Until the next video…… carry on.

[@1tojo]

I think that your fill line should go directly to the top of the tank than outside so it will drain after using it to fill without back draining your tank and drain out so there is no water in it to freeze. Go to the Mitchell's channel to see how they fill their tanks. Best wishes

[@suseyq4559]

I love your stove. I was excited to see that you cooked muffins in the oven portion. How cool is that?? 👍

[@tim196868]

Take 2x4s and build you a frame slanted frame to put your solar panels on until you put them on your shed.

[@charlenegrady8781]

Your moving along. Hope your staying warm. So glad you can at least be in the cabin. Good luck✌️🥰🇺🇸

[@sgrvtl7183]

Wow, I hope they read the comments. There are a lot comments on the water tank. I had wondered about it since the plan was shown.

[@donnavickery9623]

Glad to see the wood stove is working and keeping you warm. No more sleeping in a ice cold cabin.

[@MitchellsInAlaska]

It’s good to see you are dried in and are ready to cut wood

[@butchbinion1560]

Thanks, got to get ready for winter. ✌🏻👊🏼

[@cod-the-creator]

This is my favorite "homestead" channel. Hope you guys keep posting!

[@sanchopanzaandsonnycrockett]

You are getting ready to modernizes every thing in your home.🎉😊🎊🇵🇷

[@jamiewest2356]

You are attaching those pex pipes together wrong, upmto code you need 2 pex clamps on every junction turned 180°from one another. Just 1 clamp will hold but will end up failing at some point

[@bromvogel8770]

Your Burly tree can become a nice piece of art if you clean it either in the yard or front porch. Carefull with algae in that tank. Some good advice earlier said - please take not of it. All the best

[@chrismoen3416]

If you are going to have water in the line at the outside ball valve during the winter it can freeze and crack . A frost free hose bib would work also. And adding water to your storage tank from the bottom will add a lot of head pressure to the pump. Filling the tank from the top of the tank will make it easier on the pump. Good luck 🤞

[@wdtaut5650]

Why? If the pump has to lift all the water to the top of the tank, it will always be working against maximum head. If it fills from the bottom, it won't have maximum head until the tank is nearly full. What am I missing?

[@chrismoen3416]

@@wdtaut5650 you're missing the the back pressure of the water you're adding to the tank . That naturally wants to go down hill while you are pumping up hill against it.

[@wdtaut5650]

@@chrismoen3416 The back pressure is determined by the height of the water in the pipe, not the volume. As far as the pump is concerned, the tank is just a wide place in the pipe. If it is ten feet to the top of the tank and the tank is full, the pressure at the pump is exactly the same as the pressure would be if the pipe went to the top of the tank and discharged there. There can be differences with very small pipes, very high pump discharge rates, and very long pipes, none of which are significant factors here. The main advantage to having the pipe discharge at the top of the tank, in this case, is the pipe will be independent of the tank. If he ever has to repair or replace the pipe to the tank, he won't have to drain the tank to do it, nor will he have to buy a shut-off valve for the fill pipe.

[@kennethalmond8922]

Progress is looking really really good!

[@PattyPrice-tl7bc]

Wow you guys are coming right along Those muffins sure looked scrumptious the mrs was cooking

[@chezj4]

Thanks for the video - all so exciting!

[@brandonpacheywiredforlife]

Its exciting watching y'all get yo the smaller things now that your dried in! Long way from trying to get down to road to clear the property! Take care of that wrist!

[@bonneymoseley1159]

Just a fyi for you both, that knotted tree you tried to climb Cody, once all the bark is taken off is a true Alaskan treasure. People put them in their log homes to make it more Alaskan but because they are so sturdy, they use for bracing too. I have heard they are pretty pricey. You both are coming right along. I hope you have a very warm winter. I am very excited for you both, getting dried in and soon having water.

[@MartinJohansson-nn5dv]

Before closing the walls, look with the insurence company so its ok to have a screw connection inside the wall.

[@travisleiske204]

So how close are you guys to Mitchell's in Alaska? And did you go on a ride with Mitchell's of Alaska and Jim in Alaska? I am moving up in March, I'll be in Willow. Oh, probably in middle of middle of April. 2024

[@myraholmes651]

You are doing such a incredible job!! Doing the wood chores is a lot of work!! The house looks wonderful!!

[@tanyajenkins919]

I think you guys may want to keep a eye open for a wood heat stove . Wour cook stove is awesome but it may not be enough to heat. Your home. Im so glad you are now pretty dried n so happy you are getting set upbefore cold comes n on you. 🙏🙏 for all going the best for you both.

[@deborahmoczygemba3026]

Hope y'all can get a wood splitter soon

[@koningbolo4700]

A handy trick is to tape the two glueing containers together so they stay together and aren't as easy to tip over...

[@davidstoddard9160]

Bursl are valued highly for making beautiful wooden bowls and other things.

[@mahalathacker6513]

You both are amazing.

[@Volusia1]

I may need a back-flow valve to help your pump lift that high without back pressure from the tank. Unless of course you have a high pressure pump moving water.

[@djmollenkamp4363]

You need to save that tree with the burls. Buy yourself a wood lathe and make some beautiful bowls and vases and other things with it

[@stevencarey4215]

You need to put that ball valve inside, it will freeze out there and brake. Remember to pitch the outside part down to allow water in the piping to drain out when you remove the fill hose

[@Jeff-vt8kn]

I would definitely insulate before you worry about water unless you plan to run the the stove 24/7. Alaskan winters are brutal. Good luck ❤❤

[@jeffholverson8294]

You're doing an awesome job with the plumbing. It looks great. I agree with the put something under the tank to keep the sweat from eating into the wood and you might want to paint the shipboard with a sealant also. One thing that I've done four years till I learn to do it right is when you wrap the pipe tape on the threads you have to wrap it the same direction that the threads turn I notice when you put your adapter into the PVC you wrap the tape the wrong direction. That's actually you want to wrap the tape on righty tighty not Lefty loosey. I've done it wrong enough times to be an expert so you can use left tape and get the same seal. Mostly you guys doing an awesome job I'm so jealous and I'm so impressed. I hope you're going to put rockwool insulation a lot of places inside to add to the foam insulation because I know you know that's a very low r-value for the chili place that you live. Be safe and please enjoy your life there. For those of us who are old and broken and can't do what you're doing you are living our dream and fulfilling the lives that most of us wish we had.

[@Hanna-e8b]

👍❤все вірно ми старі можемо тільки дивитись.

[@goodandgreen]

Yes! Great work on the homestead guys ❤

[@larrywhite6895]

OK!! Just a thought`` Place a gutter on the metal roof , apply some kind of heat to roof, then pump it in to your storage tank!!

[@willamettehops]

Maybe bury your water tank deep in the ground so it doesn't freeze and leak out if you leave your cabin or run out of wood for heat. You can use a cheap RV water pump to get water to your faucets and shower.

[@cathykillion6544]

So much to plan 😊

[@mareeannehutchings945]

Awesome guys 😊

[@debbiemiller7342]

How exciting to have water and electric! Nice job. Hope you get all the wood you need for the winter together. Love Mitchell’s in Alaska! Great people. Thanks for sharing

[@brianpulstsr8680]

You wrapped tape the wrong way on your large PVC fitting

[@eloleddie]

Are you able to keep the interior warm enough during the night with your present stove? I sure hope that ir the case, but the winters must be able to get very cold out there in Alaska, especially if there is a wind blowing. I am just ting back about 70 years, when my twin brother and I slept in the attic with little or no insulation on our bed we had the sheet, and blankets and mre and thick coats, to keep us warm! I don't want it for you to be like that! Make sure yo can stay warm and have good sleeps to maintain your strength!

[@driverguy7]

325 gallons is about 2700 pounds of weight when full. Also, please consider getting a small electric heater AND a kerosene heater. If a day comes and one heat source doesn't work, you have a couple other choices to get through the rough spots. Good job getting water and power to your home! THAT WAS FAST!

[@shinyobsessed1271]

Amazing progress lately! Do you have any concerns about running into a wayward grizzly on your property? I know you have moose - can be scary, too, lol. Maybe people there don't worry much about that, although I have seen some KZbinrs always carrying a sidearm (usually 10mm) in Alaska...

[@81ee]

I can’t imagine how much there must be to learn in a new self sufficient environment like you are both in. I admire your hard work and learning! Good luck!

[@diannelihrman8218]

Looking good!!

[@user-gw6qz9my8h]

Awesome job you guys.Keep the videos coming and yall stay safe. God bless you both.

[@shelbiemarsh6430]

Love it. Good job! God bless.

[@suesmith5033]

Could you brush flex seal or something like that on th flooring under and around your water tank to save the wood from condensation or a leak? Im also wondering if you can somehow protect the batteries in case of a leak.? Im probably over think8ng thing's as Im sure you two have already thought of these possibilities. You've accomplished so much in such a short time! I hope your able to do some fun activities too.

[@mikeduda3173]

Hooray to the Mitchell's. Great group of folks. Water s/b good for winter with the exception of having to pay to have it trucked in. At least it won't freeze which gives great peace of mind. Now hurry up and get that suckered insulated 😅😅

[@allenclark9446]

I look forward to you guys each week wish you would do more. I feel sure you will look at the water tank again. You've done a great job!

[@GGMASherry]

Having water in the house have you considered yet how long you can leave the cabin unoccupied before the pipes freeze? Maybe invest in a oil burner heater for when you both wish to leave in the winter. Then if you don’t get back in time you won’t have to worry about your house being flooded as soon as you start a fire..

[@jeffpike7002]

I'm new to this channel, just wanted you to know, I watched all your post from beginning to current. Absolutely loved the realization you both went thru, building your life in AK. Love this channel ❤️ 💕 🙌 😍 💖 🎉

[@valeriebostick1913]

Great video 🇬🇧😊

[@tal23-tanika3]

Great job. Thanks for sharing.

[@carolyngregory9354]

I loved your video today. Keep them coming…………

[@rkeantube]

325gallons of water is 2.7 tons of weight, with a tank that size, you going to need a floor that can handle 60-80 lb/ft2, or >2x or more a normal res floor, or closer to commercial floor strength

[@KrissBartlett]

just a suggestion looking at the a frame when you showing the tap down the bottom you had daylight coming in at the top you need to fix that if you use the wood heater all the heat will go out the top did you know it was like that good job on the set up good idea paint the tank black i saw some people do that with the square tanks there is covers you can but on line if that helps wood shed is to far away but you said you will build a new shed dont have long runs to the solar panels better on a outside rack so you can move with the sun or maybe you dont need to up there

[@nanscott3362]

You guys are doing a great job. i look forward to the next video.

[@bobstewart4342]

when I don't know if what I'm doing will work I ask someone or research first. it's cheaper

[@maybeebuzzy2265]

You've got some groovy trees there. If I named them they would be Burly and Archie😆🐝

[@florencecampbell774]

Good job with your wood but I think you have got to get chopping as the weather will get bad and it will be way more difficult to get about your property easy. People give you this advice only to help you both on your journey to make it easier. Stay safe.🌺🌺

[@loda9510]

So much progress being made on the homestead!

[@rangertruck]

How is the wood stove is it heating the cabin ok and are you guys staying warm inside?

[@rangertruck]

❤ spray paint the tank black

[@remotelifealaska]

The stove has been great with heating the house! I think we are starting to get a good handle on working it! Spray painting the tank black has definitely been a discussion point. It won’t be a project until summer if we go that route.

[@exumtam]

Maybe some cheap blackout curtains thrown over for the time being might help. Just a thought.

[@dhgifts]

My Concern is the weight aspect. We put just a Hotub in a house and they recommended 2- 4x 12's around the perimeter to a main beam

[@nortiousmaximus940]

best video yet guys, l find it much nicer that you are talking us through your thought process, and letting us know what's going on. as posted below, you need to put something under the tank, if it's not already full of water, when it sweats, it will eventually cause you problems, now is the best time to deal with it, before anything happens. keep up the good work.

[@rossbrown1748]

I’m looking forward to seeing you pumping water into your tank

[@curtsheriradel2049]

I have concerns about the weight of the water in your tank in the upper floor, have you considered that ?

[@Karenlemley]

That tree he climbed you could cut an make wooden bowls out of them that one of another channel said they was going to do carve bowls

[@debibliss6541]

Why on earth would you put a giant water tank on a loft and how are you going to fill it?

[@donnadalziel1524]

I am so happy to see you have some kind of fire wall under you stove. I very worried

[@regmountain2224]

Ur Better Off Using Cast Iron With Ur Stove = YES Even Muffin\Cake\Pie Pans = More Even Cooking Temp...

[@user-kf9fv1qj9u]

Great video Cody and Lori

[@ZXX984]

Something like what you’re building would be a great camp in a secluded area here in Florida. Would have to be handicapped accessible, indoor shower and toilet. Wouldn’t have to worry about freezing or snow, just put in an A/C. Just wondering if it’s so bad you are snowed in for a length of time. What about a large supply stock? Not to familiar with AK, am a Floridian. Enjoying the videos.

[@catheyclarke2132]

Paul is 100 present right with the Sweat from the tank major problems over time heat inside cold in the water tank 😯😯😯xx

[@chantaln6843]

You’re doing such great winter preparation. Your water setup is very impressive. Your log gathering & set up behind your A frame is really pretty. Your hairstyle and close cut beard is very attractive on you… you’re looking good 👍🏻

[@davidstakston1950]

Have you got adequate drainage around your house for when the snow melts in the spring?

[@williamjones3783]

Your not going to be able to fill the tank from the bottom because as you fill from the bottom it will build up pressure that you will be greater than the pump output. Hence you will not be able to top off the tank. So I will suggest that you fill from the top. God bless Bill

[@user-nf1qw6se8d]

Was thinking the same thing

[@marilynm2086]

You guys are doing great, good job!

[@roreyb7]

Congratulations on the incredible work you have done finally after all your work you're in a really good place. Shelter water electricity a stove I could go on at what you accomplished. Love the lightning as well can't wait to see what's next !