 Welcome to Base Camp WNC, where today we embark on an exciting restoration adventure! We're tackling a spring house that dates back over half a century, and as it stands now, it's seen better days. The structure suffers from a collapsed roof, missing screens, and weather-damaged cement blocks.
Our restoration journey begins with dismantling the deteriorated parts. Interestingly, the original iron piping was replaced by PVC, which now serves as the primary water outlet. Our first goal is to clear away the surrounding rocks to uncover the true water source. We’ll construct a dam wall to regulate the flow of the spring. As we cleared the site, we unearthed multiple spring heads. To combat potential contamination from surface runoff and insects, we layered bentonite clay and soil to fortify the base. We’ve also introduced a protective layer of fabric for durability and a plastic cover for additional safeguarding against the elements. Depending on stability, we may add more gravel, while the existing blocks could remain to aid in water diversion. With the debris cleared, our focus shifted to enhancing the spring's infrastructure. We installed a new conduit to guarantee uninterrupted water flow to the storage tank. The spring now operates efficiently, with recently cleaned, pressure-washed, and sanitized components ensuring pristine condition. Inside the nearby utility shed, we've fitted an expansion tank and a Rusco spin-down filter to preserve water quality and manage pressure. The new setup includes a one-inch poly line connecting the spring to the tank, with an overflow arrangement to handle excess water. The restoration continued even through six days of rain, which led us to regrade the site and add a 30-mil vinyl roofing liner atop the plastic layer for extra protection from natural debris. The repurposed old cement blocks from the original pump house now serve a new purpose—anchoring the liner. This project not only revitalizes the spring house but also enhances the water pressure and flow, ensuring a reliable water supply. We've also considered the potential need for additional filtration to maintain water purity. For those considering similar restoration projects, I offer personalized consulting services. Whether you need advice based on photos or an on-site evaluation, feel free to contact me. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more updates on our restoration adventures. Hit that thumbs-up button if you enjoyed the video, and join us next time at Base Camp WNC! Visit us for more project help for your homesteading Lifestyle.
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In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into common well water system issues, spotlighting how a seemingly minor oversight can disrupt your entire water supply. We’re on-site at a client’s property, where a recently installed well and brand-new bladder tank should have solved their water woes. Instead, we’ve uncovered that a critical, yet inexpensive component—the pressure switch—was overlooked. The backstory is crucial here: the property’s old well pump had been running faithfully for two decades. When it finally required replacement, the homeowners didn’t hesitate to invest a hefty sum—close to $5,000—into a new pump and tank. Yet, a simple $40 pressure switch, which had succumbed to wear and tear, was missed, leading to the current predicament. Today’s guide is not just about troubleshooting but also ensuring you have water during power outages. We’re setting up a generator-powered system, crucial for sustaining water supply for livestock and essential needs when the grid fails. Step-by-Step Setup for Generator Power
Professional Installation Tips For those unsure about the electrical setup, hiring a seasoned electrician is recommended. They can handle the wiring, plug installation, and ensure everything is up to code. Opting for an electrician with experience in generator setups can be particularly beneficial. Wiring Specifics Ensure the connection is secure:
This DIY guide ensures your well continues to pump water reliably, even during a power outage. For further guidance or troubleshooting, feel free to reach out for an online consultation. Remember to like, share, and subscribe for more practical tips. Hit the thumbs-up, and stay tuned for more from Base Camp WNC! This refreshed content not only provides detailed guidance but incorporates highly searchable keywords like "well water system issues," "generator-powered water supply," and "DIY guide for well maintenance," ensuring better visibility and engagement. For more resources, visit my site at: Carolina Homestead Planner. We offer Homestead Consultations for those looking to create a homesteading Lifestyle.  Welcome back to Base Camp WNC!
Join me on an unexpected adventure as we breathe new life into an old Woods three-point hitch backhoe. This piece of machinery, bought by a friend’s uncle, had been forgotten in a field for two decades. Initially, I hadn't planned on documenting this rebuild, but as the project unfolded, I captured the transformation mainly through photographs, with a few videos to share later. The Restoration Begins Here’s what we started with: a backhoe that clearly showed signs of neglect, sitting idle with all its hoses missing. In total, we replaced about 22 hoses, each meticulously chosen to fit and function better than before. The initial clean-up involved wire-brushing to remove years of grime, preparing it for the heavy lifting—literally and figuratively—involved in its rebuild. Detailed Breakdown: Disassembly and Diagnosis Our project required us to strip down the backhoe to its core components: the boom, the stick, and the outriggers were all removed, exposing the bones of this robust machine. The hydraulic hoses were all gone, leaving just the stark frames and splintered metal. Luckily, the Woods official site provided a complete model diagram and measurements for each hose, guiding our replacements and ensuring each new piece was a perfect match for the intended design. From Grinding to Welding: Addressing Wear and Tear One of the biggest challenges was addressing the significant wear on parts that had been poorly maintained. Using only basic tools like a cut-off wheel and a grinder, I smoothed out rough edges and prepared surfaces for new bushings. We fabricated a new, larger bushing for the overly worn bucket hole, transforming it from an oblong gap into a snug, secure fit. This precise adjustment was crucial, ensuring the bucket would no longer wobble during operation. Reassembling with Precision Reassembling the backhoe was a puzzle of precision. We reattached the outriggers, strung all new hoses, and began the careful process of connecting hydraulic lines to their respective cylinders. By numbering each hose, we avoided confusion and ensured each was correctly placed, simplifying what could have been a complex guessing game. Final Adjustments and Future Projects The final steps involved some detailed welding, ensuring every new component was securely in place. We also had to address a misaligned grease fitting and replace some worn-out sockets that kept popping off. Even though some parts required unconventional solutions—like using vice grips temporarily—each fix brought this backhoe closer to its full potential. Despite its age and the previous owners' makeshift repairs, this backhoe is ready to tackle new tasks. From digging out stumps to clearing rocks, it's set to outperform any manual shovel work—and at a fraction of the cost quoted for professional digging services. Wrapping Up This project was more than just a mechanical rebuild; it was a journey back in time, reviving a piece of equipment many would have written off. I hope this blog inspires you to take on your restoration projects, no matter the scale. Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, feel free to reach out with questions or for advice. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more from Base Camp WNC! If you need more help with your homesteading lifestyle, please let us know. Visit our site and get more information on our homestead consulting services. Welcome to Base Camp WNC, where DIY projects come to life with a sprinkle of history and heaps of practicality. In today’s tutorial, we'll walk you through creating a charming vintage wash stand, complete with wash tubs and a hand wringer—an essential for any home seeking that rustic touch or practical off-grid functionality. If you are building a homesteading lifestyle, we offer some great tips and resources.
Getting Started: The Materials Our project began with the purchase of wash tubs from Home Depot, easily found online for convenience. As for the hand wringer, it was sourced from Amazon. You’ll also need a set of tools, including a saw, drill, and a planer, and some hardware like screws and C clamps. The highlight of our materials list is the repurposed Redwood, salvaged from a deck built in the '60s, giving this project not only a sturdy base but also a story to tell. Step 1: Design and Prep Work Before cutting any wood, decide on the dimensions. Our stand measures about 45 inches in length. The initial task was to strip the old paint off the Redwood, restoring its vibrant color and smooth texture. This involved some heavy-duty planing, as we wanted to remove just enough surface to clean the boards without losing their character. Step 2: Assembling the Frame Constructing the frame to support the wash tubs and the wringer requires precision. We opted not to cut drains into the tubs, thinking it easier to lift and empty them manually. The frame was designed to accommodate the tubs snugly, with the wringer mounted on a raised wall for easy operation. Each piece of wood was measured, cut, and attached with care, ensuring the structure’s stability and the wood’s historical integrity. Step 3: Determining the Height The height of the table is crucial for comfort and functionality. We positioned a bucket to gauge the ideal height for the wringer, settling on 20 inches for the table surface. This height allows easy operation of the wringer without bending over too much, preserving your back during those laundry days. Step 4: Reinforcing the Structure Given the mechanical action of the wringer, we reinforced the frame with 45-degree braces on the legs to prevent any wobbling. Additional cross-bracing was also installed to ensure the table would stand firm under the torque produced by the wringer. Step 5: Finishing Touches After assembling the frame and securing all components, it was time to focus on the details. We adjusted the clamps that hold the wringer in place, replacing the inadequate original with a more robust bolt-through solution, ensuring everything was tightly secured and squared. The Final Product The finished wash stand is not only functional but also visually appealing, echoing stories of the past with its vintage charm. It’s a perfect addition to any home looking to add a functional piece with a nostalgic touch. DIY Tips and Tweaks Remember, when tackling a project like this, always measure twice and cut once. Customizing the height based on your needs can make all the difference in usability. And while the clamps might need some tweaking, it’s these small adjustments that perfect the stand. We'd love to see how your DIY projects turn out! Share your thoughts, photos, and tips with us. Hit the subscribe button for more DIY adventures, and let us know what you think in the comments below. Here's to many more successful projects at Base Camp WNC! If we can help you with your homesteading projects, visit our site for more information. We offer Homestead Consulting and Preparedness. |
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