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Revitalizing an Age-Old Spring: Exploring a Hidden Gem Located in the idyllic northwestern corner of North Carolina, our base camp was recently abuzz with a captivating project that aimed to breathe new life into a long-forgotten spring. Amidst the serene surroundings, we embarked on a mission to uncover the hidden secrets of this natural wonder and transform it from a forgotten relic into a valuable water source. Join us as we take you on an enthralling journey from discovery to execution. Unveiling the Enigmatic Spring As we delved deeper into the story of this remarkable spring, we stumbled upon an intriguing piece of history. In bygone eras, an old homestead benefitted from the nourishment provided by this very spring. Curiosity piqued, we inspected the site and discovered a peculiar sight – a brick wall, strategically constructed against a rugged backdrop, in an attempt to harness the water's flow. However, it became apparent that this barricade was no match for the spring's power, as water continued to trickle relentlessly from beneath it. Collaborating with Mr. Danny: A Shared Vision Mr. Danny, the esteemed owner of the property, had initially embarked on the project himself. Despite his efforts, he recognized the need for expertise and decided to join forces with our team. Together, we set out to remove the brick obstruction, excavate the concrete, identify the true source of the spring, and implement a solution that would ensure its efficient utilization. Unearthing the Source With determination in our hearts, we ventured into the heart of the spring, ready to unravel its mysteries. Carefully, we dislodged the brick wall, uncovering the main flow of water from the delicate seam between two colossal rocks. Given the solid foundation provided by these natural rock formations, installing a standard blue plastic drum proved impractical. We swiftly devised an alternative plan – sealing the area with hydraulic cement, effectively securing the spring's newfound source. Although unforeseen technical difficulties prevented us from capturing the exciting cementing process on film, we celebrate the successful placement of a sturdy dam wall measuring 5.5 inches by 22 inches. Building a Sustainable System With the dam wall now in place, it was time to ensure the seamless flow of water from the spring to its designated destination. To achieve this, we carefully filled the dam wall with high-quality marble chips, which not only facilitated the water's movement but also enhanced the spring's aesthetic appeal. To highlight the water's path, we meticulously covered the setup, paying special attention to the black pipe that would guide the water to a nearby tank. Overcoming Challenges In any project of this magnitude, challenges are to be expected. As we progressed, we encountered a minor setback – the absence of a measuring cup. However, our unwavering focus allowed us to swiftly adapt and forge ahead. We directed our attention towards the cementing work, introducing a pump into a four-inch pipe. It was crucial to ensure a steady flow of water to cool the pump's motor, thereby maximizing its effectiveness. Attention to Detail The final stages of the project demanded meticulous attention to detail. We prioritized waterproofing the electrical connections and meticulously assembled the tank system, ensuring a seamless and efficient operation. Given the unprecedented challenges arising from the global pandemic and its repercussions on supply chains, we made the best use of the resources available to us, triumphing over adversity. Ensuring Sustainability and Practicality To safeguard against freezing temperatures, we devised a comprehensive mechanism for water drainage. This ensured that the tank and its associated systems remained unharmed during the harshest winter months. A freeze-proof hydrant was thoughtfully integrated into the system, skillfully directing water underground to prevent freezing. Additionally, a gravel bed was carefully laid beneath the hydrant, facilitating efficient drainage in the clay-rich soil. Conclusion In conclusion, we take great pride in the transformation we achieved on Mr. Danny's property – revitalizing a historic spring that had long been forgotten. By channelling water from the spring to a nearby tank and up the hill, we have ensured a continuous and sustainable water supply for the camper site. We invite you to embark on your own ventures and should you require guidance or assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out. Thank you for joining us on this refreshing journey! Let's Address Some Frequently Asked Questions 1. How did you identify the true source of the spring? To determine the actual source, we carefully removed the brick obstruction and uncovered the main flow of water from the seam between two large rocks. 2. What measures were taken to prevent freezing during winter? To prevent freezing, we installed a freeze-proof hydrant that directed water underground, coupled with a gravel bed to facilitate efficient drainage in the heavy clay soil. 3. How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact the project? The pandemic posed certain challenges related to supply chains, but we successfully adapted and utilized the available resources to complete the project. 4. How was the dam wall secured in place? The dam wall, measuring 5.5 inches by 22 inches, was firmly cemented using hydraulic cement, ensuring its stability and effectiveness. 5. What is the purpose of the tank system? The tank system collects water from the spring and supplies a continuous and sustainable water source for the camper site, ensuring the availability of water at all times. Visit us at: Carolina Homestead Planner Let us help you with your homestead planning and emergency preparedness.
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Tapping Into Spring Water in Western North Carolina
Welcome back to Base Camp WNC! Today we're embarking on a mission in Western North Carolina aimed at locating and harnessing an abundant spring water source. As we hike up the hill, our hope is that we will find its origin point. The landowner has informed us that they have been able to collect around one gallon and three quarters of water per minute - which represents quite significant yields indeed! Let's get started... To tap into the spring we used a digging bar to create an opening that was deep enough for us insert plastic walls. This proved challenging due to our proximity near rocky terrain which required extra precautions such as reinforcing it with hydraulic cement and adding bentonite inside too! Finally after all these efforts were made we placed little bleaching pipes directly at its source allowing clear water flow from now onwards. We are taking the necessary steps to secure our spring head by placing rocks around it and ensuring its adequately covered. As we observe clear water flowing from the outflow we can see that all of this hard work is paying off. To ensure that the water line originating from their tank is properly filtered they have installed an inverter generator type on their property. The filtration process involves passing through a 20 micron filter followed by a 5 micron filter and finally undergoing UV tube treatment before being stored in a separate tank for use with trailers. This ensures that only pure drinking water reaches them at all times. With this setup in place they can rest easy knowing that they are always getting clean fresh H2O! As we approach Christmas weekend the cold has presented us with some unforeseen obstacles. With most water lines still above ground due to difficulties in burying them during this time of year and contractors swamped by other commitments making adjustments was necessary for our system design. Our primary objective is ensuring that our off grid property remains functional even when temperatures drop below freezing levels - especially during December months like now! Our unique setup ensures that our water is thoroughly purified through multiple levels of filtration. The upside down positioning and drain valve in place prevents any possibility of freezing during this process. Once filtered the liquid is stored within a 500 gallon tank close to where trailers are parked for easy access when needed. This approach guarantees maximum quality while also being conveniently located on site. The pipeline is an integral component of this project spanning over 500 feet long and ensuring a smooth flow into the water system tank with capacity for holding up to 800 gallons. We anticipate completing this endeavor once favorable weather conditions prevail. Our primary objective has been capturing spring water effectively while filtering it thoroughly before delivering it where required - even during these harsh winter months just prior Christmas Day! This achievement will be instrumental in providing accessibility to clean drinking water throughout communities affected by droughts or other natural disasters. With our efforts we hope that everyone can enjoy safe drinking water regardless of their location or circumstances. As we navigate through the winter and pandemic seasons, our excavating contractor continues to work on completing their tasks. In upcoming videos I'll share more about how going off grid during such times can present unique challenges. If anyone needs assistance with similar projects or insights feel free to reach out - Im here for you! We also have solar solutions coming soon in springtime which will bring new opportunities for growth at this homestead. Let me know if there is anything specific that could benefit from my expertise. If you have any queries or require assistance please do not hesitate to leave a comment. I am here for all of your needs whether it be through video conferencing or direct communication. In case we don't get the opportunity beforehand, let me wish everyone an excellent holiday season! Thank you so much for being part of this journey with us! Visit us at: Carolina Homestead Planner Let us assist you with all your homesteading planning. Effective Winterizing Techniques for Homestead Water Systems Welcome back to Base Camp WNC. We're launching a new series, with this episode serving as the introductory guide on how to freeze-proof your water systems on homesteads. Over the past month, during winter, I've had the chance to explore YouTube. Many revered homesteaders offer advice, but their pipes and hoses still freeze, preventing them from watering their animals. At our campground, we faced similar challenges. Despite the installation and insulation efforts by the plumber on our new well, it froze, broke, and left everyone without water. The solution? We decided to add heat tape, further insulation, and wire it up to enable a generator to pump water in emergencies. During a recent freeze, a mountain-based well that I had worked on faced damage. Why? A large, uninsulated rock covered it, and when temperatures dropped to about one or two degrees, it all froze and malfunctioned. Our current goal is to affix heat tape, wrap it in moisture-resistant foam insulation, and then extend a power line to a nearby receptacle. With temperatures expected to drop again into the 20s and teens, we've also planned to install a plug and receptacle so that the system can be powered by a generator in case of an electricity outage. As for the heat tape, it should ideally be placed at the bottom of the pipe, given that heat rises. However, we had to wrap it a few times due to its length. Additionally, we affixed a sensor to the metal part, ensuring it would activate the heat tape when temperatures reached around 40 degrees. One mistake I often see is the use of fiberglass insulation, which absorbs moisture. This can lead to condensation and renders the insulation useless. I recommend using what is termed as 'sill plate sealer', a foam-based material that does not absorb moisture. Another key component is ensuring the system can be powered by a generator, especially during outages. We crafted a four-prong 30 amp plug, compatible with the generator. Always ensure compatibility and have the right tools, like a voltmeter, to confirm the right voltage. Ultimately, with proper insulation and a reliable power backup, homesteads can avoid the pitfalls of frozen pipes, ensuring continuous water supply. This is just the beginning of our homesteading series under the banner of Carolina Homestead Planner. Given the myriad of misleading advice out there, our mission is to demonstrate effective solutions, especially for crucial systems like water. If you require any guidance or help, please reach out. Please like, share, and subscribe to our channel for more insightful tips. Every thumbs up contributes to our efforts to bring you more valuable content. Stay tuned for our next episode! Visit us at: https://carolinahomesteadplanner.com and let us help you with your homestead planning. We are also available for consulting and training on preparedness. Solar Shack Construction: Building an Affordable Solar-Powered Water Tote Welcome back to Base Camp WNC! The time has come for another water project. As the title suggests, this is the most cost-effective solar shack I have ever constructed. While it's based on a 275-gallon water tote, this specific one wasn't originally for water. It was food grade, but it had been repurposed for other uses. Currently, it houses all the solar equipment, and there's also an RV outlet installed. Once I determine the generator type, another box will be added for generator input. Now, let's dive into the inner workings of this solar shack. Inside, the Magnum sign inverter stands out, connected to eight 420 amp-hour, 6-volt batteries. They are arranged in a combination of series and parallel configurations. It's a 24-volt, 4,000-watt split-phase 220 inverter, termed the "44 Magnum". You can find more details on it online. Alongside the inverter, there's a solar charger. The main purpose is to run the RV outlet, but it's also adaptable for homestead use. The current owners of the homestead are in the process of extensive renovations, tearing out floors and walls. They seem to have been inspired by TV makeovers but soon realized the enormity of the task. A challenge they faced was the county's refusal to provide temporary power due to missing house plans and septic tank permits, given the property's long-abandoned state. This solar shack will serve as a temporary power source for their camper. In the future, when the house is fully renovated with wood and propane facilities, this 4,000-watt solar setup will be a backup power source, supplemented by a generator. The actual construction involved using an IBC tote, which was modified to accommodate the equipment. Essential modifications include:
Given the affordable nature of this build – the tote's price has risen from $10 to $20 – the total cost, including paint, screws, bolts, and scrap wood, was under $50. Once the owners have permanent power, this solar shack can be repurposed for gasoline and propane storage. At Carolina Homestead Planner, our mission is to provide innovative solutions like this. We'll be undertaking a full renovation of the old homestead, constructing new walls, and roofing. I invite you to join us for this journey. If you ever need assistance or ideas for a project, please reach out. Until our next update, thank you, and see you soon! Visit us at: Https://carolinahomesteadplanner.com |
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