Mastering the Art of DIY Spring Heads

Mastering the Art of DIY Spring Heads: The Tale of Mr. Robert's Spring in Pennsylvania

Welcome to Base Camp WNC! If you're intrigued by owner-built spring heads, you're in the right place. Today, we're diving into a unique project headed by Mr. Robert from Pennsylvania. We aim to inspire budding DIY enthusiasts by showcasing a variety of approaches to these builds.

Mr. Robert chanced upon a natural spring in his area and embarked on the journey to harness its potential. To capture the water flow efficiently, he initially attempted to channel it through a pipe. This would not only measure the water output but also prevent the area from becoming too soggy. A special shout-out goes to Lucas, his neighbor, who lent a hand (and a shovel) to dig a trench ensuring the water had a streamlined flow path.

Employing some creative techniques, Mr. Robert repurposed a blue barrel. He converted it into a strip and drilled 1.25-inch holes using a hole saw. Through these, a white PVC fitting was attached, which easily screwed into the pre-drilled hole. While there might be a minor risk of leaks, a bit of Teflon tape or silicone caulk usually does the trick in sealing it. Interestingly, he further adapted the one-inch PVC fitting to connect with a gray poly pipe fitting, ensuring seamless integration.

Inside the dam wall, there's a one-inch male fitting that connects to the exterior. This fitting is complemented by a threaded coupling on the outside, making it easier to attach the gray adapter for the poly pipe. Mr. Robert recommends avoiding glue on the interior pipes. This ensures that in case of blockages or required maintenance, disassembly is easier. He's cleverly designed the bottom to draw water upwards, drilling holes for optimal water flow.

The project boasts two significant features:

1. A bottom crossbar serves as the main water intake.
2. A top bar equipped with a clean-out pipe for sanitation and overflow control.

He then took measures to prevent erosion by adding an overflow pipe, ensuring the water drains at a safe distance from the dam wall. The finishing touch involved back-filling with gravel, and Mr. Robert's method of transportation - a side by side vehicle - certainly made this task a tad easier. Comparatively, hauling gravel up a hill with a bucket would be quite laborious!

The final result? A well-constructed spring head that not only serves its functional purpose but also stands as a testament to Mr. Robert's dedication and skill. He achieved an impressive output of roughly 1.2 gallons a minute, translating to nearly 2,000 gallons a day. And all of this for a budget just shy of $100 for materials (excluding labor). Though, a little humor to note: Lucas may have contributed a lot, but he also walked away with a whopping 3,700 mosquito bites!

Projects like these highlight the beauty of DIY. Mr. Robert's story is not only motivating but also a brilliant example of community and innovation. We encourage our readers to share their projects, photos, and experiences. As always, for those needing guidance or consultation, feel free to reach out.

Until our next DIY adventure, stay inspired and keep building! And don't forget to share, subscribe, and spread the word about Base Camp WNC. See you soon!


Visit us at:  Carolina Homestead Planner and let us help you with your preparedness and Homesteading Projects.