Revitalizing a Historic Spring House: A Comprehensive Guide to Restoration

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!

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