Ultimate Guide to Winterizing Water Systems on Your Homestead: Proven Techniques to Prevent Freezing Pipes

Welcome back to Base Camp WNC!

We’re kicking off a new homesteading series, starting with essential tips on freeze-proofing your water systems to survive the winter. This first video will cover everything you need to know to keep water flowing on your homestead, even when temperatures plummet.

Over the last month, I’ve seen countless YouTube videos from other homesteaders on how to winterize water systems, but I noticed many end up with frozen pipes and hoses, leaving them unable to water their animals. We’re here at the campground with a new well system that, unfortunately, froze and broke during a recent cold snap. The plumber added insulation, but it wasn’t enough. The campground lost water, and repairs were necessary. In this video, I’ll walk you through how to prevent similar issues by using heat tape, insulation, and power backup systems to keep your water supply secure.

Insulating the Well
I recently received a call about a well located high up on the mountain that wasn’t properly insulated, resulting in a frozen pipe and broken tank. The tank was left with inadequate insulation, and when temperatures dropped to just a couple of degrees, everything froze solid. Our plan here is to:

1. Apply Heat Tape: We’re attaching heat tape to the pipe, making sure to secure it with zip ties along the pressure tank line. The heat tape should ideally sit on the bottom side of the pipe since heat rises.
2. Add Moisture-Resistant Insulation: I’m using sill plate sealer, a foam insulation that doesn’t absorb moisture like fiberglass does. This is key to preventing the buildup of condensation that can render insulation useless.
3. Connect Power Backup: I’m installing a power plug system to run the well off a generator if the electricity fails. This will ensure the campground can still access water during an outage.

Setting Up for Extreme Weather
With the temperatures expected to dip into the 20s or teens again soon, we’re taking extra steps to safeguard the system:

• Temporary Power Cord for Heat Tape: I’m setting up a temporary power cord for the heat tape until a permanent pump house is installed. This is a quick fix to keep the heat tape operational and prevent freezing.
• Adding a Generator Connection: For emergencies, I’m preparing a generator-compatible extension cord to power the well. This 30-amp plug system is compatible with the generator the campground owner has, allowing water access even if the main power goes out.
  

Wrapping Up
This project is a foundational part of our new homesteading series. We’re going to cover more winter-proofing tips, from water filtration to managing livestock in extreme temperatures. Our goal is to help you avoid common pitfalls, like frozen water systems that many other homesteaders encounter. From insulating well pumps to setting up backup power, we’ll provide reliable solutions that keep your homestead prepared for the cold.

If you found this helpful, please like, share, and subscribe to support our Youtube channel. Feel free to contact me for more homesteading tips or if you have any specific homestead services questions. Stay tuned for our next video where we’ll dive into filtration systems for safe drinking water straight from streams!

Visit us at:  CarolinaHomesteadPlanner.com for more information and tips.