How To Build An Off Grid Gravity Fed Water System Cheaply

August 25, 2016August 25, 2016 James Burnette 195 Comments

How To Build An Off Grid Gravity Fed Water System Cheaply

An off grid Gravity Fed Water System is a great option for running water. Since many of us off grid dwellers and tiny house owners do not have running water. Yes, you can live without running water. Indoor plumbing has been around a long time but mostly for the wealthy. Your average 16th century English Farmer would have to carry in water. The same still holds true for many parts of the world today.

The system I’m going to show you how to build is not a whole house solution. The principles will scale up, though. This is a cheap and easy solution to get a gravity fed water system for a sink. So this is perfect for doing a few loads of dishes, brushing teeth or hand washing.

Best of all this build is both easy and cheap. I built the system in just a few minutes. I spent the next few days tinkering with it to try to optimize it.

Off Grid Gravity Fed Water System — The Parts

Parts

Five Gallon Bucket With Lid
Tubbing
Threaded PEX connector
Threaded PVC Piece
Rubber Washer
Hose Clamps That Fit The PEX Connector.
Faucet Connector
PEX Faucet Shut Off

Some of the parts listed are not specific. Therefore they will vary based on your needs and availability. You can do like I did and stand in the plumbing section of Lowe’s for an hour trying pieces for a fit. Unless you are going to be reducing it’s best to get tubing the same size as your PEX connectors. I believe the tubing I used was 3/8th. That was a very snug fit on the faucet shut-off connector.

You could also just go into the local hardware store and ask for help. If you get a smart employee, yes it happens sometimes, you can be out quickly. Just tell them you’re looking to hook up a hose to a five-gallon bucket.

Gravity Fed Water System — Drilling the hole

Building The Bucket

Use a paddle bit to drill a hole the size of your threaded piece. In my case, this was 3/8th size hole. Be careful not to let the bit dance. If you do the hole will be bigger than the connector. Also, Plumbers tape will help to a degree.

I had to get a pvc piece that was female on one side and male on the other. Put Teflon tape on the PEX piece and screw into the female side. Use Teflon tape on the male side. Put a rubber washer on.

For inside the bucket, I had a female threaded open piece.

Thread the male connector into the bucket. It should be a tight fit. You want the piece to go all the way into the bucket for the washer to prevent leaks.

On the inside of the bucket, I put another rubber washer on threaded side. That way there is a washer on the inside and outside of the bucket to prevent leaks.

Thread the open female piece on the inside of the bucket. Tighten it as snuggly as you can by hand. Using a wrench would break something for sure.

Preparing The Line

At this point, it’s best to place the bucket where you are going to want it. Take the tubing you have and place on one of your hose clamps. Work the tubing onto the PEX barbed end on the bucket. It will be a really tight fit. This is what we want. When the tubing is all the way on, move the hose clamp to the center of the barb. Tighten the hose clamp. Don’t go crazy tightening it down, you don’t want to crack the PEX barb.

Run the tubing to the sink. It will most likely be too long. I didn’t want to have excess tubing congesting my Gravity Fed Water System. The less distance it travels will help with the pressure. Cut it to be just enough to reach the sink.

Nest put a hose clamp on the tubing and attach to the shut-off valve. And the Shut off piece connects to the faucet connector and that screws onto the sink.

Set Up

At this point, everything should be hooked up for your Gravity Fed Water System. Since this is only going to feed the cold water tap on the faucet. Don’t forget to either plug or shut off the hot water side. I used a faucet connector and shut off valve on it. Therefore the water will just pour out. Ask me how I know.

Now fill the bucket with water. Check for leaks. Also you could use silicone to seal the connector coming out of the bucket. I have not had it leak in weeks of use, though.

Then turn on you shut off valve to the faucet. Check for leaks. If no leaks turn on the faucet. Remember only the cold will work. If water comes out awesome you did it! In the event that the water won’t flow it has air in the line. So we have to get the air out of the line first.

Also you could install a check valve to get the air out. I just squeezed the tubing near the bucket. When you squeeze the tubing it forces the air inside the bucket and fills the line with water. Once the line is completely filled with water it will flow.

Off Grid Running Water Gravity Fed Water System — Off Grid Running Water

Conclusion

In conclusion, I have been without running water for almost 2 years, living in my tiny house. It isn’t that bad honestly. In particular many things you take for granted are made difficult. Like doing the dishes. So you can’t just rinse off something. The first thing I did after building my Gravity Fed Water System was to do some dishes. Finally It felt great to have running water to do dished with.

I fiddled around trying to get the water pressure to be better with no luck. Also don’t expect any great water pressure. It will flow steadily. But it will flow.

This project cost less than $30 and took less than an hour. As a result, I can turn a faucet and water comes out. For a short term disaster or for those that live off the grid this is a cheap and easy solution. So the next step from this system is rain catchment and a water pump. You could possibly do that for $100. Probably not, though. As an interim to that, this Gravity Fed Water System fills the gap perfectly.

What do you do for water? Have you built a Gravity Fed Water System? Let me know in the comments!

Want to hear yourself on the podcast? Call in with your questions at (615) 657-9104 and leave us a voice mail.

Like this post? Consider signing up for my email list here > Subscribe

Think this post was worth 20 cents? Consider joining The Survivalpunk Army and get access to exclusive

content and discounts!

Paul Kortman On Living A Modern Nomadic Lifestyle

August 24, 2016August 24, 2016 James Burnette 1,185 Comments

Download

Paul Kortman On Living A Modern Nomadic Lifestyle

This week we welcome on Paul Kortman. His family has chosen a life of location independence. In early 2014, they sold their house and most possessions.

They homeschool their four children. Paul’s business is run online so as long as he has an internet connection he can continue to make the same income independent of location. They are choosing to improve our quality of life through travel and opening our kids’ eyes to a broader worldview.

The Kortmans are currently in Mexico heading south after spending 2014 and 2015 in Davao, Philippines; Chiang Mai, Thailand; Cape Town, South Africa; Sofia, Bulgaria; Lisbon, Portugal, and a few other locations.

We mostly focus the interview on online business and Location Independence. How running an online business you only need internet access and you can run your business anywhere in the world. Not being tied to a specific location has many benefits.

We later go on to talk about the tyranny of the US Government. During this Paul gets passionate about the Child Protection Service specifically. Mike and I are both strongly against CPS.

Why The Leatherman Warranty Rocks! Free Replacements

August 23, 2016August 23, 2016 James Burnette 1,046 Comments

Why The Leatherman Warranty Rocks! Free Replacements

The amazing Leatherman Warranty has cemented me as a customer for life. A while back I broke the Flathead screwdriver bit on my Leatherman Wave. It broke in the prevention of an explosion. A small one anyway. I was trying to unscrew a rusty screw on my kerosene heater. Which was unusable because I dropped a mini bic lighter deep inside it. I flicked my bic too hard and it flew inside.

First I grabbed my Leatherman Wave Multi-Tool to unscrew the heater case. I got the heater used and it was a bit rusty. Not that I’m complaining. It was free and could kick out some heat. The leatherman was no match against this screw, though. The tip if the screwdriver snapped off. I was pretty furious.

I then proceeded to break at least one more screwdriver before finally getting it off.

Effective Tips in Controlling Weed Growth – Minus the Chemicals!

August 22, 2016August 22, 2016 James Burnette 222 Comments

Effective Tips in Controlling Weed Growth – Minus the Chemicals!

Growing and enjoying the view of your beautiful plants can be a lot of fun until it is not. The fun certainly stops when it is already time to take out the weeds, which competes with your plants for space and nutrients from the soil in your garden.

So what does a budding gardener have to do?

Among the fastest way to get the seeds out is to use herbicides. However, despite their growing popularity, it is also important to remember that these things come with harmful toxic chemicals that hurt your plant, yourself, your family and the environment. Yes, what you do might not seem to have a huge impact to the world but it can add up if everyone who gardens basically does the same thing.

Some chemicals from herbicides can get trapped in certain types of soil for up to 20 years. What happens if you decide to plant something edible or if your little kids suddenly decide to play with the soil in your backyard? Scary, right?

You might also want to remember that some herbicides are sprayed and this could easily get into the air we breathe. Among the most common side effects to herbicide exposure include nausea, rashes and headache but they can also go as severe as seizures and even death. You wouldn’t want to risk that, would you?

Don’t worry – there is still a way to get those nasty weeds out. You can do so by manually pulling them out or doing certain tips and tricks that we have outlined in the helpful infographic below. You might also want to mix and match your gardening tools depending on your needs and preferences. Cool?

Just remember, different types of plants use different methods for getting the weeds out but they do have one thing in common: avoid the toxic chemicals.

Now your plants stay safe and so do you, your family and your garden. Happy weeding!

BIO

Lisa Farland is a content writer in Happy to Survive – a blog that will help you thrive and survive, and offers articles about preparedness, and off-the-grid, self-reliant living. Lisa is an avid minimalist camper, prepper and survivalist.

The Truth About Precious Metals for Survivalists

August 19, 2016August 19, 2016 James Burnette 163 Comments

The Truth About Precious Metals for Survivalists

There are a few common misconceptions associated with precious metals and how they may not be helpful to a preparedness plan for either a SHTF scenario or potential economic collapse.

1. If I can’t eat it, drink it, or use it to defend myself, I don’t need it.

2. I’ll just get stuck buying some worthless coins and never get anything out of them.

Although these are some generally popular perspectives, they are completely misguided and incorrect.

So how can precious metals be useful for survivalists when the economy collapses?

The truth is, precious metals are essential for survivalists to help you stay prepared for all sorts of upcoming turmoil.

Below, you’ll find rebuttals to the common misconceptions about gold and silver and how they can literally save your life when the SHTF…

1. “If I can’t eat it, drink it, or use it to defend myself, I don’t need it.”

Precious metals have been used as a stable store of value and a medium of exchange for thousands of years. Although you cannot actually eat, drink or use it to defend yourself you can use it in barter or trade to get any potential needed items.

For example, if you are trying to trade with a neighbor for ammunition and you only have water, food, ammunition and first aid, chances are, he/she has those exact items also. You need to pay with something that can be used as a medium of exchange so that your neighbor can buy whatever he/she may need from someone else.

You won’t always know what people may need in a barter or trade situation. That’s why having a form of currency is essential!

2. “I’ll just get stuck buying some worthless coins and never get anything out of them.”

I say this to prospective precious metals buyers, it seems like, a thousand times a day:

“Stay away from collectible coins! Don’t do it!”

Collectible coins, or “numismatic coins,” are like art. Their value is largely subjective. Therefore some people might pay millions of dollars for the Mona Lisa. Personally, I wouldn’t pay 20 bucks for it!

Don’t put yourself in a hard spot to try to get a buyer who will pay as much as you did to get some mint special coin. The liquidity just isn’t there when compared to gold and silver coins, bars, and rounds that are traded at their melt value.

So Buy BULLION!

Bullion is the term that is used when trying to buy precious metals closest to the spot (sometimes called stock market) price. Ask your buyer, if they don’t have it listed, how much over spot you are paying per ounce. The price of gold and silver is fully transparent and can be determined by the clock around the world. Getting the lowest price per ounce is generally the smartest choice.

After the 2008 real-estate fiasco, the economy was trash! In 2011, however, silver jumped up to $40 an ounce even though the rest of the country and economy were still trying to pull themselves out of the grave. Precious metals are not only a good option for a survivalist perspective but they also help to hedge against inflation and perform well in periods of economic turmoil.

What You Need to Know for a Survivalist/SHTF Scenario

In a barter/trade situation, it’s important to remember that having different sizes and metals is always smart. Having Pre-65 junk silver is a great option, it is in smaller fractional sizes, and, because it is 90% silver (containing 10% copper), it will wear well being handled more frequently.

Silver rounds, especially in the smaller fractional sizes, is also an attractive option. For larger barter situations consider getting some gold. Compared to silver coins fractional gold coins carry a larger amount of value in smaller sizes.

As a result of government racking up a national debt of over 19 TRILLION dollars and climbing, it’s time to start preparing for our currency to be obsolete in SHTF scenarios…

Finally remember: “You won’t always know what people may need in a barter or trade situation. That’s why having a form of currency is essential!”

Money Metals Exchange

Dan Novak is an avid survivalist and precious metals specialist at Money Metals Exchange. Staying educated on economic turmoil and maintaining a survivalist mentality are incredibly important in the world we live in today.

Want to hear yourself on the podcast? Call in with your questions at (615) 657-9104 and leave us a voice mail.