They Finally Got Us Off Grid Living In A Tiny House

Living off the grid is a remarkable adventure, one that my family and I have undertaken for three years now. In our quest for independence, we've come across challenges and found ingenious solutions. So, I'm here to share our off-grid journey, and you might just discover some fresh insights among the humor and creativity I'm about to throw in.

Water, the Lifeline

To start our off-grid escapade, we had to secure a reliable water source. We employed a 275-gallon IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) tank, but here's the twist: it had to be food grade, not the chemical variety. Trust me; you don't want to deal with the remnants of a chemical tank. We even repurposed one for our chicks' shelter, creating a chicken coop out of it.

When searching for these tanks on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, ensure they're marked as "food grade" or were previously used to store food items. It's the safer route to go.

The Ancient Well and Its Quirks

Our well, a relic from the 60s, isn't considered deep by today's standards, diving only 130 feet deep. The pump hangs about 110 feet down, attached to a nylon rope. This setup keeps it clear of the well's murky depths. We acquired a 110-volt submersible pump, which was a bit of a rarity since these pumps usually come in 220 volts. The smaller pump was a purposeful choice.

We learned that our well casing had a crack, which led us to a "well packer" or a grommet. After some searching, we found one supplier with this essential piece. It's vital to ensure the pump is safely nestled within the casing because retrieving it can be an absolute nightmare if it ever goes south. We purchased a 2.5-inch pump to make future extractions smoother.

Gallons Per Minute: The Game-Changer

We made a calculated shift from a 30-gallon-per-minute pump to a 15-gallon-per-minute one. The reason is simple: our well tends to run out of water fairly quickly due to its age. The higher flow rate would burn out the pump if not managed carefully. With the 15-gallon pump, we never faced the issue of it "deadheading," where water inside the pump overheats and creates air bubbles in the plumbing.

Furthermore, to combat any freezing issues, we drilled a hole in the pipe around 70 feet down. This simple solution not only prevents the pump from seizing but also guards against freezing. It's a lifesaver during those chilling winter months.

Off-Grid Wisdom: Backup Power and Water

Living off the grid requires a backup plan, and our trusty generator serves as our lifeline. Solar panels, though efficient, need to be complemented by a reliable generator. It's important to have a secondary power source, especially in areas where water wheels or windmills aren't feasible options.

We also possess a natural spring as a backup water source, and it's so clean that we don't even need to filter it. The key is to minimize resource usage in any situation, even in a survival scenario. Filtering water is fine, but what happens when those filters clog up? It's best to have a pristine source as a fallback.

The Riddle of the Pond

Now, here comes the intriguing part. We recently experimented with a new ditch to redirect water away from our well during heavy rains. Some suggested we should invest in a pond. While a pond might have its merits, it would not fundamentally resolve our erosion issue. The water would still find its way to the well, and we'd be dealing with mosquitoes to boot.

This challenge got me pondering the wisdom of investing thousands of dollars in a pond, when a simple $10 pipe with some holes drilled in it could offer an elegant solution. We've got to remember, sometimes the best answers are the most straightforward ones. It's a quirky tale of resourcefulness in the off-grid life.

Parting Thoughts

Our off-grid journey has been a rollercoaster of innovation and adaptability. It's a thrilling ride that teaches you to value simplicity and creativity. In the end, it's about finding solutions, not throwing money at problems. And as we tread this exciting path, we're living proof that with a little ingenuity, you can thrive off the grid without breaking the bank.

So, embrace the adventure, and remember, you can turn a five-dollar problem into a five-dollar solution. Thanks for coming along on our journey!