Of grid plumbing

Cord · Dec 3, 2014

Ok, I'm working on building a cabin up north. It's not that far up north, but based on the problems I'm having, clearly not far enough. Ok, back ground: The property has a bluff running through the center and this area is somewhat protective of their topography. For this reason, I'm not permitted to put a driveway in. However, that same topography has resulted in a ton of caves in the area. This is a problem with sanitary systems. Not that long ago several wells were contaminated because a septic field was discharging directly into a cave the wells were drawing from. As part of my building permit I was required to install a water based sanitary system. The getcha is that I can't put a driveway in. Oh, and there is no electric at the road. I tried to argue for a non-water based system such as a privy or composting toilet, but they wouldn't hear non3 of it. I ended up with a 800' long ejector line to a holding tank. Problem solved? No.

It seems my zoning permit requires me to have a well. The getcha is that I can't put a driveway in! I've been chasing this around for a while now I believe I'm close to having the state approve a water reservoir. A water holding tank; aka cystern. Problem solved? No.

For every new residence constructed you are required to have a water "supply system" and the following fixtures: kitchen sink, lav, toilet and shower/tub. With the reservoir and no electricity, I'd rather have just a old fashioned hand pump. This is easily accomplished for the kitchen but I'm not sure how to make the toilet and shower work. I'd rather avoid a solar system because it just won't be used enough and this is a deep forest and is always shaded. Any suggestions how to get a water supply system off grid without having pressurized water?

For a three season weekend cabin this has really gotten out of control.

buickanddeere · Dec 3, 2014

This is why I tell people to research, research and research before purchasing any major investment.

tcreeley · Dec 3, 2014

I knew a person who hand pumped his water daily up into a holding tank near the ceiling. He let gravity supply his water to the toilet and shower.

mbohuntr · Dec 3, 2014

For three seasons, put a tank either in the attic (supported) or above the floor outside on a pedestal. Use a generator and pump to fill it up, gravity will give you running water!

mbohuntr · Dec 3, 2014

Beat me to it!!!!!

newbury · Dec 3, 2014

Put one of these IBC totes on a sturdy stand as a water tower:

roadhunter · Dec 3, 2014

Out of curiosity why do you keep mentioning that you can't put a driveway in? Does the driveway have something to do with water or electric or are you just pointing out how limited you are on what you can do with the property?

newbury · Dec 3, 2014

roadhunter said:
Out of curiosity why do you keep mentioning that you can't put a driveway in? Does the driveway have something to do with water or electric or are you just pointing out how limited you are on what you can do with the property?

Or are you just REALLY PEEVED you can't put a driveway in?

Cn you put a logging road in?

dave1949 · Dec 3, 2014

I see helicopters with backhoe and deep drilling attachments all the time.

Cord · Dec 3, 2014

mbohuntr said:
For three seasons, put a tank either in the attic (supported) or above the floor outside on a pedestal. Use a generator and pump to fill it up, gravity will give you running water!

Because you won't have any pressure. Behind the cabin is a 50' bluff. If I placed the tank up there i could get 20psi. That's the bare minimum it takes for a pressure balancing valve to work. If I built a tower and elevated the tank 20', I could get close to 30 psi. The tank would need to be filled from my neighbors land and I'm sure the planner will object to a tower.

I mention the driveway because it's the source of the problems. There are some logging roads, but it ends about 300' from my cabin due to a very steep hill. Atvs can get up the hill, but they're slipping. No way to get a drill rig down the hill. I'd blast or fill it, but the hill is on my neighbors land. Besides, the hill is preventing him from cutting some old growth timer and I'm borrowing the view of the trees