Gravity-Fed Running Water: Placing the Water Tank
Gravity-fed water means one of two things: either our house goes down or the water tank goes up. In our case, the water tank had to come up. 
On flat ground, everyone got into the action – even little Ruthie who somehow became the one-shoe wonder at some point. (Stewart is on the other side of the tank, ensuring that nothing gets out of hand.)
When the uphill climb took place, Stewart and the boys were able to push it up side-by-side. 
I often wonder how much of this they’ll remember, these days of working alongside their Mama and Papa, life and work and family inextricably intertwined. I would have never dreamed a six-year-old could do much of what they often find their way to but then again, why not?
Flipping the 1500 gallon tank proved to be the trickiest part so the boys stood back on another hill to watch while the tank was flipped, slid, and then pushed back up into place.
Once settled into place the inspectors came in to make sure all was in order.
We then filled the tank part-way with water from a lower tank using a solar-powered pump. Rain not long after everything was hooked up topped things off and we had a supply of water running into the new kitchen sink, laundry sinks, and bathtub.
I can’t believe I just said bathtub, but there it is: we have a bathtub. Again, I am dizzied by all that is new and making our days just a bit smoother and more doable. Water running into the house is bringing everything together, it seems. Washing laundry by hand with a toddler at my feet is happening more and trips to the laundromat are happening less. Kitchen tasks are streamlined so that more fermentation and preservation are now an option alongside those three meals from scratch every day.
Bathing and washing hands and helping little ones when they are sick and brushing teeth and soaking laundry and filling the water filters and all of those tasks requiring water from somewhere that we so often take for granted… well, I can’t help but notice that things seem a bit more sustainable around here, in every sense of the word.
Nice!
“From water does all life begin.”
Congratulations! It all sounds so civilized. =) May you long remember the years before the gravity-filled tank, and rejoice in Him always! Thanks for sharing your shenanigans.
Nancy – Yes, thanking the Lord for all that we have been given, including those years before what some might consider our turn towards civility. 😉
Haha! I said gravity-filled tank…I think the tank is filled with water. You know what I mean. =P
How wonderful…. I know it is a blessing to you all!
Mom – It sure is! Looking forward to having you all here again some time, Lord willing.
When my kids asked their great-grandmother which labor-saving appliance she most appreciated the invention of, she replied running water. This was high-lighted for them when we visited a colonial farm exhibit. I can totally appreciate and rejoice with you in the many ways this will make your life easier.
Katherine – I can imagine! We can and would haul water if needed, but we are so grateful for a sustainable solution such as this, especially with pregnancies and young children and all that is involved in raising a growing family.
Shannon, that is so awesome! Now I am inspired to try gravity feed at my place. The lines to my pump freeze and break in the same place every time. Am so frustrated I want to try something else. Once I finish this repair (again!) I think I will set up a gravity feed backup system and maybe switch over completely. Thanks for sharing.
Robyn – We have had some problems with freezing in the past as well and I heard Stewart mention some things he was going to try to prevent that with the water coming into the house. I’ll see if I can’t get it written down in a post.
Shannon, that would be great.