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Future Homesteading Mamma
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# Posted: 8 Jun 2014 17:14
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We're still in the planning stages and hope to start building in about a year (saving $$ now). I'm in Ohio where we can have freezing temperatures from October through May. I want to have a rainwater collection system with the option to have water trucked in if necessary. Originally I thought gravity fed lines would be the simplest but I don't think the freezing temps will allow that. Plan B is to have a basement/crawlspace/cellar to store the water containers in. There goes my gravity idea. We also plan to use solar power. Neither of which I am very knowledgeable and research is leaving me further confused. What is the best, relatively inexpensive, way to pump water up to the shower, kitchen and bathroom sinks, and possibly future tiny washing machine. We plan to live here full time with our 4 year old daughter.
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Just
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# Posted: 8 Jun 2014 18:00
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A 12 volt Surflow pump will pump all the water you will ever need about $100 ...Another $500 for a small solar system that will run your pump, lights , and a tv . OTHERS will differ but that will get you started . the big power user is a fridge .for that you will need a 2000$ solar system!
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Future Homesteading Mamma
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# Posted: 8 Jun 2014 18:17
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We plan to run a propane fridge and stove.  Is there a solar system you would suggest?
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SE Ohio
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# Posted: 8 Jun 2014 18:25
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If your waterline is buried below frost line (32" in central OH) you can get water from tank to house without freezing. If you are on side of a steep hill, you can gravity feed if you have enough height to get desired water pressure (several threads about this if you search).
A cistern/water tank can be buried to meet your needs. A cheap version would be to use a "water tote". If you get a pre-used container, make sure contents were non-toxic. You may need several "totes" depending on your water consumption.
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Future Homesteading Mamma
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# Posted: 8 Jun 2014 18:28
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I'm in northern OH, right on Lake Erie. I don't know if that makes any difference in depth or not.
Thank you both for the help. I've done tons of reading but you are helping clarify it all for me.
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Just
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# Posted: 8 Jun 2014 20:42
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I have a place across the lake in Ontario . A small $500 solar system would have 1-100 watt solar panel 250$,, 1 large deep cell 12 volt battery 100$ , I- 300 watt inverter [[ converts 12 volt battery power to 110 volt household plug power]] 100$,, bit of wire and fuses 50$ .
You can get that all at Wal-mart or maybe cheaper on line ?? Not sure I like to by local ! GOOD luck with your plans welcome to Small Cabin
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MarkG
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# Posted: 9 Jun 2014 00:45
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Convert a chest freezer to a fridge. $15 thermostate off Amazon, and ten minutes time (youtube university to see how). My fridge (5 cu ft) uses 155 watts per day (24 hours). Uses a lawn tracktor battery with invertor, and small 45 watt panel.
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stickbowcrafter
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# Posted: 9 Jun 2014 07:58
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Welcome Mamma. Which part of northern Ohio? My property is in the north east corner in Ashtabula County.
-Brian
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Future Homesteading Mamma
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# Posted: 12 Jun 2014 13:15
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Brian that is exactly where I am! Northeast corner in Ashtabula County, specifically, Conneaut. We're wanting to building in Monroe Township.
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