Off Grid Water Supply Tanks and Pumps

Living off the grid provides freedom from reliance on public utilities, but ensuring a consistent supply of clean water can be challenging without access to municipal water systems. Utilizing a robust tank and pump system allows households to capture, store, and access water on demand - no electricity required.

Benefits of Using Water Tanks and Pumps for Off-Grid Living

Implementing a water tank and pump system brings several advantages over direct water access for off-grid households:

• Reliable water storage and supply off the grid - Large water tanks can capture and store hundreds to thousands of gallons from roof runoff, shallow wells or other sources to provide households with sufficient reserves.
• Water accessibility without grid electricity - Hand, solar or generator-powered pumps allow water to be moved from storage tanks to point of use without any electrical hookups.
• Greater water capacity and pressure - Pressurized tank systems combined with pumps create steady water flow at taps and fixtures equal to or greater than municipal water systems.
• Low maintenance and durable systems - With quality construction and proper installation, water tanks and plumbing hardware are built to serve households for decades with minimal upkeep requirements.

The self-sufficiency and reliability offered by proper water storage capabilities and pumping systems minimize anxieties over inconsistent municipal electricity or water access while living off-grid. Their flexibility and independence ensure your household has constant access to this life-giving resource.

Utilizing a Central Water Tank and Pump

A typical off-grid setup would utilize a large, central water tank in the 2000 gallon range, positioned to allow gravity-fed distribution to household taps and fixtures. A solar or generator-powered pump fills the central tank from a ground well or other onsite water source. Overflow lines route excess water during intense rainfall to secondary capacities for productive uses like irrigation.

This combination allows steady household supply even during grid outages or drought, although backup generator or secondary pumping power may be needed during extended solar power interruptions. While inexpensive to construct and operate, central water tanks have high space requirements and households would benefit from additional pressurized tanks for emergency reserves if the main system fails.

Supplementing With Pressurized Tanks

Adding several pressurized 80-100 gallon tanks dedicated for drinking and cooking needs provides emergency reserves in case issues arise with the main water system. These tanks tap into the main water lines and utilize pressure switches to automatically refill once household water demands draw their levels down. Though relatively small capacities, pressurized tanks continue household water supply if pumping or treatment issues take the main tank offline.

Their compact size allows installation adjacent to homesteads, and their durability and closed-system design protects stored water from contamination risks. Configuring several pressurized tanks based on anticipated household needs gives households confident emergency water reserves until the main system is restored or alternative actions taken.

Selecting Water Tanks for Off-Grid Homes

Several types of water tanks suited for household supply are available, with the appropriate choice dependent on needs, climate, budget and desired longevity.

Popular Water Tank Material Types

• Steel - Inexpensive, very durable but prone to rust if not regularly maintained. Common choice for large above-ground installations.
• Plastic - Affordable, fairly durable tanks suitable for underground installation. Limit sun exposure which can degrade plastic over time.
• Concrete - Long lasting though difficult to relocate once set. Must be thoroughly sealed to prevent groundwater contamination risks.
• Fiberglass - Lightweight, corrosion resistant and durable though more expensive initially. Better portability than concrete.

Consider your budget, intended tank location, ease of installation and required longevity when deciding optimal construction materials. Consulting with experienced off-grid plumbers informs smart tank selection and placement tailored for your site.

Sizing Water Tanks

Determine likely peak household water demands then scale tank capacity and associated pumps to match needs. Most off-grid homesteads require a minimum 400 gallons of storage for tight water conservation, with 1000+ gallon capacities better suiting typical daily needs including irrigation, livestock, hygiene and all household uses. Installing larger central tanks with several smaller pressurized tanks allows coping with both typical and unexpected demands.

Remember to account for increasing storage needs if expanding your off-grid homestead over time. Opting for modular tank systems where additional capacity can be added in the future provides flexibility and saves on re-installation costs. Consider positioning tanks to take advantage of natural elevations - gravity distribution avoids energy demands of electric pressure pumps whenever feasible.

Placement, Foundation and Accessories

Choose tank locations minimizing risks of flooding, debris flows or tree root infiltrations that could compromise their integrity over time. Set tanks on properly reinforced concrete foundations sized appropriately for expected loads when filled. Incorporate strong lid fasteners, childproof access hatches, overflow pipes, integrated screen filters and external tap points wherever practical to make system usage and maintenance simpler long term.

Choosing Pumps for Off-Grid Water Systems

A variety of pump types suit off-grid application needs, with hand, solar, generator or wind powered models commonly used to transfer water to central tanks or pressurized for distribution into households.

Power Source Options

• Hand Pumps - Inexpensive, manually powered pumps well suited for small capacity or portable water storage needs.
• Solar Powered - Convenient, emission-free pumps needing full sun. Battery stores for low/no sun conditions recommended.
• Generator - Versatile pumping from various fuel sources though costs accrue over time.
• Wind Power - Harness freely available winds though startup costs are high and reliability varies by location.

Determine most viable power options from available renewable sources or budgeted fuel allotments for generators or existing off-grid systems. Prioritize consistency and battery storage backups to hedge against intermittent power, with secondary manual pumping capabilities advisable.

Pump Types and Plumbing

Common pump categories each have advantages unique to different applications:

• Submersible - Immersed within water tanks, protected from elements and wear.
• Suction - Draws from sources 15 feet above pump maximum.
• Pressure - Delivers pressurized flow from source to taps.

Properly match pumps to the vertical distances and flow rates involved. Additional plumbing accessories like foot valves, pressure switches, pipelines, valves and fittings connect tanks, fixtures, taps and water sources into an integrated system.

Consult with specialists to appropriately size components and design robust plumbing runs. Consider efficiency ratings and expected pump lifespans for long term value. Invest in quality hardware immune from premature corrosion or wear from pumping abrasives like sand that shorten functional pump lives.

Installing Water Pumps and Tanks

Proper installation optimizing gravity distribution saves greatly on pumping energy demands over time. Position central water tank uphill from household served, allowing water to be gravity fed on demand instead of requiring electricity or fuels. Locate external taps low enough to allow hand pump tether hoses to easily fill containers.

Bury insulated pipe runs below local frost lines if possible, and include drain valves at low pipeline points to allow clearing lines during winterization procedures. Employ experienced plumbers for best practice integration meeting local codes and environment factors.

Installing and Maintaining Water Tank and Pump Systems

Once core water system components are positioned and connected, focus efforts on keeping storage tanks clean and pumped water disinfected over the long term.