Table of Contents
- Drinking and Cooking Water Must Be Clean
- Non-drinking Water Is Held to a Lower Standard
- Connecting to Existing Water Lines and Hauling in Water
- Wells Are a Viable Option
- Pumping from a Stream and Catching Rainwater
- Have More Money Available for a Better System by Building with Log Siding
- References and Resources
When planning for a new log cabin, making a functional water system is the #1 priority because you can’t exist without it. Some options include connecting to existing water lines, digging wells, catching rainwater, pumping from a stream, or hauling in water in large containers.
The cost of a clean water system varies a lot depending on your proximity to existing sources. The remoteness and climate of your cabin site also play a part of selecting this commodity. You may want two sources, one for drinking water and one for non-drinking water.
The quantity of water is another consideration for its many uses. If you want water for all common reasons, you will need more. If you have pets, livestock, a garden, or an orchard, you will need even more. On the other hand, if you want to ‘rough it’ or live off the grid, you can get by with less for one, two, or a few people. Your construction and maintenance budget will determine how much you can spend on a water system.
Drinking and Cooking Water Must Be Clean
It goes without saying that drinking and cooking water must be clean and as pure as possible. It is necessary for good health, sanitation, and food security. If you obtain water from a city or county water supply, you can be generally assured of its quality.
If water comes from another source it must be tested and purified when necessary, such as:
- Boiling it for one minute
- Running water through filters
- Using purification tablets
- Using iodine or bleach
Discover eight ways to purify water at home from this informative article.
Non-drinking Water Is Held to a Lower Standard
Water not intended for drinking or cooking does not need to be as safe and clean. Of course, it cannot be unsafe to the point of harming human life and health. Examples of its uses include:
- Flushing toilets
- Watering plants
- Washing cars & trucks
- Mixing concrete
- Cleaning paint brushes
- Possibly taking showers
Check with your agricultural extension office about water conditions in your local area.
Connecting to Existing Water Lines and Hauling in Water
Connecting to existing water lines is the fastest and easiest way to obtain water for your log cabin. By using this method, you don’t need to boil water or use purification methods for your drinking and cooking water. If this luxury is not available, you will need to haul in water, drill a well, or use another source.
Water can be carried to your cabin in tanks, barrels, jerry cans, or buckets. Make sure it meets your quality and safety standards, fill up the containers, and haul it home in a truck. You may be able to use the water directly from these containers or transfer it to your usable containers. Prices vary according to the source, availability, and the sellers’ profit needs.
You may want to use a second water system for a backup in case something goes wrong. We are privileged to have clean water in the U.S. but dirty water is a problem in much of the world.
Wells Are a Viable Option
If you can’t connect to existing water lines, drilling a well is the easiest and most reliable option for your water. It is also the most expensive with drilling costs ranging from $15 – $50 per foot depending on drilling conditions. You will also need to make these purchases:
- Submersible Pump
- Water Piping
- Pressure Tank
- Water Pressure Switch
- Pump Pressure Gauge
- Water Storage Tank
Make sure there is underground water present before buying a lot, and secure at least three estimates from well-drilling businesses before committing the dig. You will also need electricity to run the pump. This is a great working option if your budget allows it. You can drill your own well if you have the knowledge, skills, and access to equipment.
Pumping from a Stream and Catching Rainwater
Another option is pumping water from a stream, spring, pond, or lake. You will need to purchase the right equipment to make this system work. This water can be purified depending on your use – drinking or non-drinking water. Water from these sources as well as from well should be tested periodically for contaminants and treated accordingly.
Using clean gutters to catch rainwater on both sides of the cabin is another option. All you need are some food-grade barrels with spouts and connecting lines to the gutters. Keep the gutters free of leaves and debris and purify the water when needed. All water systems must be protected from freezing, contaminants, and animal interference.
Have More Money Available for a Better System by Building with Log Siding
Here’s a fantastic way to save money on your log cabin budget that can be used for a high-quality water system. Build with pine or cedar log siding instead of using full logs. You end up with a real round log cabin without the full log price and maintenance.
Build your cabin with conventional framing methods and install the log siding on the outside and inside walls with quality insulation between them. You will save thousands on energy bills in the long run and construction costs. We are the leading log home materials supplier in the U.S. and welcome your questions at The WoodWorkers Shoppe. Estimate your log siding cost with this handy cost estimator.
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