BaseCamp WNC

Welcome to Basecamp Western North Carolina , where sustainable homesteading meets smart water management. In this video, we walk you through an efficient rainwater catchment system we installed on a custom-built goat barn —a practical and eco-friendly way to supply fresh water to livestock using nothing but rainfall and gravity . 🐐 Overview of the Custom Goat Barn This multi-functional livestock barn was designed for a client and includes: Five goat kidding stalls at the front, A hay storage stall and general supply area in the rear, A horse stall and loafing area below. More construction photos and design plans are available on our website. 🌧️ Rainwater Catchment System: How It Works The highlight of this project is the rainwater harvesting system designed to eliminate mud issues and provide a consistent water supply for animals. A seamless gutter runs the full length of the 6-foot-wide barn roof. Rainwater is funneled through PVC piping, collecting runoff ...

Welcome back to Base Camp WNC ! In this video, we're diving into something incredibly useful for anyone managing a rainwater harvesting system , spring-fed water system , or off-grid water storage setup — a wireless long-range water tank level indicator . If you've ever wondered how much water you have in your storage tank without climbing up or opening the lid, this solution is for you. 📡 Wireless Water Level Monitoring System Setup This remote water level sensor setup allows you to monitor your tank’s water level from inside your home or cabin , using a long-range wireless transceiver. Here’s a breakdown of the components and how we installed it: The transmitting sensor unit is powered by four AA batteries (included) and is mounted at the top of the tank. A durable PVC pipe with a weighted concrete base keeps the sensor stable, even when high volumes of water are pumped in — such as when filling with a 4,500-gallon water truck . The sensor works by measuring...

Welcome back to Base Camp WNC , where today we’re exploring a rare and clever off-grid water setup deep in the North Carolina mountains. This mountain property features a dual water system —one drawing from a natural spring water source , and the other from two drilled wells , all integrated into a backup-ready flow system. Let’s take a closer look at how this works and what lessons you can take if you're setting up or buying rural property with alternative water sources . 🌿 Spring Water Source with Gravity-Fed System This property is connected to a gravity-fed spring water system sourced from a neighbor’s land through a spring box and a 1,000-gallon underground concrete reservoir tank. The overflow from the spring flows downhill and is collected into a secondary 1,500-gallon storage tank, protected within a large retaining wall made of railroad ties. The overflow from the spring measures approximately 2.34 gallons per minute , enough to supply daily needs. The tan...

Welcome back to Base Camp WNC —today, we’re back in the beautiful mountains of Burnsville, North Carolina , on a fourth-generation family homestead. It's been nearly 7 years since I last set foot on this land, and now, my good friend’s son is preparing to move into the family home. Step One: Restoring the Spring Water Source The first priority: getting fresh spring water flowing again . Years ago, a spring system was installed, but while water is visibly bubbling out of the mountain, the pipe is bone dry. We’ve started digging into the hillside to trace the issue—and sure enough, water has found a path underneath the dam wall rather than through the pipe. This setup features a shallow 12-inch-deep Carolina water system. Over time, the water carved its own path beneath the dam, bypassing the intended flow. We'll need to rebuild the dam wall using hydraulic cement , seal it to the rock face, and redirect the flow properly. As we excavate, we’ve discovered that the or...

Welcome Back to Base Camp WNC – Starting a 4th Generation Family Homestead We’re excited to bring you along on a brand-new chapter here at Base Camp WNC as we begin building a fourth-generation family homestead in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. This project is especially close to home—one of my closest friends has a son who’s moving onto the family property, and we’re getting started with some essential infrastructure work. In the next video, we’ll be focusing on installing a fresh spring water system to supply clean running water to the house. What’s Coming Up: Spring Water Installation – We’ll show you how we tap into a clean mountain spring and run water directly into the home. Low Head, High Volume Hydro Power – Learn about our plans for a hydro system that generates sustainable energy with a low elevation drop. Rebuilding an Original Spring House – On the property sits a 60+ year-old stone springhouse built by Joe’s grandfather. This structure ...

Welcome back to Base Camp WNC! As promised, I’m doing a quick video on this device called the Pump Saver . I picked it up on Amazon for around $389. We're currently in a house with a low-producing well — about half a gallon per minute. The property is rented out, and they have a water system set up that makes it workable. But they had a major issue before: the well would keep running dry. With such low output, the well could only produce about 100 to 150 gallons before running dry. That led to frequent pump problems. This is where the Pump Saver comes in. It monitors the electrical current going to the pump. When the water level drops too low, the current changes — and the device automatically shuts off the pump to prevent damage. Let me take you inside and show you how it works... I've already removed the cover, and you'll see I put a piece of tape over the green indicator light — it was interfering with the camera. To calibrate it, simply turn this screw to “...

Welcome back to Base Camp WNC! About two years ago, I began a water project for a client—today, that same client is completing his dream cabin. Now nearly finished, this charming retreat will soon be available as an Airbnb, offering the perfect mountain getaway whenever the owner isn’t using it. If you’re searching for peace, comfort, and beauty near Mountain City, Tennessee, this might be your ideal destination. The cabin is almost move-in ready, with just a few final touches left. Let’s take a look inside and around the property. Outside, you’ll find a spacious deck perfect for taking in the views, a convenient parking area, and a cozy fire pit ready for cool mountain evenings. Down below, there’s a 1,500-gallon water tank, and plans are in motion for an additional deck featuring a spring-fed cold plunge pool and a sauna. For those who love breathtaking scenery, this spot is truly special. Inside, the cabin is fully equipped with modern amenities. The kitchen includes a sle...

Welcome to Base Camp WNC, where today we embark on an exciting restoration adventure! We're tackling a spring house that dates back over half a century, and as it stands now, it's seen better days. The structure suffers from a collapsed roof, missing screens, and weather-damaged cement blocks. Our restoration journey begins with dismantling the deteriorated parts. Interestingly, the original iron piping was replaced by PVC, which now serves as the primary water outlet. Our first goal is to clear away the surrounding rocks to uncover the true water source. We’ll construct a dam wall to regulate the flow of the spring. As we cleared the site, we unearthed multiple spring heads. To combat potential contamination from surface runoff and insects, we layered bentonite clay and soil to fortify the base. We’ve also introduced a protective layer of fabric for durability and a plastic cover for additional safeguarding against the elements. Depending on stability, we may add more...

Welcome back to Base Camp WNC! In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into common well water system issues, spotlighting how a seemingly minor oversight can disrupt your entire water supply. We’re on-site at a client’s property, where a recently installed well and brand-new bladder tank should have solved their water woes. Instead, we’ve uncovered that a critical, yet inexpensive component—the pressure switch—was overlooked. The backstory is crucial here: the property’s old well pump had been running faithfully for two decades. When it finally required replacement, the homeowners didn’t hesitate to invest a hefty sum—close to $5,000—into a new pump and tank. Yet, a simple $40 pressure switch, which had succumbed to wear and tear, was missed, leading to the current predicament. Today’s guide is not just about troubleshooting but also ensuring you have water during power outages. We’re setting up a generator-powered system, crucial for sustaining water supply for livestock and ...

Welcome back to Base Camp WNC! Join me on an unexpected adventure as we breathe new life into an old Woods three-point hitch backhoe. This piece of machinery, bought by a friend’s uncle, had been forgotten in a field for two decades. Initially, I hadn't planned on documenting this rebuild, but as the project unfolded, I captured the transformation mainly through photographs, with a few videos to share later. The Restoration Begins Here’s what we started with: a backhoe that clearly showed signs of neglect, sitting idle with all its hoses missing. In total, we replaced about 22 hoses, each meticulously chosen to fit and function better than before. The initial clean-up involved wire-brushing to remove years of grime, preparing it for the heavy lifting—literally and figuratively—involved in its rebuild. Detailed Breakdown: Disassembly and Diagnosis Our project required us to strip down the backhoe to its core components: the boom, the stick, and the outriggers were all r...

Welcome to Base Camp WNC, where DIY projects come to life with a sprinkle of history and heaps of practicality. In today’s tutorial, we'll walk you through creating a charming vintage wash stand, complete with wash tubs and a hand wringer—an essential for any home seeking that rustic touch or practical off-grid functionality.  If you are building a homesteading lifestyle , we offer some great tips and resources. Getting Started: The Materials Our project began with the purchase of wash tubs from Home Depot, easily found online for convenience. As for the hand wringer, it was sourced from Amazon. You’ll also need a set of tools, including a saw, drill, and a planer, and some hardware like screws and C clamps. The highlight of our materials list is the repurposed Redwood, salvaged from a deck built in the '60s, giving this project not only a sturdy base but also a story to tell. Step 1: Design and Prep Work Before cutting any wood, decide on the dimensions. Our stand ...

Welcome back to Base Camp WNC! It’s been a bit since our last update, as life’s responsibilities often grow with age. Today, we're revisiting a project from last summer when I tackled building a deck on this cabin. Despite the current chilly 19° weather, memories of that sweltering build still linger. It’s been a few months—two or three since my last post—but let’s dive back into the details of that project. For this build, we opted for hog panel railings to ensure an unobstructed view while seated. We're even considering adding Mountain Laurel accents to the steps for a natural touch. Today’s focus, however, is on replacing the homemade double barn doors with a standard 36-inch house entrance door to expand the kitchen area slightly and improve insulation against pests. I’ve already removed the barn doors and started framing the opening for the new door, which will feature glass panels and better align with the existing siding for a seamless appearance. Installation...

Welcome back to Base Camp WNC! Today, we're diving into the essentials of irrigation for properties designed for rotational grazing. We'll explore the specifics of using irrigation connections and demonstrate their operation. Situated at the pit's base, our setup includes a pivotal connection point for instant water access, allowing flexible movement of your water trough as needed. Join us as we walk you through the construction process and provide a detailed look at how compression fittings clamp onto a 1-inch heavy-duty water pipe. You’ll also get a tour of the pasture layout and learn why we prefer sturdy wire fencing over net fencing, despite its popularity and sponsorship endorsements. The property’s owner uses four-strand wire fencing, with plans to upgrade to five, reinforcing the principle that "Good fences make good neighbors." As we proceed with the build, I'll show you the workings of a gravity flow system fueled by a water tank positioned...

Welcome back to Base Camp WNC ! Today, we’ll show you how to enclose a deep well pump within a sturdy tube housing. This setup ensures your pump stays off the tank’s bottom, prevents sediment from entering, and extends the motor's life by keeping it horizontal. Maintaining the motor’s warranty and reducing bearing wear are key advantages of this design. We’ll also walk you through how to protect the wiring where it exits and properly attach a pull cord for ease of use. Let’s dive into the process! Why Build a Deep Well Pump Housing? Deep well pumps are designed to function vertically or horizontally, depending on the manufacturer’s specifications. When used in smaller tanks, such as a 300-gallon cistern, a vertical pump might not fully access the available water. Laying the pump horizontally allows for optimal water flow, keeps the motor cool, and prevents unnecessary sediment from being drawn in. Building a PVC housing for the pump ensures durability, proper alignment, and...

Welcome back to Base Camp WNC ! If you’re looking for a practical way to keep your PTO generator dry, this guide is for you. Today, I’ll walk you through the process of building a durable, weatherproof cover for your generator using an IBC tote. Keeping your generator dry is crucial, and this DIY project is a cost-effective solution. Let’s get started! Why Build a Cover for Your PTO Generator? Generators must be protected from moisture to operate reliably. In this setup, the generator sits beneath the drip line of a roofed shed. Using an IBC tote, we crafted a custom cover that fits perfectly over the generator. The tote is cut and modified to create a sturdy, protective enclosure. Step 1: Preparing the IBC Tote We started with a standard IBC tote and cut it down to size. Here’s how we measured and modified it: Measured 24 inches high , cutting below the middle rail to save it as the bottom frame. Cut two pieces to create the front and back sections. Joined the two frame...

Welcome back to Base Camp WNC ! Today, we’ll walk you through the setup of a PTO-driven generator. This particular unit is a 24,000-watt (12kW) generator with a surge capacity of 27,500 watts, purchased from Northern Tool and Hydraulics. Let’s dive into the details and specifications. Generator Overview The generator includes the transmission and PTO shaft. Similar models from Agri Supply come pre-mounted on stands and also include the PTO shaft. For this setup, we’ve repurposed an old carry-off for the back of a tractor, modified with frames from a mobile home. When connected to the tractor, the PTO shaft runs straight, and the generator rests securely on the ground. Why Choose a PTO-Driven Generator? PTO-driven generators are ideal for locations with multiple tractors. For example, this property has two tractors—one dedicated to the generator and another for cleanup tasks. Following Hurricane Helene, such a setup has proven invaluable. To operate this generator, the tracto...

Welcome back to Base Camp WNC! Today, I’m thrilled to take you through a major winter project that’s been in the works for quite a while—a massive firewood storage facility. This setup is specifically designed to support an outdoor wood boiler and provide a long-term solution for storing firewood.  You never know when you will need the extra firewood, so it's important that we are prepared . Let’s dive into the process and take a look at how this impressive facility came together. Laying the Foundation: Getting Started Right The project began with a solid concrete foundation. When the outdoor furnace was first installed, a concrete slab was poured for the boiler. Additionally, a 16 by 20-foot slab was prepared, but the construction of the firewood building itself had been put off—until now. This storage facility will hold up to 17 cords of wood , enough to keep the boiler running for up to three years. We’ve already started cutting and stacking wood on one side, with more ...

Welcome back to Base Camp WNC! Today, we're tackling an exciting off-grid project: installing an RPS solar well pump system designed to provide reliable water access for livestock and potential household use. Overview of the Project The landowner has chosen an RPS solar pump to draw water from a deep well, filling a 2,500 or 3,000-gallon storage tank. This tank is strategically placed to gravity-feed water downhill to livestock pastures and possibly supply future household needs. Solar Power Setup The system is driven by 1,200 watts of solar energy using RPS solar panels, complete with racking and adjustable angle brackets for optimal seasonal performance. However, additional components like piping and well wiring were sourced separately. The solar panels are mounted on sturdy 4-inch galvanized pipes, buried 5 feet into the ground for stability. Electrical and Grounding System The system includes two ground rods for electrical safety. A wire from the solar panels con...

Welcome back to Base Camp WNC! We’re kicking off a new homesteading series, starting with essential tips on freeze-proofing your water systems to survive the winter. This first video will cover everything you need to know to keep water flowing on your homestead, even when temperatures plummet. Over the last month, I’ve seen countless YouTube videos from other homesteaders on how to winterize water systems, but I noticed many end up with frozen pipes and hoses, leaving them unable to water their animals. We’re here at the campground with a new well system that, unfortunately, froze and broke during a recent cold snap. The plumber added insulation, but it wasn’t enough. The campground lost water, and repairs were necessary. In this video, I’ll walk you through how to prevent similar issues by using heat tape, insulation, and power backup systems to keep your water supply secure. Insulating the Well I recently received a call about a well located high up on the mountain that ...

Welcome back to Base Camp WNC! It's late July, or maybe early August by the time you're reading this, and we’re already preparing for winter by installing a freeze-proof hydrant. If you've ever seen these in stores and wondered how they work, I’m going to walk you through the process. I’ll show you why it’s freeze-proof, how I like to install it, and some extra steps I take to make it even more effective. We’re working on the homestead, running this hydrant out of the well house and into the water system. The key to a freeze-proof hydrant is its installation, which involves burying the bottom part of the hydrant deep enough to avoid freezing temperatures. I like to use four or six-inch corrugated pipe for extra protection, and here we’re using four-inch pipe. Over the top of the hydrant, I place a flower pot filled with gravel for proper drainage at the weep hole—don’t worry, I’ll explain what that means and how it works. To build the stone trap, I’ve taken a four...