Water pumps and such

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Another water subseries post in the main series of off-grid posts.

I need a way to get water to a "faucet".  I figured a faucet may be just a garden hose with a sprayer type attachment.  I'd use it to wash with and maybe wash dishes, too.

The apparatus would fit in with other things I plan on putting into the bathroom trailer.  It would have a water connection from a water source, and a water drainage either to a water treatment system ( reverse osmosis), or to a holding tank.  The holding tank or septic tank would have to get approval, but I think I'd rather not use it, and treat the water instead.

The apparatus linked to above looks expensive.  One that I looked at before could put out the rate of water needed for my purposes.  It uses aquarium pumps.  A couple of aquarium pumps would be smaller and use much less electricity.  But the aquarium pumps are not made for stopping and starting.  Would need a way to make it work so that it would be natural and smoothly operating.

You could have a switch to turn on the pump and it would route to the "faucet".  The sprayer could direct it to wherever.  When finished, turn off the switch.  It would require a bit of fancy footwork, as you would have to operate two controls.

There would be a double sink.  One for black water, the other for gray water.  If I chose to treat the black water from the sink, I would use a valve that diverted from the septic system to the water treatment system.  If the water treatment is unsuccessful, it can still be sent to the septic system.

It would all fit into the trailer, except the black water treatment system.  The trailer would be hooked up with the water source, the water treatment devices, electricity, and the septic system.

Update:

The double sink may need to go.  That's okay.  I can modify the plan.  Also, I may need two toilets. One to get approval from the county, and the other one.  The reason for the change is the tight space.  Two toilets in there?  Even the county may raise their eyebrows.  The other toilet may need to go too, but I will put it elsewhere.

Update:

Come to think of it, all water handling should be done in the trailer.  The trailer can be constructed out on site.  Everything needing to approved by the county can be installed as well at that time.  All except the connections to the septic system.  That will be built once approval is obtained.

With this idea, all black water is from the trailer.  There will be no plumbing in the cabin.

The incinerating toilet will go elsewhere.

Update:

Here's a link to some aquarium pumps.  Sounds a bit ridiculous, but these will output as much water as the sinks and shower heads in my apartment.

Building ideas

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This post will go into the Construction sub-series of the off-the-grid main series of posts.  These posts can be accessed from a table of contents and watched individually or in series from beginning to end.

The idea of using the trailer to house the incinerating toilet is to make things prefab.  The trailer could be "ready to go" while you drive out to the location.  It then becomes a matter of securing it once you get there.

With that in mind, I figured this: why not build parts of the structure before leaving? 

I actually tried this on the trip out that last year.   I used pallets.  But the pallets were not of uniform size, so they didn't fit together well.

The whole flooring idea was poorly executed, but that doesn't make it a bad idea.  I can make it work better the next time around.

I can anchor it, and set it up so that it can be framed out.  I didn't do this the last time.

A better way to deploy the tarp can be thought out too.  I can make it unfurl a little at a time.  This allows me to keep control over it.  The two walls can also be built first.  Install the tarp, then the plywood around the tarp.  Insulation can go between the tarp and the plywood.  The roof will be of metal.

I can still use the Quonset concept to save on building materials and time.

I can also build the "kitchen sink" while here in Houston.  I can even test it before leaving.

This idea includes the Quonset, the 5x8 trailer w toilet and sink, a carport, a solarium, and a greenhouse.

It may seem ambitious, but it economizes on materials, so it should not cost too much.

Update

No Quonset ideas will be implemented, although prefabbing as much as possible is something to think about.

Reagan DID support Ford

Reagan endorses Ford in ad in 1976.

Cruz is no Reagan.  The comparison between Cruz and Reagan is not apt.

But Trump isn't Reagan either.  These are different times.

Trump's acceptance speech

Didn't see it, not enough time.  The transcript is here.

I've read through most of it, then scanned the rest.

It looks okay.  Maybe better than okay.

We've got the opportunity to turn things around.  Time will tell if that is what happens.

Much cussed and discussed Cruz speech

The full transcript can be seen here.  Much has been made of the fact that he didn't explicitly endorse Trump.

But he didn't denounce him either.

It's no big deal.

Limbaugh says that Trump pulled off GOP unity.  If that's the goal, then it can't be all that bad.

Guadalajara, Mexico

One of my customers lives in Mexico, and went on and on about how great it is.  So, I researched it a bit.  It is indeed a big city, but not much different than Houston.  He said it was as big as LA.  I don't think so.

He said a number of Americans have retired down there.  The cost of living is cheap, he said.  My research confirms this.

Too bad I didn't check into this before I started my project!  But living in the USA is still more important to me than leaving it.

Maybe in ten years if I am still around.

Obligatory, 7.20.16

Been awhile since I did one of these posts.

Reason is that as always, I am pressed for time.  When I am not pressed for time, I am out of gas.

Trying to focus more and more upon my move.  An idea flashed into my mind to build a storage shed as an adjunct to the living quarters.  That is to say, build the shed first, then the living quarters next.

I want to build along an east-west lengthwise line, with doors and windows at each end.  To the south to be built later, will be a solarium.  To the north, a carport.  The idea is to keep the sun off in the summer, and use the sun for warmth in the winter.  Finally, along the northernmost edge, there will be a greenhouse.

The idea includes digging post holes for the pylons to build the cabin on, as well as the carport.  It could include post holes for the solarium and the greenhouse as well.  That's a lot of holes and a lot of concrete.  One 80 pound bag for each hole.

I figure six holes for the cabin/storage shed.  The cabin/storage shed will be like two rooms when completed.  That makes two doors.

Eight holes will be necessary for the carport.

Four holes for the solarium.

Six holes for the greenhouse.

Total so far:  24 holes.

Time is up.  Have to go.  Will take this up later.

Update:

If each side shared holes, then the number of holes can be cut down significantly.

For example, the cabin and the solarium share two.  The carport and cabin shares three.  And the greenhouse and carport shares three.  You reduce the number to sixteen holes from 24.