No running water. Low on Firewood. Living without fossil fuels is hard. Oh, and how to reset a well pump
It’s only January, and it’s already been a tough winter here in upstate New York. Since mid-December, we’ve had relentless snowstorms and frigid temperatures unlike anything I’ve seen in years. I was completely unprepared—and it’s been yet another off-grid learning experience for me.
I thought I was doing okay living sustainably, but this winter’s arctic weather has been a wake-up call. There’s still so much work to do to get to true self-reliance. My goal on this fledgling homestead is to live one day soon without fossil fuels. But without unlimited funds, it’s a slow transition, but I think it is a worthwhile endeavor, especially now.
The devastating wildfires in Los Angeles feel like a warning bell, a reminder that more challenges are coming and, as a nation, we are far from ready. Honestly, this goes for the entire world, though I think some countries are making progressive changes to address the new environmental reality. Whether we can fix things in time is another question—I admit I’m skeptical. Unless we get some help from alien technology, the best thing we can do is focus on preparing ourselves.
Getting Water Like It’s 1850
When the temperatures plummeted, I lost access to running water for about ten days. I had water stored for four. After that, it was all about survival. Luckily, there was plenty of snow—but melting it to make enough water for dishes and flushing the toilet was no small task.
I ended up using a 10-gallon pot over a campfire to melt snow. It took over two hours to yield just five gallons, but it worked—and saved me from having to buy water for basic needs.
This experience really made me think about how much time and energy it would take to get water without a functioning well. Right now, I’m fortunate to have a well and a solar-powered pump backed by a generator. But even with that, I’m adding “install a rain capture system” to my to-do list. I need a more efficient backup, especially for the milder seasons.
Getting Off Propane Heat Is a Lot of Work
My 400-square-foot cabin has a small wood stove and a vented, non-electric propane heater. When I tried to start the heater back in mid-November, it wouldn’t ignite. I decided to take it as an opportunity to heat the cabin solely with the wood stove, moving closer to my goal of eliminating fossil fuel use.
It didn’t take long for reality to set in. Keeping the cabin warm in below-freezing temperatures with just the wood stove required a lot of firewood. I had already filled my woodshed twice, but by mid-winter, I was staring at the last pile of logs buried under a tarp and a foot of snow. I knew then I wouldn’t make it through the season without extra help.
I got that ugly propane heater fixed, and I’m incredibly grateful for it. Waking up warm in the morning is a blessing I won’t take for granted again.
When the Well Pump Freezes
During the coldest days, I decided to turn off the water and drain the pipes to prevent them from bursting. I thought I was doing the right thing—but the well pump line froze anyway.
Even with heat applied to the interior pipes, the pump wouldn’t work until the outdoor temperatures rose above freezing for a few days. With the help of an HVAC technician, I finally learned how to properly prime a water tank and reset the pump.
On pumps like mine, which are fairly common, there’s a reset lever on the left side of the electrical housing. To reset it:
1. Move the lever up about 45 degrees and hold it there for 30 seconds.
2. When the pump starts running (you’ll hear it), the water tank will begin to pressurize.
3. Slowly release the lever, and the connections should stay engaged.
Just be cautious when working with electrical components—don’t touch anything inside the housing. If you’re unsure, seek professional help. Here’s a video that taught me how to do this: Well Pump Reset Tutorial.
Mid-Winter Blahs
Ah, January—the cruelest month. The days feel endless, but this January marks my first blog anniversary, a testament that time moves quickly. This time last year, I wrote about a poem called Wintering, and once again, the poem helps me find comfort.
Right now, I’m reminding myself that simply getting the essentials done is enough. Taking time to rest and reset is just as important as the work ahead.
Happy Midwinter—stay safe, stay warm, and take care of yourself. ❤️
Photos of yours truly and pups taken by my sister, Janette Lynch 🫶
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