So, the pump that was less than a year split open due to the extreme cold. Service guy said it happened to a lot of people since we don't usually get temps that low.
Did some modifications to the plumbing that I'll have to show later. But now I'm trying to figure out a few things.
First off, I want to insulate the shed as best as I can. It used to have insulation but mice chewed into it. Also, the shed has some rusted out spots that need to be patched. I'm thinking of using waterproof gorilla tape for patches, caulk along some of the seams of the ridge beam, Reflectix on the ceiling and walls, and then I'm undecided on the doorway. I want something that I can move out of the way easily that won't get destroyed by the cows like the Reflectix and blanket thing did last time. Although part of that was because I tried to use magnets and tape to hold them up and they didn't last. So, maybe some reflectix that is attached over the doorway with some metal screws and then taped/sealed over. I can hit the rusty spots with Rustoleum and let it dry before patching. Maybe I can glue or secure some rare earth magnets to where Reflectix pieces meet over the center of the doorway so it can be parted to open. I may have to find a way to keep the cows out of that area. The red one hits things with her horns. The cow is why I'm wary of trying tarps over the doorway. They sell a zipper that can be installed on a tarp that will allow you to zip/unzip a doorway, but it would not allow the flaps to open all the way so would hinder moving things in and out of the shed.
What adhesive can I use to attach Reflectix to the steel shed? Should I back it up with some tapcon screws or something to hold them in place?
2nd I need to find a good way to heat AND cool the shed. I was thinking a small solar powered gable fan for summer to pull hot air out but not sure what to do for heat. I think I have at most 15A for that.
I also want to have some sort of small backup generator that will run both pumps (1hp 230v), low voltage LED lights and perhaps a Cycle Saver that is supposed to stop the jet pump from running dry, and some sort of heater. I don't know if its feasible to have solar powered heaters for winter. I was thinking the generator itself could be wall-mounted inside the pump house OR mounted inside the adjacent shed (several feet away with a doorway facing this pump house).
I really need to organize my thoughts better.
1. Insulation- how to adhere Reflectix to metal shed ceiling & walls + cover doorway but still have easy access to inside. Plywood may be too heavy, foamboard too soft/easy to break.
2. Heating & cooling- some sort of waterproof/wet area heater that doesn't need more than 15A to run + small solar gable fan(s). Best placement?
3. Backup power for power outages. Would like something that automatically kicks on & can provide power for both pumps, low voltage LED light, & possibly heater.
Showing some pics: Outside of pump house-- north side
East Side
South
Roof
West side under broken lean-to
I clearly need to clean it up and patch it somehow.
The two buildings-- one on the right is the pump house and other is storage shed (+cat tax)
Looking at that lean-to, I really should try to salvage the tin that I can and replace the rotted wood to rebuild it.
Belt-driven pump (gets the water into the cistern)
Current plumbing to the pressure tank with tank tee
Jet pump now has a plug to pour in water to prime it if it ever gets dry again