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Set up an uphill, frost proof cistern - plumbing.straw.cistern PEP BB

BB plumbing and hot water - straw badge
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This is a badge bit (BB) that is part of the PEP curriculum.  Completing this BB is part of getting the straw badge in Plumbing.

In this Badge Bit, you will make your very own uphill cistern.  It's like a water tower but doesn't require as much carpentry.  And since it's underground, it can work year round.  Let's make it happen!

Here's a guy putting one it.  Hint:  Excavators or backhoes are very helpful
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8-9rK7UbKc

To complete this BB, the minimum requirements are:
  - bury a cistern that will feed downhill to your property
  - at least 500 gallons
  - tank is deep enough to not freeze in winter
  - inlet, outlet and piping is also below the frost line

To show you've completed this Badge Bit, provide proof of the following as pics or video (less than two minutes):
  - the spot before you start digging
  - the tank you'll use
  - the hole
  - the tank in the hole
  - plumbing (inlet, outlet, etc)
  - backfilled and done
  - a short blurb on frost depth in your area and how you did your build
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Mar 11, 2026 19:53:23.