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Software Quality Assurance ★ Test Automation ★ Manual Testing
Current Date & Time (Pacific) ★
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Water Well Lid Project 🚰 (Photos at bottom)
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Intro
You might be wondering what a well lid project is doing on a tech-focused
site. The answer is simple: it’s a reflection of my approach to work.
This project shows you how I tackle problems, whether they're in the realm
of QA or building something with my own two hands. I’m about rolling up
my sleeves, figuring things out as I go, and applying that same mindset to
every challenge I face. It’s not just about following procedures or
guidelines. It’s about being resourceful, self-sufficient, and learning by
doing. Whether it’s code or construction, I don’t wait for the perfect plan.
I take ownership of projects, diving in without needing step-by-step
guidance and seeing where it takes me. I’m not afraid to mess up along
the way because that’s how you learn what works.
This well lid project reminds me of learning about test automation. I’m not
a handyman or a developer, but I’m curious about how things work and
can figure things out on my own. I like being self-sufficient,
self-reliant, and knowing I can solve problems myself. I don’t need
handholding, though I’ll ask for help when I’ve exhausted all other
resources. It’s all about taking the initiative and learning by doing.
Details
The original well lid was unfinished plywood, poorly built by someone else
before me. It was warped, the plies were delaminating, and it was just set
on top of the culvert with some 2x4’s underneath to keep it from falling off.
Not the best setup.
I wanted to make sure the new lid was functional, sturdy, and properly
finished. So, I used 4'x4' square BCX plywood for the lid, giving it
three coats of exterior primer and three coats of exterior paint for
durability. Beneath the lid, I cut a circular piece of XPS foam board
to fit inside the culvert opening. This served two purposes: keeping
the lid from shifting off and adding insulation. Note: Use PL300
adhesive. It won't melt the foam board like standard adhesive. There
were some 1/4" to 1/2" gaps on two sides, so instead of starting over,
I added some 3/4" rubber foam weatherstrip tape to seal those edges.
To secure the lid, I used a 2/0 zinc coated chain and padlocks, making
sure everything was locked in place. Instead of buying padlock hasps
with eyes, I went with shade sail eyes for the anchor points. Drilling
holes in the concrete culvert to secure the eyes, I used masonry bits
and concrete screws. It was doable with a regular drill, but if you’re
planning on doing this yourself, trust me, a hammer drill or rotary
hammer makes it go a lot faster.
I also dug a small trench around the well’s circumference to make sure
water could flow away from the opening since before, the culvert was at
ground level. For added safety, I attached black carrying handles,
reflective warning signs, and marked the perimeter with four driveway
snow stakes. The entire process, while challenging, gave me the
satisfaction of having built something that not only works but is designed
to last.
Photos
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