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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 reflects my approach to learning and
problem-solving. I’m not a handyman or a developer, but whether it’s
building a well lid or learning automation, I tackle challenges the same
way: by rolling up my sleeves, doing the research, experimenting, and
improving as I go. It’s about being resourceful, self-sufficient, and
learning by doing, not waiting for the perfect plan or following a
step-by-step guide. I’m not afraid to make mistakes because that’s how
you figure out what works.
The well lid project is a perfect example of how I approach challenges and
learning. Just like with coding and automation, it started as a mystery. But
through research, experimentation, and learning from mistakes, I figured it
out. It’s the same thought process. For me, the process of building a well
lid mirrors the way I’ve learned new tech skills. Both involve the unknown,
problem-solving, and continuously improving. It’s all about jumping in,
learning by doing, and enjoying the journey.
Problem solving and learning are universal skills.
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 put a large rock on top of it as a temporary stopgap
to prevent it from blowing off in high winds until I could figure out
something more permanent.
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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