When You Break the Tap off the Water Meter

Posted on September 22, 2019 by reticcontrollerman

Have you ever found a water meter that either won’t turn on or off? Like the tap is just stuck?

This week it happened again – about the third time in 11 years but I knew what to expect.

The water meter was on but the tap timer I had installed was leaking a little and I went to turn it off and fix the seal.

But it wouldn’t budge – and I knew that taking the grandpa wrench to it was most likely going to snap it.

So I called the homeowner out, explained the situation (the water had to be turned off) and then began to gently crank the wrench.

And it snapped…

Bugger…

No major drama – just a call to water Corp to come and fix. Meantime I went around the back to try and tighten up the leaking tap timer but as I did it can’t apart and water gushed EVERYWHERE!

Ok ‘call now!’ I said.

After a few minutes I managed to get a poly fitting screwed on and sealed the leak. I headed off to lunch and came back to see Anton changing the tap over. He did it ‘live’ which I thought was pretty clever.

Disconnect the water on the house side, create a way for the water to divert and then remove and replace the tap. Then turn it off…

Fixed… and I can go back this week and carry on!

The Purpose of the Common Wire in an Irrigation System

Posted on August 23, 2019 by reticcontrollerman

Every irrigation has a common wire that connects all of the solenoids together and in most cases it is a black wire, as this is the colour most commonly used.

The common wire is found in the ‘c’ terminal and is vital to the systems operation.

If a common wire gets cut then all of the solenoids that it connects together will be out of action.

Its usual to have one strand of multi core wire serving the front of a house and another strand serving the rear, so if you find that all of your rear solenoids have stopped working then chances are your common wire will have been cut or broken.

From there it just a matter of tracking it and repairing it.

What Type of Turf is Most Popular?

Posted on August 17, 2019 by reticcontrollerman

Everyone has their personal favourite. Some like the hardy but soft leaf type of buffalo – the Sir Walter in the picture above or Palmetto are the two most popular.

These are beautiful lawns and if looked after will really increase the value of your home.

Wintergreen is also a very nice lawn but with a finer leaf. The down side to wintergreen is its invasive nature, so you need to make sure your garden beds are protected as this lawn will get into them and if it is left unchecked will be very hard to get rid of.

Velveteen is a fine leaf couch but a bit more dense than wintergreen. It’s said that it is best for homes near the ocean, but I tend to feel that any lawn that is looked after will look good whether it’s close to the ocean or not.

The other that is very popular is Empire zoysia a mid sized leaf and a deep emerald green. If you are a lawn fanatic and willing to do the work to look after it then this is the lawn for you.

If you just want a lawn that will take care of itself then kikuyu may be the best choice for you!

Common Causes of Sprinklers Not Working

Posted on August 16, 2019 by reticcontrollerman

If your sprinklers are barely spraying then it will be one of a few issues.

The most likely is that the system has a leak and pressure is getting released at a point other than the nozzles. Most likely is that a riser has broken and needs replacing.

Another possibility is that all nozzles are blocked. Rather than trying to unblock them you’re probably better off just replacing them.

Another possibility is that the solenoid has seized and is partially shut. This is the least likely option.

a) check for leaks around the base of sprinklers.

b) remove a nozzle and check to see if there is good water pressure.

c) if neither of the above resolve the issue then you may need to check out the solenoid.

By a process of deduction you should be able to find the problem!