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greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 7846
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 30, 2006 - 10:33 am: | 
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A couple weeks ago, preparing the garden bed, TS says "Boy, this soil is hard." Watching her stab the pitchfork again and again with Amazonian strength, I said "You are probably hitting the underground sprinkler hoses."
Well, not one, not two, but three punctures later, we need to fix us a couple holes.
I asked my neighbor/plumber what to do. He said it was very simple. Go to Home Despot, buy the patch kit, slice off the vertical cortex of the main artery, reroute it to the framistan (making sure to avoid the return flux capacitor) and weld a 7/16 iron friggit onto the whatsit valve at a 37 degree angle.
That's what I heard, anyway. But, I thought I'd give it a whack. HD, of course, had no such kit in stock. So, is this god's way of telling me that I need to call a Pro, or is it fairly easy?
Anyone done this? Know where I can get the kit?
Thanky. |
daylaborer
Citizen
Username: Upondaroof
Post Number: 735
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 30, 2006 - 11:46 am: |
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Try a garden center or HD. I cut through mine once and repaired it with two hose clamps and a plastic nipple. It's not rocket science or even plumbing for that matter. |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 7848
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 30, 2006 - 12:19 pm: |
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Thanks.
So, instead of a "kit", I can just buy clamps and nipples?
The diameter of the hose is 1.25 inches on the outside. I don't know about the inside. Does this effect the nipple I buy? And will it be obvious as to what I should do with the nipple once I buy it? What the hell is a plastic nipple?
Other than something for a baby bottle or a breast prothesis (thought that I would get that one out of the way).......
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Pdg
Citizen
Username: Pdg
Post Number: 943
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 30, 2006 - 12:45 pm: |
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Can't help w/the repair, but if you actually do have compacted soil, I highly recommend trying a liquid product called Aerify as well as a product called Soil Activator. I think I found them on www.natureslawn.com I've had great results for much less expense than having the lawn guys do a mechanical aeration.
Good luck w/the other issue! |
Jersey_Boy
Citizen
Username: Jersey_boy
Post Number: 918
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 30, 2006 - 1:00 pm: |
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Try a Google search for "clamps" and "nipples."
heh heh.
J.B. |
peteglider
Citizen
Username: Peteglider
Post Number: 1979
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 30, 2006 - 1:05 pm: |
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The little hardware store in West Orange (the "hole in the wall" place, across from the big church on Main St) has everything you need. Ask me how I know
A couple of bucks for the clamps and the fittings --
Pete |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 7849
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 30, 2006 - 1:27 pm: |
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So, Pete, how do you know?
JB - you sick puppy, you.
Do you know the name of the hardware store? Or how late they are open? Or what the cross street is? Or how to get there.....? |
peteglider
Citizen
Username: Peteglider
Post Number: 1980
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 30, 2006 - 2:27 pm: |
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I found out the hard way that a shovel can damage an underground sprinkler line! (I was trying to remove a dead tree root that was sticking up).
Anyway -- take Wyoming to Northfield, go right on Northfield. When you get to the bottom of the hill, you can go right (towards Karls Appliances) or left.
Go left -- the store is on the left side (I think you'll need to turn around, not sure there is parking on that side of the street)
Its Main Street Hardware, 56 Main St, 973-736-1331. Its a hole in the wall -- you go in, show the guy what you want, he hustles off into the aisles, returns with exactly what you need!
If you have it -- bring a sample of the plastic water line Xena damaged.
When you get home, have Xena pour you both a large ice tea or lemonade (anything stronger not recommended until after you finish the job)!
*Carefully* dig up the lines. Finish the damage Xena did (cut through the black plastic with a saw blade). Insert the coupling, tighten the clamps. Turn on the water -- if no leaks, Xena can cover the pipes.
Pete
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daylaborer
Citizen
Username: Upondaroof
Post Number: 738
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 30, 2006 - 2:36 pm: |
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"So, instead of a "kit", I can just buy clamps and nipples?"
Yes. I believe that the underground tubing is the same size as the tubing you buy for above ground irrigation and those fittings should work. Cut out a piece of the tubing and walk it into the store and see what fits. Also 1/2" copper might slide in as a nipple, but the plastic fittings are better 'cuz they have barbs on them and are less apt to blow apart. |
Bob K
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 11667
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 30, 2006 - 3:44 pm: |
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Greenie, look at the bright side. She could have hit the electric cable running to the garage. 
If you have a pressure washer you can use it to soften up the ground so the digging is easier. I have done this and it works, although by the time I am finished I resemble a three year old who was playing in a mud puddle.
Good luck. |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 7857
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 31, 2006 - 9:55 am: |
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I caved. The sprinkler guys are coming on Saturday. It's pretty much a matter of timing: I couldn't get to it before then and since it's the weekend, I'll have a chance to move my tomato plants & replant them in the same day.
But, from now on, if you see references to "Xena", you'll know who I'm talking about.
And thanks for all the advice. I am actually sure that I could have done this myself. Without a divorce, even.
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