YOU WILL NEED:
- Brass tap, 90°. Elbow
- 700 mm threaded galvanised pipe
- 500 mm threaded galvanised pipe
- T-piece, polycop adapter, galvanised blank-off
- Plumbers tape
- 1 x roll 15 mm polycop pipe at the length required to reach the planned tap
- 1 x 3-way polycop T-piece
- Minimum 3 bags of concrete mix to anchor the tap and line the bottom of the trench
- Spirit level
GOOD TO KNOW
Before you start this project switch off the water at the main stopcock.
HERE’S HOW:
1. To begin, you need to locate the water feed to an existing tap that is nearest to your new tap. Start at the tap and dig carefully to expose the water supply pipe.
2. Mark a route to the new tap that suits your needs. By marking the route neatly
and removing the lawn in squares, you will be able to replace it accurately and the lawn will recover quickly. By using more gentle curves you will need fewer joins and therefore have less leaking opportunities. Dig the trench approximately 20 cm deep and 20 cm wide.
3. At the location of the new tap, dig a hole 700 mm deep and approximately 300 mm wide.
This is to allow for the bottom 500 mm part of the tap to be firmly set in concrete while still leaving the fittings exposed for possible future modifications or repairs.
4. Fit the T-piece into the existing pipe where it has been exposed. Connect all parts of the tap together using generous quantities of plumbing tape at each joint. Now lay the polycop pipe in the trench and cut to length. Join to the T-piece in the pipe and to the (still unplanted) tap. Turn on the main to test for water leaks.
5. Add water to half a bag of the concrete mixture as per the instructions. Hold the tap vertically in the hole and fill the bottom of the hole with the concrete. This will fill the hole to below the T-piece connecting the water.
6. Using a spirit level, ensure the tap is vertical in both planes. Leave to set for 1 day.
7. Before filling in the trench sprinkle 25 mm of dry concrete mix over the pipe and fill the hole with soil and replace the grass squares. The concrete will harden and protect the pipe from forks and spades. Your new tap will be ready to use.
BE WATER WISE
Over 40% of all household water is used in your garden. Here are some simple ways you can plan and maintain your garden and outdoor areas:
Every time you water, water just enough to penetrate the top 30 cm of soil, where the feeder roots are.
Water efficiently by watering as close to the roots as possible – where the plant can use it.
Replace worn nozzles and broken seals and make sure you are not wasting water – water the garden and not the road.
During winter, your irrigation system should be turned off.
It’s easy to ‘set and forget’ your irrigation, so make sure you regularly check that the system is working correctly.
Article courtesy of www.easydiy.co.za
MORE DIY:
How to: Make a recycling centre
