Repairing an Underground Pipe Leak
There’s always something going on at my Bedford, New York farm.
Owning a farm is a huge responsibility. Not only must I look after all my animals and gardens, but I also have to maintain the safety and upkeep of every house, structure, and road on my property. Not long ago, we discovered a leak in one of the underground water pipes leading from my well to an expansion tank. Fortunately, the leak was small, and as far as we know, only in one location. We called the team at Robert M. Spano Plumbing & Heating, Inc. in nearby Bedford Hills right away to address the problem.
Here are some photos, enjoy.
-
- We noticed a problem with the water supply at what we call “the triangle” – where the carriage road to my long Boxwood Allee meets the road to the woodland, and the road to my run-in horse paddock. Fortunately, our crew found the leak quickly and did not have to dig too far.
-
- Once the leak was found, my outdoor grounds crew foreman, Chhiring, dug the hole large enough for the plumbing crew to do its work.
-
- These big pipes hold electric wiring, but there are weather-resistant polyethylene pipes underneath that carry the water from the well to the expansion tank under my stable where it is pumped to all the areas where water is needed.
-
- Robert M. Spano Plumbing & Heating, Inc. is a three-generation family-owned business that’s been servicing this area for more than 30-years. I’ve used them for many of my plumbing jobs.
-
- Here is the source of the leak – a cut near where two sections of pipe were attached.
-
- The damaged section was cut from the line, so it could be replaced.
-
- Using a heat gun, Joe from Spano warms up the new pipe, so it is more malleable.
-
- Here, Mario and Joe straighten the new pipe as much as possible, This polyethylene pipe is very strong and can withstand up to 200psi, pounds per square inch. It comes in 300-foot rolls, so it needs to be straightened when installed.
-
- Mario removes some of the dirt and sand, so he can access the pipes.
-
- He measures what is needed and then using a portable saw, cuts the pipe to size.
-
- Here are the brass pipe coupler and steel clamps that will be used to install the new section of pipe.
-
- Joe heats up the end of the pipe, so the coupler is easier to fit into the opening.
-
- Here is one end done. Brass fittings are good to use because they resist corrosion from water, heat, acids, minerals, and peaty soils. They’re suitable for both industrial and residential plumbing applications.
-
- For added security, Mario uses several clamps on each side. This will keep the coupler in place. The coupling is coated with adhesive before it is inserted into the pipe opening.
-
- The pipe is constantly heated to make installation easier.
-
- Here is the repaired pipe. Four clamps on each side. The water is turned on to test, and thankfully, the leak is gone. Thanks, Mario and Charlie! Our crew places a wooden beam under the connected section to keep it straight and to prevent the pipe from bending over time.
-
- Next, a dump truck full of sand is brought in from Lawton Adams in nearby Somers, New York.
-
- Domi starts filling the hole with sand, making sure no rocks are placed near the pipes. The sand will keep the area well-protected.
-
- Water is added to settle the sand in the hole.
-
- Chhiring carefully compresses the sand with the square bucket on our loader.
-
- Next, all the ground dirt, gravel and other loose materials are returned to the area over the hole and leveled.
-
- Finally, a new layer of gravel is placed in the location. Cones will remain until the ground is completely settled.
-
- Another important task checked off the list. I am glad this one is done, but there’s still lots to do at the farm. It’s time to start storing all my tropical plants for winter.
Martha Pins
Martha Tweets
