WaterMate : Control system

WaterMate : Control system »
leaking joints

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rf
17 May, 13:36
all the joints in my watering system leak, is this normal?
Is there any way to stop the leaks?
I really dont like the waste of water

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billdeven
19 May, 09:58
I've had the same problem and have changed all the 13mm joints to double barb connectors. Downside is they are more difficult to disconnect. The other thing seems to help is making the pipes warm when joining, so the pipe forms around the barb when it cools. Finally, use jubilee clips on all connections but don't over tighten. That can make things worse.

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stacy
ADMIN
19 May, 11:06
Hi Rf,

As Bill mentioned systems with higher water pressure can benefit from additional ratchet clamps ( on LDPE fittings ) and/or double barb connectors. I have left you a voicemail so we can discuss this further and see what will work for your set up.

Speak soon! Stacy

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rf
20 May, 17:31
I have tried extra jubilee clips, but that made the leak worse, awaiting some ratchet clamps, as i had a flood this morning, luckily it is a grey day

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billdeven
21 May, 00:13
Jubilee clips can cut into the pipe if over tightened and even split the connector. Double barb connectors are the way to go. They are much stronger and will hold the pipe much more securely than the single barb ones.

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Chris
ADMIN
21 May, 07:32
Just to add some extra detail in here for others browsing; there are a couple of different types of joint in our system. The 13mm LDPE joints ( black connectors, stiff pipe ) are improved with double barb, which will benefit from warming the pipe to make assembly easier, and in some cases warming the pipe will be required. These joints can also take ratchet clamps ( as per attached photo )

The other joint is between the water valves and the irrigation system. This needs to be a section of our provided braided hose for this purpose, with jubilee clips ( screw hose clamps ) on the valves, and a 13mm LDPE push-on fitting at the other end, to connect to the rest of the LDPE.

Two short sections of braided hose are provided to fit the valves. This hose is a smaller diameter than the long section of black braided inlet hose for the pumps. Our current braided joiner is clear; if you have leaking blue or green joining hose, get in touch and we'll send you the clear stuff.
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billdeven
21 May, 20:47
Thanks for the clarification. It would be useful if you included a few ratchet clamps in your kits and maybe a warning to be careful about using jubilee clips on the LDPE fittings.

Regarding the flexible braided connecting pipe that joins the 10mm connectors on the valve and the 13mm LDPE pipe, I wondering why the 10mm joint requires a jubilee clip but the joint on other end on the flexible hose side does not. Any reason? I am struggling to make a good connection here - my flexible pipe is black...

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rf
11 Jun, 12:29
I have now replaced all the joints with triple ridged joiners, which appear to be much better than the supplied ones. No leaks now!!


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