Irrigation Start Up Fun

We don't desperately need irrigation yet, but starting up the system takes time and almost always involves a few unexpected hurdles.  For that reason we always try to get the system up and running a week or two earlier than when it's needed.  This year we were well aware of at least one issue that needed repair before we turned anything on.  The 8' section of discharge pipe was leaking in 3 places and has survived the last two seasons with repair clamps (band aids) in place.  Getting this custom made pipe replaced was not an easy task due to it's location.  Alan, Dave, Mike, and at one point the entire staff helped to get the new pipe installed.  Once the pipe was installed we pressurized the system to verify that everything was working properly.  We have a few small glitches, but generally speaking we are ready for the season.  The big question we are still working on is the incoming power.  This was an issue last July and August and REC was heavily involved.  We have not officially solved that problem and I suspect that when things get hot we will encounter more trouble.  The demand inside the neighborhood has increased significantly in recent years.  In peak demand the power supply is not able to keep up and our pumps shut down.  This is a sign of the times I think, but we're still working on it.  

You can see the 3 band aid clamps on the intake pipe

The old pipe was rotting from the inside and had three small leaks

Rust and corrosion inside the pipe

30 years

New pipe up and running