Installing irrigation "T" Cancel The title field is required!

1. Bradley Frunchak

   

   24 posts
   
   8/7/2014 11:08 PM

   Have a break at a 6x6x4 irrigation T. I struggle with assembly.
   
   Helpful tips would be appreciated. I am using a Leemco restrained T.
   
   Which order is the best to assemble this? Sides first? One side, middle then other side?
   Best way to measure the pipe lengths to ensure proper length of pipe?
   
   Any other tips would be greatly appreciated

   
   
   
   
2. James Smith

   

   112 posts
   
   8/8/2014 6:08 AM

   I looked up your tee and it looks like a fool proof way to put it together but if this is a blow out in the ground you should need a coupler in order to get it all together properly. If the pipe is dug back far enough on the 90 degree section of the tee you may be able to move the pipe enough to get those two together but the other straight end of the tee will not go together unless you are capable of lifting the pipes enough to force them together. My advice is to get the 90 degree section together then use a coupler on the last section in order to get the pipe cut to fit tight.
   
   A picture of you existing pipe would go a long way on helping you do it in the right sequence. Was your old system glued? (did you have to cut it out) or slip on? The bigger the pipe the harder it is to get to flex to force together. If it was me and that size pipe I would use two couplers so I am not trying to lift and force the pipes together.

   
   
   
   
3. Nowakowski Michael J

   
   8/8/2014 8:08 AM

   Brad,
   I see your message was sent at 11:34 PM, nice time to find that out I'm sure. Anyways, James is right, you will have to do one 6" line and the 4" at the same time, add your other fitting and a short run of pipe, and use another coupler further down the line to get it together. A compression coupler would allow you some "wiggle" room so that you might not need the short piece of pipe but I only do this if it would require a long way to dig back to get some flex on the pipe.
   I'm not far from you, give me a call if you need advice or help.

   
   
   
   
4. James Smith

   

   112 posts
   
   8/8/2014 12:08 PM

   The main problem is that 6" pipe hardley bends at all by human force but you can get a little wiggle room by digging way back. If you are looking to keep the hole as small as possible use a 6" coupler and a 4" coupler then you do not need to try to bend the pipe. This is the easiest way to do the repair but also cost more. If your not experienced in irrigation repairs I highly recommend this route. The fittings you were looking at has rubber seals in them which you will have to force on your pipe. make sure to bevel the edge of your pipes so they will slide on and use some sort of soap to help (this is important). If you need to knock the fitting on with a mall be sure to use a block of wood between the fitting and the mall. take before and after pictures to put into your files in case you need to dig it up down the road or need to reference what you did. I try to line up some feature on the course like a tree or marking off a close sprinkler with a small flag so it makes it easy to find down the road.
   
   Call me if you need on the spot help. I can pretty much walk you through any issue. 504-628-4461

   
   
   
   
5. Bradley Frunchak

   

   24 posts
   
   8/8/2014 10:08 PM

   Thanks for the suggestions. The break is about 3.5 feet down. Which didnt help matters. Luckily I have access to a hoe operator. I have used the leemcoI restrained fittings other times. My struggle is measuring and lining up the pipes and not cutting the pipe too short. I have most of the repair together had to stop due to heavy rain and lightning. I will have a compression coupler on one 6" leg and this gives me the ability to move the pipe around and glue the 4" run.
   
   This section has been repaired before by the previous superintendent and did not install a thrust block. I did find a chunk of concrete under the T and this is what I believe caused the crack as it was against the pipe. I have been at the course for 9 years and surprising the repair lasted before I arrived. He had a satellite power wire splice with only a marrett on it and no gel connector.