TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES
DECEMBER 2018
WATER MATTERS
17
The heart of a water system Be it for farm or lifestyle block trough supply or irrigation, swimming pool operation, or household supply from a rainwater tank or bore, mechanical and electric water pumps are an integral part of rural life. In the summer months, they often work overtime. The pump shed is the heart of any water supply system, and the mechanism inside needs to be at the top of its game creating the right pressure and flow for the amount of water required for a given task. Periodic testing of pump performance and ensuring maintenance is key to operational performance. Developing a pump maintenance checklist will keep your pump functioning efficiently and trim down your everyday expenditure for upkeep and give some protection against a loss of water supply. First on the list is a frequent check to make sure that the speed of the water pump corresponds with the output in horsepower. Also, examine the water system for leakages, fissure or wear and tear. Regular maintenance can prevent damage and reduce costs of replacement parts. Less frequently, it might pay for a monthly examination to check and repair seals, oil bearings to manufacturers specifications, confirm that the water pump is secured firmly against over vibration and also check plugs and wiring on electrical systems. If you are a typical kiwi operator, it’s pretty certain you can perform daily and monthly maintenance personally. Once a year, it probably pays to call in a professional, if only for peace of
SAFETY FIRST mind, and even more important, to make sure you are covered by your insurance requirement. Technicians are trained in their field to fine-tune, restore or repair the bearings, drive belt or any other faulty part. In addition, a technician needs to carry out a vibration and temperature examination to make sure that the motor is running in peak condition. Steady maintenance to avoid preventable damage and costs is a nobrainer. In addition, you can improve water pump performance in a number of ways such as adding a small booster pump, perhaps increasing household
pressure from a rainwater tank, or cutting back bigger pumps that are not necessary and altering the speed of the pump so it is more proficient. Your own maintenance coupled with expert advice once a year should go a long way towards having trouble-free water supplies, be it for a household, a pool or something further afield.
LOOK OUT FOR YOUR WORK MATES
Do you comply with new cooling regulations?
YOU CAN!!!
NEED A PLUMBER?
with
est. 1981
All Types of Drainage, Earthworks & Roading Undertaken
THE
• Roofing • Drainage • Plumbing • Gasfitting • Solid Fuel Fire Needs
ON THE FARM
Contract Driving/Operating (Class 5) Cartage of all Grades of Metal & Soil MERRY XMAS FROM THE TEAM 265 Ihaia Road, Opunake 4681 Home: 06 761 8757 Workshop: 06 761 8159 Mobile: 027 445 7164
GIBSON P L U M B E R S LT D
Contact Nigel MOBILE 027 443 1864 | PH/FAX (06) 752 3300 EMAIL crawfordnd@icloud.com
• GENERAL FARM EXCAVATION • TRACK MAINTENANCE • DRAINAGE • SITE CLEARING • CALF SHED CLEAN OUT
• All your pre-cooling issues solved with one solution • Pre-cooling made simple • Fits your existing chiller unit (no extra load on your power supply) • Maintenance free • One size fits all
Sinclair
Electrical & Refrigeration Ltd
• Utilises cheap night rate electricity • Extremely cost effective • Guaranteed to comply • So simple but it works • Locally made in Taranaki • Installed & serviced by the manufacturer
Ph 761 8084
sinclairelect@xtra.co.nz Okato 752 4084 | Stratford 765 4499 Hawera 274 8084