Recent content by Joseph Skoler

Wow -- you recognized the B20! That's a big help. I still don't even know where to begin looking to ID the top and bottom brackets that stick out with 2 fingers perpendicular to the pipe.

I just pulled 2 Goulds septic tank pumps for testing and they both work (yay). But, the hardware is corroded and I need to replace. Can anyone identify these pieces, and maybe a source to buy them? Specifically the lift-off disconnect, the elbow that looks like a tee at the top, and the top...

The local town water department is requiring me to install a Double Check Detector Assembly after their meter on the 2" water main coming in (yes, 2" because the property has ~25 cottages). The Double Check Valve Assembly units are much more widely available and lower cost. Does anyone have...

I can't say I have a complete understanding, but meter pits are very common around here (garden weather zone 4b; Sullivan County, NY) and fully sanctioned by the town water department. I've had a couple at other properties and the piping/meters do not freeze. My rudimentary understanding is...

There is town water. But, it hasn't been connected in years and the town requires a pressure reducer and backflow preventer in order to reinstall the meter. But, I'm concerned that the meter pit isn't big enough to those 3 items plus the gate valves on each side of the meter. I'm working on...

That makes perfect sense -- thank you. So, now I have to choose between (1) buying a larger generator (there is a Duromax 13000 with 10,500 watts continuous for $1,500) or (2) wait for weeks/months until NYSEG and my electrician can get the electric on or (3) pull the pumps and try to find some...

I brought over a generator that is rated at 4400 watts max/3500 watts continuous. Connected it to the pump leads and the breaker on the generator trips immediately. 3500 watts @ 240v is 14.5 amps. The pump specs say "max amps" is 12.5 Think I just need a larger generator? Or, is something...

Wow, I just generally have such low expectations of products that I figured 30 years and something would deteriorate. It would be really great if these pumps worked well. I need to bring a generator because the site's electric isn't turned on and the electric company is making it difficult...

Hi All, I bought a piece property a couple of years ago with a couple dozen cottages. In the mid-1990's (plans approved in 1993) a large septic system was installed (2 tanks (2500 and 3500 gallon) with 2 Gould 1HP 3885 pumps up to a 1600 sq-ft leach field (pump A to 800 sq-ft; pump B to the...

Thank you -- that eases my concern! Was there something other than the 6" pipe what you are referring to when you say you wouldn't have done it the way I did?

Thanks again guys! I closed up the hole before reading this (or thinking) about a cleanout on that side of the road. Luckily, I have a 2 way cleanout just on the other side of the road from the tank (i.e., on the house (6") side). I understand now that the change from 4" to 6" means a...

I have listened to the experts here (thank you!) and dug up the far side of the road. I discovered that the 4" cast iron under the road immediately transitions to Orangeburg, and then to clay that looks like it isn't that old. The clay then goes into the tank. I think the orangeburg was...

Thank you all. I've read and heard your warnings (and plenty of other warnings across the internet) on the risks in using a pro-level snake.

I like doing things myself I don't think the one I bought has the automatic feeder.

You're right, but what about situations like mine where the machine is simply inadequate?