The trench doth grow

Yesterday was quite the challenge - I needed to get the holes that were started NEXT to the barn dug out, trenched, connected to other trenches, pipe connected, hydrants in, tested and filled in - ALL before the expected rains hit.  Not a small task under the best of conditions.  So - to ensure things would go well I started the morning by greasing all the fittings on the backhoe and loader on the little Kubota.

About 2 1/2 hours into digging a sound started to emanate from one of the main joints on the backhoe...  kinda reminiscent of a sci-fi movie where the spaceship is creaking and groaning just before the unsuspecting crew discovers that - truly - none can hear you scream is space.  As the creaking got worse I just assumed there was a small pebble jammed in the joint which happened infrequently and produces a similar sound...  I was wrong.

After running around to the local hardware store, the Kubota store and Tractor Supply I ended up with a part that would "fix" my issue long enough to finish the job.  Plus a liberal application of PB Blaster penetrating oil - and I was back in business.  Which was good because the rain that was very distant in the morning was rapidly heading my way.



After getting the rather complex system of trenches dug - it was time for me to enter the trench network and start getting the fittings attached.  So - down into the narrow passages I descended with my trusty hacksaw and Kelli remained topside providing the required surface support.

I used a torch to heat the pipes so they received the T's and fittings easier - I used 2 stainless pipe clamps on each attachment point to they should never slide off or leak - short of a physical failure in the coupling.  I really don't want to EVER have to dig this pipe up again!

So - I raced around the trenches like a large mole and Kelli scampered over the dirt piles like a rabbit to get things hooked up as the sky's grew ever darker and the winds continued to kick up ever increasing face fulls of topsoil.

And then - the moment of truth.  Me in the trench with my iPhone - Kelli in the basement with hers...  Turn the water on - let's see what happens...