On 09/18/2012 10:22 PM, Jake wrote:
On Tue, 18 Sep 2012 18:03:02 +0100, Timothy Murphy
wrote:


I've set up a Hozelock automatic watering system in a garden in Italy,
but it seems that after some months there is a small drip
where the timer is screwed onto the tap.

What is the best way of preventing this?

A guess - did you buy the unit in the UK and install in Italy? If so,
the chances are the Italian weather has proved too much for something
designed for the UK climate. Italy gets warmer and has different
temperature fluctuations.

A "small drip" indicates that either the plastic fitting or the rubber
seals have deteriorated. Brass fittings would be better but whether
the Hozelock system could be adapted to use them is something only you
can decide as only you can see the system in situ.


Yes, the brass fittings last forever. If I was going to leave the
watering system turned on, I'd certainly use one.

One thing you could try if the drip persists is coating the screw on the
tap in heavy axle grease before attaching the hozelock part. If the
screw is worn that may stop the leak.

Otherwise as Jake said, mastic will fix it permanently.

-E