As part of the Turrets Regeneration Instigation Pretext Examination, (T.R.I.P.E), your amiable and occasionally confused Growster has undertaken a survey and repair of all the down pipes which have rainwater-saving devices.
Having started all this a week or so ago, I re-routed the two main 25gal tanks on one important pipe, and successfully made a new platform for them, so they can work in tandem. All was fine until it rained the other day, and neither filled up, as the 'saver' bit didn't save anything because the small pipe was blocked with the grape-nuts flying off the huge yew tree behind us in the churchyard...
That took a total redesign of the down pipe, as it is a dog's breakfast to undo and clean out, but at least I can now do it without bad language!
So, with all that, I thought that I should really look at the other two.
Same problem with the second one, which had the same muck clogging the top by the swan-neck, so that got cleared. Moving shakily down the ladder to inspect the actual saver, it only took a few seconds to undo, and leap back as a whole pipe-ful of water deluged all over the place. Small pipe blocked as well? Yup..:0[ Sorted now.
But here's a pic of the last one! There's been a huge Easter Rose growing here for ages, and it attacks us every time we pass it, especially when it's wet, so we decided to hook it out while I rearranged the last water butt and saver.
The butt was nearly empty for the same reason as the other two, and a second drenching occurred, similar to the others but with less patience and a big 'OH'! (liar). On removing the whole lot, here's the reason why! The Easter Rose had decided to go pipe-exploring, and the roots here were in the section of pipe alongside, so there's no wonder that the whole lot was a total shambles! You can see what all this has done to the wall, but luckily nothing structural has happened, and it'll all weather away in no time, but what a palaver!
T.R.I.P.E. continues later today while we decide what to do with the new piece of ground to plant up. I think a few sunflowers will help for this year, and then I can give some TLC to Mrs Growster's gorgeous 'Casino' yellow rose, which can now really get going to!