#650 Tuesday 24 July

The plan for today ....
Go with Made to Ace Kuta ....
- procure the plumbing fittings needed to connect the new pump.  When the current pump was connected in December, the guys made the classic error of fitting the pipes to the pump without any means of disconnecting the pump.  It needs a union on inlet and outlet lines so that the pump can be removed without cutting pipes.  This error is probably a "Bali habit" as it would explain why many installations just have glue on connectors rather than screw type unions.  It would save a little money.
- find a new tap core for the bathroom tap which will not turn off.
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In the afternoon, fit the new pump.  The generator needs a maintenance run also.
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The bottom pump (which draws water up from the bore) has been modified by the Mercure gang so that it doesn't need immediate replacement.  Although only two years old, it has had a hard life because it was connected incorrectly by the builders ... so that it had to run almost continually.  Consequently the impeller is worn and the suction created is less than sufficient.  The guy's solution was to shorten the pipe into the bore so it doesn't have to suck as hard!  Although this actually works, it is not ideal as the pump is still worn and it also means that the water is being drawn from less depth  .... about 6 metres instead of 10 metres.  Less depth means more chance of  less clean water.  The risk is not high but it means that the water supply is not as good as it could be be.  Fixing this is now on the 'to do when funds permit' list.
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11:30am  Back from the travels .... to Ace Kuta.
One of the taps in the bathroom would not turn off .... the BBE  solution  was to turn off the supply to the basin ... and don't tell anyone!  I stripped the tap - a quarter turn ceramic disk type - it needs a new 'O' ring.  In Bali?  Cannot buy them!!  For the lack of a 20c part, you must buy a complete new tap = $50!  Needless to say I have taken photos and I'll source the parts in Perth ... and take a supply of the parts to Bali!  As a temporary measure, I have fixed it with Teflon tape.
I found the pipe fittings needed ..... plus a hand-push lawn mower on special.  Bargain.
The pump on the roof needs a cover to protect it from the weather .... to have one made? Quote 1mil Rp .... so we went to a local hardware shop and for 200k Rp I now have all the timber and sheeting to make a weatherproof cover myself .... it's my project for this afternoon.
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Lunch at DeAnti .... carbonara
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Evening
An afternoon of struggling with  the new pump .... trying to fix joints that won't seal ..... has left me 'S......'  so I'll sleep well tonight.  I feel as though after all the physical exertion I've put in today, I need a large steak!
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Later:  Well ... I didn't have steak but it was a good meal ... followed by a warm stone massage ... DeAnti is a good spot.