Using and caring for your Water Spiral
With the right care you will have many years of pleasure from your Water Spiral. Although Water Spirals are robust products, copper is a soft metal and the brass spindle and bush are carefully calibrated to spin the head. These instructions will help you avoid damaging your Water Spiral and set it up so it functions correctly.
Consider a reasonably permanent location for your Water Spiral. Soft ground in a garden bed is an ideal location. If the ground is harder, for example in a lawn, cut open a slice of grass with a spade. It is also possible to concrete the Water Spiral in place, though this is not necessary.
You will require a Universal Tap Adapter (not included), to securely connect your Water Spiral to a 12mm garden hose.
Before attaching the head, use the black steel footplate to push the Water Spiral’s copper stem into the ground with your foot. Do not use the copper stem for leverage. Leave the head off until the stem and spike are firmly in position.
Once the stem and spike are in place, attach a hose and then slide the head on. Adjust the tap carefully, and note the wonderful patterns you can create by altering the pressure. If you have strong mains pressure, you may need very little flow through the hose. If you have low pressure, consider removing impediments such as tap timers or joiners, or use a thicker hose. A large Spiral will water an area of 6-8 metres diameter. Optimum pressure is around 30 psi/210 kpa.
Before moving the Water Spiral to another location or to storage, remove the head. Then remove the spike from the ground by holding it with both hands and pulling straight up. Do not use the head or stem for leverage. If the spike is hard to lift, loosen it with a spade. Alternatively, if you like to move your Water Spiral regularly, we strongly encourage you to purchase additional stems to avoid damaging your Spiral.
To prevent damage to your Water Spiral:
Always remove the head before moving.
Never leave your Water Spiral in a location where it may fall over.
Always store your Water Spiral flat.
Troubleshooting
If the head fails to spin:
check to see that the stem is exactly upright
check your water pressure and tap fittings
ensure the head’s spray holes are clear, by hand rinsing
try lubricating the spindle with a water repellent lubricant, e.g RP7, or brush gently with a dishwashing scourer. Avoid greasy lubricants.
check to see whether the metal has bent. If the stem is bent, lie it on a stable bench or flat cement, hold the base down with one hand, gently press on the stem with the other to straighten.