New York Rural Water Association

Have you ever come across a problem or situation in your water plant or distribution system that has required the use of a special tool or device to make the necessary repairs? I would be willing to bet that you, like I, have run into this situation at one time or another. If you are one of those creative individuals that have overcome a particular problem by fabricating a specialty tool or device, I would like to hear from you. There is probably a good chance that there are other operators from other systems that could also benefit from your creative efforts. All you have to do is write me a brief note describing what the device, gadget, or gizmo is used for and how you came up with the solution. Include a photo or sketch and I will do my best to see that the invention and description of its use, gets published at the base of my Aquafacts article in each issue. This new feature will also include antique equipment relating to the waterworks industry, so if you have a gadget or gizmo that is an oldie but a goody, send me a photo and a brief description. No camera, no problem, just call our office at 1-888-697-8725 and leave a message on my voice-mail. I will make arrangements to stop by your system, take a few photos, and gather the necessary information. Those of you that already know me, know that I get around to a lot of different water systems each year. It seems like everyone has some kind of interesting gadget that they use to make certain jobs easier. My only problem is remembering who has all these clever gizmos, and how they were developed. In most cases necessity is the mother of invention. There is nothing worse than being unable to finish a job because we do not have the right tool. Some of the gadgets and tools I have seen, but not documented, are as follows:

A compressed air device used to clean curb-stops and valve boxesA long extension wrench to tighten packing glands on line valvesWrench holders for P-U's, curb-keys etc.Flap-type covers for remote meter registers (keeps them from becoming scratched and weathered)Periscopes for internal hydrant inspectionTrailer-mounted main & leak repair units (everything you need to respond; on a trailer)Several different types of valve-box inserts (home-made)
Specialty wrenches (for those hard to get at spots)

I also have a keen interest in antique waterworks equipment and tools, as I am sure many of you do also. In this issue, I will feature an item that the Village of West Winfield DPW found while tidying up the basement of the Village Hall. I was at the Village of West Winfield when the operator, Corky Weidman, asked me if I could identify a mechanical device he found in the basement of the Village Hall. I inspected the machine for several minutes before coming to the conclusion that it was a hand-operated mechanical pipe-pusher, used for pushing service lines under sidewalks and roadways. A metal tag on the device identified it as being made by the Giant Manufacturing Company of Council Bluffs, Iowa. I contacted the Pottawattamie County Historical Society in Council Bluffs, Iowa and was informed that the Giant Manufacturing Company was no longer in business. The company produced machinery and playground equipment before going out of business about fifteen years ago. The building that housed the manufacturing facility was demolished several years ago. The device resembles modern hydraulic and mechanical pushers, although this one is hand-operated and was probably used with a long cheater-pipe over the handle for leverage.If you have items you would like featured in Gizmos & Gadgets, please contact:

Doug Smorol
Circuit Rider II - NYRWA
1-888-697-8725 ext.11
smorol@nyruralwater.org

Gizmos & Gadgets

This hand-operated pipe-pusher was manufactured by the Giant Manufacturing Company of Council Bluffs, Iowa. Note the pusher-rod in the foreground is similar to those in use today. No date of manufacture was available, but probably dates back to the late 1930's or early 1940's.