Month: December 2012

Improve your home’s curb appeal with landscape products

If you want to improve the curb appeal of your home, start with redesigning your landscape using the many landscape products available today.

Here are three frequently asked questions:

Is LED landscape lighting better than halogen landscape lighting?

Landscape lighting is great to use to highlight the architectural features of your home. LED lighting fixtures are far more economical to operate than conventional incandescent or halogen fixtures. Not only are the monthly electric bills lower, but you will also save money on maintenance cost because of the longevity of LED lighting fixtures.

Why is it more economical to install a timer on a sprinkler system?

Installing a timer on your sprinkler will save money. The sprinkler system, once programmed will only run during the allotted time its set for. Many homeowners tend to forget to turn off manually operated systems, wasting water and electricity.

Will a water feature increase the value of my home?

Whether you choose a small residential fountain, or a pond complete with a waterfall, water features add the perfect touch to any landscaping. It will add to the resale value of your home.

Contact the experts at W. P. Law, Inc. for top quality landscape products to improve the curb appeal of your home.

Sprinkler systems require winterization to protect them from damage.

During the fall, homeowners are busy winterizing their homes and landscaping. Did you know that winterizing your sprinkler system is just as important as winterizing your home? Extensive damage can be done to your sprinkler system if it’s not properly winterized. Take the necessary time to ensure your system will be ready to go when spring arrives.
Here are the steps to take to winterize your irrigation system:

• Turn off water supply: Turn the water supply off at the main valve. It’s important to note that the main valve should be protected from freezing temperatures. It needs to be buried beneath the frost line, or well insulated.

• Turn off irrigation controller: If you have an automatic timer, turn it off or set it to “rain mode”.

• Turn on valves: To release any pressure, turn on all of the valves.

• Drain the water: Drain the entire system by blowing out the water with an air compressor. If your system is PVC pipe, the pressure shouldn’t exceed 80 psi. If the system is polyethylene pipe, the maximum pressure is 50psi.

• Remove the backflow preventer: In some cases, you can remove the backflow preventer and store it away for the winter. Make sure you drain the water completely before you store it.

• Insulate pipes above ground: All water pipes that are above ground should be insulated to protect them from freezing temperatures.

Contact the irrigation specialist at W. P. Law, Inc. for more valuable information about protecting your system today.

How to repair damaged water features

Water features are a wonderful addition to any home, or office building. Unfortunately, repairs are sometimes necessary to maintain the beauty and value that water features add.
Here are two common repairs for backyard water features:

• Cracks: Cracks and leaks are a common problem with water features that need repair immediately. If the pond houses fish, or other wildlife, remove them before making repairs. To repair a crack in your fountain, lower the water level below where the crack is. You’ll need to chisel away any loose debris around the crack. Wipe the area, removing any dust or debris. Next, you’ll need to apply a bonding liquid to the area. Apply mixed concrete to the area, and allow it plenty of time to dry. Reseal the area using the appropriate sealer, once dry you can repaint if necessary.

• Broken pump: If your pump has stopped working, you should first troubleshoot to see what the problem is. It may sound silly, but you should first check the power source. If there is power to the pump, then check to make sure the water level is covering the pump, and that the water is turned on. Next, check for debris that could be clogging the pump. If these steps haven’t fixed the problem, you may need a new pump.

Visit the irrigation experts at W. P. Law, Inc. for the best water feature supplies.

4 Maintenance tips for residential fountains

Residential fountains add a special touch to your landscape. They add value and elegance to your property. Proper maintenance should be done regularly on your fountain to keep it working well and maintain its beauty.
Here are four maintenance tips for caring for residential fountains:

1. Keep the water feature clean of debris: Leaves, sticks, trash, and other debris can cause damage to your water feature. You should regularly clean out the feature, removing any debris. Make sure you check the pump for debris, as well.

2. Clean the pump: You need to keep the pump clear of debris and dirt. Regularly wipe down the pump with a rag to remove dirt, and any algae build-up. Periodically, turn the pump off and remove it to clean the inside.

3. Maintain the water level: Make sure the water level is right at all times. Water evaporates, especially in the hot months. The water should be high enough to submerge the pump.

4. Clean the fountain: You should remove the majority of the water monthly and clean the fountain. Use a non-abrasive cleaner recommended by the manufacturer.

For quality residential fountains, visit the professionals at W.P. Law, Inc.

Agriculture Irrigation System: How to winterize your drip irrigation

Preparing your agriculture irrigation system for cold winter months is important to ensure your system doesn’t get damaged from freezing temperatures. Drip irrigation systems are particularly fragile and can become damaged in freezing temperatures. Therefore, it’s vital to prepare them before freezing temperatures arrive.

Here are three easy tips to prepare your system for freezing temperatures:

1. Drain all piping: All main line and sub-main piping should have drain valves located at low points throughout the system. All of these valves should be opened to allow water to drain from the system.

2. Drain control valves and risers: Many zone control valves are located above ground to allow for easy access. These above ground valves are susceptible to freezing. It is important that all control valve regulators, pilots, and control tubing is thoroughly drained. In some instances these control valves are removed and taken indoors during the winter months when the system isn’t in use. If the control valves are removed, make sure that the piping is capped off to prevent rodents and/or debris from getting into the pipeline.

3. Drain all pump and filtration equipment: Open all drain valves and remove any drain plugs on all of you pump and filtration equipment. Even a small amount of water left in a pump casing can freeze and case significant damage costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars in damage.

Contact the irrigation experts at W. P. Law, Inc. for more information about preparing your irrigation system for freezing temperatures.

Winterizing irrigation systems using the manual drain valve method

Irrigation systems are prone to damage in harsh winter weather. By taking the necessary steps to protect your system during freezing temperatures, you will prevent costly damage, and will be assured your system will be ready when you need it.
If your system was installed correctly with the drain valve at the lowest point of the system mainline, you’ll be able to drain the water from the system using the manual drain valve method.

Here are five steps to winterizing your system using the manual drain valve method:

1. Shut off the system: Turn off the irrigation system at the main valve.

2. Open valves: Open one of the system’s valves to release the pressure on the system’s mainline.

3. Open the manual drain: Open the manual drain valve slowly.

4. Repeat the process: Repeat the process on each drain valve on the system.

5. Drain valves: Once all the water is removed, you should leave the valves open.

By taking a proactive approach to protecting your irrigation system, your system will be ready to go when spring arrives.

For more information about winterizing your irrigation system this winter, contact the irrigation specialists at W. P. Law, Inc.

Protect your investment – winterize your commercial fountains.

Commercial fountains add beauty and character to your commercial property. They’re an investment that needs to be protected in the cold winter months by performing proper winterization.

Here are steps to take to protect commercial fountains in the winter:

• Drain the water: If you fountain will not be operating during freezing weather, water that’s left inside components like the pump, control valves, pipes can freeze. When water freezes it expands, this expansion can cause damage to the components. For this reason, water should be drained from all of these components to protect them from damage.

• Remove the pump: If possible, you should remove and clean the pump after it’s been drained of water, and place it indoors. Remove any floating devices from the water and store them inside, as well.

 • Remove debris: Remove any debris from the fountains, and any algae build-up should be cleaned away. If you are keeping water in the fountain’s reservoir, check the chemical balance and adjust if necessary.

• Cover the fountain: If your fountain has a cover, place it over the fountain to protect it from the harsh weather.

Contact the experts at W. P. Law, Inc. for more information about protecting your commercial fountains in winter.

Overhead Sprinkler Irrigation – Helping America’s farmer’s battle frost

Each year, America’s crops face the risk of damage from winter frosts. When the temperatures drop below freezing for a period of time, America’s farmers struggle to protect their valuable crops from damage. Using overhead sprinkler irrigation is one way farmers fight back against the harsh elements.

While the risk varies based on the duration the temperatures remain below freezing, it’s vital for farmers to have a plan in place to protect their crops. Additionally, the effect freezing temperatures, and frost will have on crops varies depending on the type of crop. For example, fruit trees that are damaged may have a decline in the amount of fruit produced, or not produce fruit at all. Fruit or vegetables that have already blossomed can be damaged, and a large portion of the crop will be lost.

Many farmers turn to their irrigation system to help protect crops during extended freezes. At the first sign of freezing conditions, irrigation begins to protect the crops and is discontinued when the temperatures again rise above freezing. Timing is important; if the water is turned off prematurely, crops can be damaged.

Overhead sprinkler irrigation is a way for farmers to irrigate their crops, as well as win the battle against freezing temperatures.
For more valuable information about using overhead sprinkler irrigation to protect your crops from harsh winter weather, contact the irrigation specialists at W. P. Law, Inc.