3 Ways to Kick Up Your Summer with Outdoor Grills and Kitchens

How to Keep Your Outdoor Grills and Kitchens Sizzling all Summer Long

3 Ways to Kick Up Your Summer with Outdoor Grills and Kitchens
Are you ready to put your outdoor grills and kitchens to use? Summer is almost here, and what goes with summer better than grilling? Here are a few ways to boost your summer to new levels of fun.

1. Get out of the kitchen. There is no reason to come home from work and be stuck in the kitchen. Check out the latest outdoor grills and kitchens. Turn off the TV and enjoy your evening as a family in the fresh air. You’ll be amazed by the newest innovations available, from granite countertops and drop-in coolers to rotisserie and smoker kits.

2. Enjoy the savings. Avoid heating up your house this summer and wasting all that energy to keep it cool again by relying on your outdoor kitchen. Take the heat of meal preparation outside, while you cool off in an open, relaxing seating area.

3. Entertain larger groups. Enjoy a mimosa fresh from your outdoor kitchen while you kick back with your friends or weekend get-togethers with your entire family. Choose grilling options like extra side burners and warming drawers to make cooking for the masses easy.

Discover more about outdoor grills and kitchens.

Here’s How to Start Planning Your Landscape Lighting

Landscape Lighting Basics

Here's How to Start Planning Your Landscape Lighting
Landscape lighting enjoys many positive uses. When properly installed, it can add value to your home or it can attract business to a commercial setting. Lighting can be helpful in setting the right mood or atmosphere, as well as providing enough light for practical reasons. For instance, adding lighting to a dark backyard increases safety.

However, because there are several factors to consider when it comes to adding landscape lighting to your home, it helps to have a plan.

Consider the Effects You Want

What kind of functionality are you looking for? Do you need improved visibility? Would you like to warn visitors of potential dangers around your yard? Is your main concern giving your home an elegant appearance or an inviting glow?

How you plan to use the light is important because the impact of the light is often more important than the style you choose.

Path lights placed to provide subtle pools of light are a great way to provide lighting along a walkway without the runway effect of a straight line of lights. Directional lights are used to highlight specimen trees or shrubs and distinctive architectural features of your home, such as stone walls.

LED’s provide energy savings and allow for more flexibility in system design. LED’s also require less maintenance that incandescent or halogen bulbs.

As you begin to plan, don’t be afraid to think big. Consider your functional needs first, and then consider any changes made through the seasons. This will help you to create the perfect living space and maximize the use of lighting.

Learn more about landscape lighting by contacting WP Law.

Choosing the Correct PVC Solvent Cement

How to choose the correct PVC Solvent Cement

Choosing the Correct PVC Solvent Cement
The type of application will determine the proper cement to be used. (Example: PVC, Conduit, Sewer & Drain, DWV, Pressure or Non-Pressure) You will also need to consider the weather conditions, pipe and fitting sizes and expiration date stamped on the can.

Three common types of PVC solvent cement are Hot ‘R Cold, Wet ’R Dry, and General PVC solvent cement

Hot ‘R Cold is formulated for PVC applications with temperatures as low as negative 15 degree Fahrenheit and as high as 110 degree Fahrenheit. Hot ‘R Cold is a clear medium bodied, very fast setting, high strength PVC solvent cement for all classes and schedules of pipe and fittings up to 6” diameter, and Schedule 80 through 4” diameter. It is approved for use with irrigation, sewer, drain, DWV and potable water pressure systems.

Wet ‘R Dry is formulated for applications where conditions are very wet and/or quick pressurization is desired. It was developed for specific needs in irrigation, plumbing or pool and spa. Wet ‘R Dry is an aqua blue medium bodied, extremely fast drying, high strength PVC solvent cement for all classes and schedules of pipe and fittings up to 6” diameter, and Schedule 80 through 4” diameter.

General Purpose PVC Solvent Cement is for all types of PVC plastic applications. It is approved for use with industrial pipe application, irrigation, sewer, drain, waste and vent systems, and potable water systems. General Purpose is a clear or gray, heavy bodied, medium setting, high strength PVC solvent cement for all classes and schedules of pipe and fittings up to 12” diameter including schedule 80. Gray only may be used on non-pressure systems through 18” diameter.
Remember that PVC solvent cements must never be used on PVC systems using or being tested by compressed air or gases.

If you’d like more information about selecting the proper PVC cement for your application, please contact us today. One of our experts will be happy to help.

DIY: Installing Drip Irrigation From a Water Faucet

How to Install Drip Irrigation From a Water Faucet.

DIY: Installing Drip Irrigation From a Water Faucet
Homeowners are turning to drip irrigation systems to help them manage their water usage, as well as to save money. By taking a do-it-yourself approach, you can reduce your water use and your drip irrigation system installation costs by over 50 percent! Drip irrigation can be very simple to install when just dealing with a central located water faucet outside your home. You will first want to make a simple plan or design and then make a list of materials you will need to buy.

Here at W.P. Law, we provide drip irrigation products including drip tubing and drip fittings, drip emitters, irrigation controllers, drip filters, timers, valves and drip irrigation accessories. Also with our great customer service, we can tell you how to install drip irrigation at your house or job, with suggested layouts and design, tips on selecting the right emitters and other useful information. We offer customized drip kits ranging from greenhouse to vegetable gardens.

When installing a simple drip irrigation system outside your home, off of a water faucet, here are the supplies you will need. You will first start need a hose end timer, this is what you will hook up to your faucet. We provide a dual port timer so it won’t tie up your faucet. If you don’t buy a dual port, you will need to buy a “Y” faucet adapter and install it before the timer. Next thing you will need is a Y filter and pressure regulator. These are the items you will install right after your timer. Next you will need to buy a roll of solid drip tubing; the length of tubing will be determined by an estimated measurement throughout the bed or beds you are irrigating. Once you hook up the drip tubing, with an adaptor to the pressure regulator, you will need to curve the drip tubing in and out of your plants getting the tubing close to the stem and under the drip line of the plants by using landscape staples. By using drip T’s and 90’s you can branch off into different directions to get good coverage in your plant beds. After the tubing is installed and the line ends are pinched off with end clamps, you will need to install emitters into the tubing at every plant. Best way is to put ½ gal or 1 gal emitters on either side of the stems of the plants, 2 gal emitters on either side of trees. Once you have all the tubing and emitters down, it’s good to place mulching material down onto the tubing to cover it up. This allows protection for the tubing and is aesthetically pleasing. Program your timer considering the plant materials, time of year, and location.

Learn more about easy to install DIY drip irrigation systems, and contact WP Law today.

The 3 Most Popular Types of Commercial Fountains

Just how versatile are commercial fountains?

The 3 Most Popular Types of Commercial Fountains
Commercial fountains add a sense of beauty and elegance to any business. They come in an endless number of styles, as well, so you don’t have to feel limited to the common “Grecian sculpture and reflective pool” combination.

The following three commercial fountains are some of the more popular options available:

1. Architectural Fountains

Architectural, artsy fountains combine the esthetic of architecture with the flow of water. Crisp design and functionality meet to help you establish a professional, cutting edge atmosphere.

2. Floating Fountains

Floating fountains can turn an existing body of water into a magical display of water and light. Depending on the size of the pond or lake, phenomenal displays can be easily created for less cost than many architectural water features.

3. Water Gardens

Water gardens can be small or quite large in size. These self-contained gardens of water-loving plants mix foliage, flowers, and water in a soothing and beautiful outcome. You can add other living elements too, such as koi fish or small turtles. You’ll inspire a feeling of tranquility, peace and caring into your environment, or of fun-loving creativity if the right decorative pieces come into play.

Commercial fountains stand out because they’re beautiful and unique. The styles mentioned above are a small sample of some of the best types used in businesses.

For more information on commercial fountains, contact us.

How the Right Commercial Fountains Can Improve Your Curb Appeal

The Impact of Commercial Fountains Really Packs a Punch

How the Right Commercial Fountains Can Improve Your Curb Appeal
Commercial fountains welcome people to your business and reinforce your brand and professionalism with the right design. If you want to draw new traffic into your business, consider one of these unique water features to your exterior’s layout.

How Do You Pick the Right Fountain?

Focus on how your landscape, building’s exterior, the fountain, and your business message can work together. Every element of your marketing, branding, and physical presence can cooperate to attract more of your ideal clients. The right feature design can help make this change obvious to your clients before they step through your doors.

What Does a Fountain Do?

Water features like fountains are a great source of relaxation. They’re known to help soothe stress. They’re also excellent ways to create white noise, allowing customers to escape the clatter of the street. Water is also very attractive to most people, providing a sense of nature and calm to any situation.

Businesses can take advantage of the power of water and the attraction of fountains. Health facilities, such as hospitals, chiropractic and therapeutic offices, and centers for psychiatric care, can attract visitors with the use of a fountain. Not only are they a beacon of calm, but they give off the impression of success.

It is not just the fountain, however, that businesses have at their disposal. The setting for your water feature can have just as big of an impact. Consider a tropical beach scene or an elegant marble foyer. What kind of impression would these give your patrons?

One very effective example of fountain use can be seen in restaurants where they’re used to distract people waiting for tables. Paired with a small pool and a handful of pennies, you can provide guests with a wishing well and wind up with surprisingly fun entertainment as well as a good impression.

For more information about what type of fountain is right for your business, just contact us.

The 3 Most Surprising Benefits of Irrigation Valve Boxes

How can irrigation valve boxes help you?

The 3 Most Surprising Benefits of Irrigation Valve Boxes
Irrigation valve boxes are an important part of irrigation systems, and they are also one of the most overlooked aspects of system design. Valve boxes provide easy access to buried irrigation control valves. Irrigation control valves and backflow preventers require access from time-to-time to perform maintenance and testing. Valve boxes also provide protection for these essential components of your irrigation system. Here are three things to consider when selecting and installing a valve box:

1. Size Matters – Using a valve box that is too small can be a common mistake. Many installers try to put too many valves in one valve box or use a smaller size valve box than is necessary. Smaller valve boxes are less expensive, but keep in mind you will want plenty of room to access the control valve if you ever have to come back and perform any maintenance or repairs. Make sure the valve box you select allows for plenty of room to work.

2. Allow For Drainage – No one like to put their hands in a standing pool of muddy water in a valve box. By installing 3 to 4 inches of pea gravel in the bottom of the valve box will allow water to drain away from the valve box more easily.

3. Keep The Box Off Of The Pipe – When installing a valve box, make sure that the base of the valve box is not resting directly on top of the pipe. The base of the box should ideally rest on undisturbed or compacted soil. If the valve box is resting directly on the pipeline it could cause a pipe to break if someone were to drive a heavy vehicle across the top of the valve box.

For more ways the right valve box impacts your efficiency and costs, contact WP Law today.

How Low Can Landscape Lighting Go?

Landscape Lighting Adds Depth and Drama

How Low Can Landscape Lighting Go?
Landscape lighting is an amazingly versatile tool you can use to add drama to your landscape. Many different types of lighting systems are available, including those used to create dramatic underwater displays.

In terms of voltage, low voltage systems are safe and easy to install and they add subtle drama and beauty to a nighttime setting. A low voltage lighting system can provide dramatic effect or draw attention to particular features in your landscape.

Landscape lighting can also be an extension of your home or business, used to maintain the same style inside and outside. When you take the time to focus on improving the appearance of your property in this way, you’ll experience a big boost in curb appeal and in value-of-use.

Business owners benefit, too. For instance, a restaurant with an outdoor patio can draw in a new caliber of clientele with the help of low-voltage lighting. The atmosphere creates intimacy and allows patrons to enjoy the night outside during a wonderful meal.

Use landscape lighting to put a special touch on your outdoor spaces. Sure, there are the other benefits, but the creative use of space and the atmosphere you can create take center stage. To explore the full options of what lighting can do for your home or business, contact us today.

Dream It, Do It! How to DIY Your Garden Irrigation

Garden Irrigation as Easy as 1-2-3

Dream It, Do It! How to DIY Your Garden Irrigation
Gardening irrigation makes gardening more fun and fruitful. Growing a backyard garden is not just fun – it’s also practical, especially if you are trying to avoid GMO foods or save money by growing your own fresh fruits and vegetables. Garden irrigation helps to decrease the amount of work involved. Thankfully, DIY irrigation is easy.

DIY irrigation kits you buy are complete. The instructions are fairly simple and straightforward. The only task you really do on your own is design the layout. Here’s a simple tip to take care of it:


Map It Out!

Take the time to map out and plan your garden. Include several versions for change-of-season gardening. This will help you see exactly what irrigation supplies you need. It will also show you where irrigation can be moved to later if you wind up expanding. The map is important; it allows you to plan the layout of your garden in a way that conserves both work and water.

For example, if you don’t garden in winter, then plant crops harvested first at the end of the irrigation line. By installing a simple shut-off valve, you can shut off sections of irrigation line once a crop is done for the season.

Mapping out the garden allows you to envision the entire process. You get the benefit of noting any problems with irrigation before the system is established and ordered. Just follow the instructions in your DIY irrigation kit, and you can have a beautiful garden.

If you’d like more information about how DIY garden irrigation kits can help your garden, just contact us.

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