January 2015 - W.P. Law Incorporated

Why is my water feature making a spitting sound?

Posted on January 29, 2015September 8, 2022 by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

Possible causes for a common water feature problem.

Water Feature having problems functioning

Outdoor water fixtures can be beautiful decorations for the home, helping to make the backyard feel welcoming. When those fixtures fail to work properly, such as by making a “spitting” sound when running, it can be disappointing and frustrating. We understand that customers want to keep their water fixtures running smoothly, but if they aren’t, here are a few possible causes for your fixture’s odd noises:

Sucking up air

The most common reason for the feature to be making a “spitting” noise is that the pump is sucking up air as well as water. It is the air running through the system that causes the odd sound and the spray pattern. You then need to carefully evaluate the following two potential causes of the pump sucking up air:

The water supply has gotten too low
The pipe or pump has a crack in it

Both of these possible causes should be carefully investigated.

It is possible that the available water has simply gotten below the pump’s level. This results in the pump bringing up some of the air while it also tries to pump up the water. If this is the cause, then you need to replenish your water supply to correct it. You should note that some custom fountains require their pipes to be primed before it can be turned back on. You should always verify with us the proper care for your outdoor water fixture before attempting repairs.

Cracks in the pipe or pump

Air can also get into the pump through a crack in the pipe or pump. This can occur for a variety of reasons, although ice in the winter is a possible culprit. We generally recommend that our customers prepare for winter by completely draining outdoor water fixtures and covering them before any freezing temperatures. This will prevent the ice from causing damage. Without draining the fixture, the water can freeze within the pipes and cause blockages and cracks.

Poor regular maintenance for the fixture and accidental damage can also cause cracks and related problems. If your pipes have been cracked, it is best for professionals to come and determine if they can be repaired or if they need to be replaced.

It is our goal for each of our customers to have beautiful water fixtures that they can enjoy. If your fixture is giving your problems related to spitting water, we recommend that you review the above ideas and see if one of these situations could possibly explain your difficulties. If you have any questions or need a repair, please contact WP Law, Inc for a consultation.

What type of piping material is best suited for my factory?

Posted on January 26, 2015September 8, 2022 by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

Here’s how to choose the right piping for your business.

Stacks of pipes

When it comes to piping for your factory, you need to make sure that you’ve picked the right material for the job. Sometimes more than one can be used for an application. Each of the major types — industrial plastics like PVC, mild and stainless Steel, and aluminum — have specific features that make them a better pick than the others for specific uses.

Industrial Plastics/PVC

PVC pipes are light, low maintenance, and low cost. They can be rigid or flexible with a plasticizer. This material is used for two-thirds of water distribution pipes and three-quarters of sanitation pipes. PVC pipe joints can be fused together, leaving them impervious to leaks. PVC does have limitations. For instance, it can be more prone to cracking in extreme cold situations.

Aluminum

Aluminum’s lightweight, strength, and resistance to corrosion make it a great choice for many construction applications. A softer metal than steel, it is easy to cut, weld, machine, and thread. There are a number of alloys of aluminum available for piping and tubes. Some offer better resistance to corrosion, while others feature easier cutting. Aluminum pipes can be used for irrigation and movement of fluids like oil. Corrosion can be an issue over time and in some applications where pipes will be exposed.

Steel and Stainless Steel

Steel is a highly durable material, which can make it the more desirable choice in many situations. It can be used for both water and sewage pipes. Structural steel pipes are used in a number of construction applications, such as handrails, fencing, and steel columns. The material handles heat well, making it a great choice for exhaust and chimney pipes.

Stainless steel contains higher levels of chromium, which lead to its brighter finish and resistance to corrosion. The chromium forms a barrier against moisture, which means that stainless steel is much less likely to rust and corrode than mild steel or aluminum. The bright finish of polished stainless steel is a good aesthetic choice for exposed pipes. It also offers great protection against the elements.

When looking at pipe choices for your factory, you will have to measure the strengths of each material against one another and against your specific priorities. By considering cost, ease of work, strength, and other factors, you can find the material that will serve your needs best.

Looking for a more detailed overview? Contact WP Law today to arrange a no-obligation consultation.

When would I want to use sub-surface drip irrigation versus regular drip irrigation?

Posted on January 19, 2015September 8, 2022 by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

Factors to consider when choosing methods of irrigation.

Plants with Irrigation System

When it comes to improving the efficiency and the usage of drip irrigation, we find that sub-surface drip irrigation offers several advantages over a standard drip irrigation system in certain situations. Although both systems will use intermittent drips to maximize the use of water in agriculture, the sub-surface system can sometimes help with cost reduction and higher profits.

Higher levels of efficiency in open fields

When the irrigation system is below the surface, the surface of the coil remains dry. This will reduce the amount of water that is lost because of evaporation and runoff. This is even true early in the season when the threat of evaporation increases because of the bare soil. This will allow you to reduce the amount of water waste, which will in turn reduce your costs associated with producing the crops.

Sub-surface systems also operate with smaller flow rates than surface systems. Although the overall energy consumption of the system will depend upon factors such as flow rates, pumping depth, and pressure, a well-designed system should be able to help you reduce the energy needed to operate the system. This will further reduce your production costs.

Impact on labor for large operations

According to the University of Nebraska, the amount of labor associated running and maintaining a sub-surface drip irrigation system is less than a surface system.

Sub-surface systems reduce the growth of weeds, especially in areas that are generally drier. This is particularly true for weeds that have shallow roots, since these roots will not reach the water source below the surface. This will reduce the work that needs to be done in the field and can potentially lead to higher crop yields at the end of the season.

There are considerable advantages associated with daily field maintenance tasks. When the surface of the soil remains drier, agricultural equipment will be able to work in the field even when the plants are being watered. This can help reduce downtime and help the farm run more efficiently. Higher efficiency will reduce labor costs, saving you money.

The sub-surface irrigation system can offer considerable benefits for those in agriculture. The water efficiency and the impact on labor make it possible for owners to recuperate their initial investments quickly while also improving the overall function of their farms. If you are interested in learning more about how one of these systems can help you, contact us at WP Law, Inc for a consultation. We would be happy to help answer any questions you have.

What are some tips for winterizing my pumps?

Posted on January 14, 2015September 8, 2022 by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

Avoid the headache of frozen pipes and pumps this winter.

Frozen Residential Pipes

Freezing pipes and pumps is a concern of every home and building owner as temperatures fall. Sub-freezing winter temperatures can mean damage to pumps that are not properly winterized. To make sure your water and sump pumps come through winter freezes intact and doing their jobs, do this seasonal maintenance:

Safety First

Before doing any winterizing on your pumps, disconnect the power to the unit. This ensures that the pumps are not accidentally turned on while they are being worked on.

Protect Against Rust

Clean off any dirt or grime that could accumulate moisture. If there is any raw metal, paint it as it could otherwise rust. Use paint that is lead and chromate-free. Make sure that any pump numbers and motor identification tags are left unpainted and legible.

Prevent Blockages

When picking discharge hoses for your sump pump, remember that bigger is better. When water has a wider avenue to escape, there is a lower chance of freezes blocking the pipes. A longer hose can also lead water farther from the building.

Make Gravity Work for You

If you have the option, have pipes run downhill from the pump. When the water is flowing away easily, it can prevent back-ups and freezes. Gravity can also keep water pumped from sump pumps from pooling near buildings.

Keeping Pipes Warm

Maintaining heat is another way to ensure that the pump’s pipes do not freeze and break. Make sure that the end of the discharge pipe is buried in the ground before you insulate; the end will need to go beneath any surface ground that is frozen. Then cover exposed sections of piping in heavy duty tape or lagging straw. If insulation does not seem to provide enough warmth to protect against freezes, additional heat may be needed. Keep basement rooms with sump and water pumps warm enough to keep water from freezing.

Seasonal Storage

If you have water pumps that are only used seasonally, they will need to be prepared for storage during the winter months. Make sure that they are thoroughly drained and flushed before storage. If you are storing a pump dry, check that all ducts and pipes are sealed to prevent rodents from getting inside. If wrapping in plastic, ensure that air can get in and out. Otherwise, accumulated condensation can cause rust.

By inspecting and maintaining pipes and pumps, you can keep your system in working order and prevent costly repairs. Are your pumps due for repair or annual maintenance? Contact WP Law for a consultation.

Month: January 2015