I’m expanding my warehouse. How can I connect to my existing sewage system?

Navigating the installation process for connecting to your sewage system doesn’t have to be so confusing.

Connecting to Existing Sewage System

Business expansions often mean making physical improvements to your property, as well. When your warehouses get bigger, this will usually include connecting your new space to your existing sewage system.

Codes and Compliance

First, ensure that you have the permits or approval needed to make the new connection. Contact the correct water and sewage company for your area to find out what forms, plans, and fees are needed to proceed. The forms and information can often be found on the utility website. WP Law has 45 years of experience dealing with municipal utilities, and can guide you through the process to ensure that you have everything that you need.

The Right Connectors

There are a few different connectors that can be used to connect to the existing sewer line. Each has a different purpose and works best in different scenarios. Branch junctions are among the simplest and cheapest ways to connect to an existing line. Oblique junctions come into the pipe at an angle. Square junctions attach with a soft curve.

It’s important to note that they cannot be accessed for cleaning, maintenance, and repair. These fittings should only be used with the addition of access fittings. Access chambers can be used for single connections. They can be used to a depth of 600mm.

Installing the New Connection

Both types of junctions can be inserted into the existing pipeline using either universal or sliding couplings. Sliding couplings do not have a central register, which allows them to slide right on to an existing pipe. Universal couplings have adjustable collars at each end of the coupling, which are tightened using clips. These are a good choice for awkward angles or when you are connecting two different types of pipe.

Running New Lines

Pipes will have to be run from your new expansion to the existing sewer system. It’s important to ensure that you have the right pipe and risers to get the needed level of pressure. Testing to ensure that everything is working should be completed before any back filling over new pipes is done.

WP Law can help ensure that your new installations and tie-ins to existing lines are safe, effective, and compliant with all local codes. Contact us today for a consultation on your next industrial sewer project.

How Do I Install an Irrigation System in my Yard?

Here are a few things to consider when planning an irrigation system installation.

Irrigation System

Whether you’re trying to reduce water consumption, increase home automation, or just have an amazing-looking lawn, installing an irrigation system can make a huge difference to your home’s appearance and value. But what happens during an irrigation system installation? How do you go about installing an irrigation system for your yard? Here are some things to consider when planning an irrigation system installation:

Considerations when Planning Your System

When you’re planning your irrigation system, there are several things to keep in mind. At a minimum, you’ll want to consider the sprinkler heads you’re planning on using, how much area they’ll cover, and the spacing distance. You’ll need to plan accordingly.

Should you be worried about water siphoning back through the irrigation system and contaminating your water supply? Definitely! An anti-siphon valve or other back flow preventer will help you avoid this issue in your new system.

Are you setting up an automated system? Will it be controlled by weather readings or time settings? You can set up an automated system to water at particular intervals, but if you can afford it, a system that is controlled based on temperature, humidity, rainfall, and wind speed can help save water and money.

Are you planning on injecting chemicals, such as fertilizers and pesticides, into your system so that they can be applied while your lawn is being watered? If so, you’ll need to plan an injector and its components into your design.

Impact on Your Lawn

When you’re ready to start your installation, remember the impact this can have on your lawn. The very first step is to mark out any underground utility lines such as power, gas, sewer, and communications. You’ll need to dig channels for the pipes and sprinkler risers to fit in. While you’re digging, you may want to consider fixing problem drainage areas by including drain tile and similar features.

To help your lawn recover as quickly as possible, try cutting the turf you’ll need to remove and leaving it in place until you’re actually ready for the installation. Then you can simply tip the turf out of the hole, add the new components and fit the turf back in. If you’re using a power tool such as a ditch witch or mini excavator, having some turf on hand to replace the damaged areas makes it easy to get your beautiful lawn back quickly.

Installing an irrigation system can seem tricky. At WP Law, we’re here to help you install an irrigation system that will keep you yard looking beautiful. Contact us today for a consultation.

Weed of the Week – Crabgrass

Crabgrass
Type: Grassy
Life Cycle: Annual (warm-season)


Crabgrass is a grassy annual weed that is tufted and prostrate in growth.  Leaves have fine hairs on both surfaces.  Produces a seedhead with two to nine finger like branches.  Crabgrass reproduces by seed and one plant can disperse 150,000 seeds per season.  It typically germinates in early winter/late spring and will continue to germinate throughout the spring and mid-summer.  The best way to deal with crabgrass is to prevent it by using pre-emergent, W.P. Law, Inc. recommends barricade.  If you have missed the window of prevention and the crabgrass has already started popping up around you yard, you can use Celsius, Image, or Solitaire to try and control the problem.  If you have any questions about Crabgrass or how to deal with it, come in and see us or give us a call at 803-461-0599.

Why Is Drip Irrigation Recommended for Growing Fruits?

Installing a drip irrigation system for your fruit operation is a great way to produce healthier fruit with less maintenance overhead.

Fruit Drip Irrigation

Keeping fruit plants adequately watered is an important part of agriculture. Why is drip irrigation so highly recommended for irrigation within this industry? Here are some great details to consider when you’re thinking about adding an irrigation system to your agricultural production system.

Drip irrigation basically provides a small amount of water on a continuous basis to a very small, concentrated area of soil. It often uses very small tubes, micro misting heads, micro sprinkling heads, or soaker hoses. Drip irrigation using small tubes is the most popular option for fruit growing for the following reasons:

Controlling Where the Water Goes

In most irrigation systems, the water you’re irrigating with sprays across a wider area instead of only where you want it. By using drip irrigation, the water is focused where it’s needed – on the plant that’s producing the fruit. This helps prevent erosion and allows you to use less water.

Because drip irrigation allows you to only water the plant you intend, you use much less water in drip irrigation than you do in other irrigation forms. You don’t end up watering the ground, grass, pathways, or unwanted plants. The water trickles down to the roots of the plants you want it to and does not gather or provide nutrients to additional areas that might harbor weeds or pests.

Lower Weed Competition

Weeds grow well because they can compete with your plants for the same resources – sunlight, soil nutrients, and water. Drip irrigation takes out one part of that equation by minimizing water available to weed plants. In turn, this means that fewer weeds are grown and even fewer become problematic. They can’t establish a good foothold in your production areas.

Fewer Mold and Mildew Issues

Mold and mildew issues are the bane of any fruit grower’s operation. When you use drip irrigation, you’re able to keep the water in the soil instead of on the fruit. Water is not spraying or running anywhere other than directly into the soil and the roots. By not providing extra moisture for mold and mildew to grow, you’re helping break the life cycle of many common mold and mildew organisms. This turns into lower overhead, as you don’t need additional manpower to spray the plants as often with expensive chemicals. Furthermore, you will likely experience higher profits as you’re producing more sellable fruit per plant.

Drip irrigation makes great sense for the average fruit grower, but it can be difficult to determine exactly what your farm’s needs are just by looking at the land. Contact us today for a comprehensive consultation on getting your farm set up with efficient, environmentally-friendly drip irrigation.

Why Am I Losing Pressure in my Riser Pipe?

Loss of pressure in your riser pipes can be frustrating and perplexing because pressure loss could be due to a number of factors.

Loss of Pressure in Riser Pipe

To find the right solution to your pressure loss, you need to figure out the cause of your sudden or chronic loss of pressure. A few possible causes:

Problems in the Local Area

The issue may not be in your facility, but in the water supply that leads to it. There may be planned work that could interrupt pressure at your facility. You should also look for emergency updates in your area that could explain the pressure loss.

Clogs or Deposits in Pipes

A clog can keep water from flowing freely, resulting in a loss in pressure. Check the main water supply and water taps throughout your facility. If you have good pressure in one area but not another, this can help you identify where the problem is occurring.

Rust, algae, and mineral deposits can build up in pipes. This is particularly common in older iron piping systems. These can be physically or chemically removed to expand the volume of the pipe and improve water flow and pressure.

Broken Valves

Often, it is not the riser pipe itself that is the issue. The problem can lie with valves that connect pipes to one another. Check all valves to ensure that they are working properly. One that is frozen or not moving correctly can keep water from flowing freely.

Frozen Pipes

During cold weather, water can freeze in pipes, causing them to expand and crack. The resulting leaks can cause the water pressure inside your building to fall. To prevent frozen pipes, make sure that they are always well insulated. Keep bay doors closed to keep warmth inside your buildings. If your pipes are exposed to the elements, allowing cold water to drip from faucets can keep it moving and prevent freezing.

Improperly Installed Pipe Risers

If you have just installed your system and are not getting the water pressure you need, installation errors could be to blame. When pipe risers are being fabricated and installed, you need to account for the friction and elevation. A qualified installer can help make sure that your system is adequate for your environment and needs.

WP Law has been assisting businesses with their pipe repair and fabrication needs since 1970. Contact us today to help with your pipe repair project.

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