Where should I use drip irrigation systems?

Drip Irrigation Pipes

What Is Drip Irrigation?

Drip irrigation waters plants literally one drop at a time. Sometimes the delivery mechanism runs across the open ground. Other times it’s buried underneath the soil. In either case, all drip irrigation systems contain three essential features:

  1. A pressurized source that maintains consistent water delivery. This can be a pump or simply a gravity-fed, graded layout.
  2. Tubing or pipe with small emission devices to control the release of water.
  3. Some type of filtration mechanism to keep dirt and debris out of the system.

This last feature points out one of the primary challenges of using drip irrigation: the need for effective filtration. Even a small amount of dirt or other contaminant can clog up the works, starving plants of needed nourishment.

Distributing fertilizer is another challenge when using drip irrigation. Traditional granular fertilizing agents can be applied prior to planting. Drip grade liquid fertilizers are available for injection into the drip irrigation system and can be used as supplements to the granular fertilizer.

So, should you use drip irrigation or not? The answer to this question depends on multiple factors. Here are six pros and cons of the method to help you make an informed decision.

Pros

  1. Drip irrigation is far more efficient than traditional methods. This makes it ideal for locations in which limited water is available for agricultural use.
  2. Drip irrigation can use partially treated wastewater, removing the need to make it potable first.
  3. Drip irrigation allows growers to fine-tune their watering methods to the unique characteristics of their soil, growing season, and other variables.

Cons

  1. Depending on the field layout, size, and elevation changes, drip irrigation systems can be complex and expensive to install.
  2. As mentioned before, effective filtration is essential to prevent drip irrigation systems from clogging.
  3. Because the grower never sees the water being delivered to the root systems, he or she must monitor plant health and growth carefully to ensure adequate hydration.

Have other questions about drip irrigation? We invite you to contact W.P. Law, Inc. for more information.

4 signs your lift station may need professional attention

Inspecting a Lift Station

In nearly all cases, lift stations work properly when regularly maintained by an experienced professional. Even when maintained, problems can arise, and if not dealt with properly and soon enough they can lead to significant and even long term problems. It is always best to contact a professional team for repairs, but some situations definitely warrant a call sooner rather than later. If you are having sewer related problems, it’s best to call in the pros.

1. High Level Alarm

The most obvious sign that there is a problem with your lift station is the high level alarm sounding. High water level alarms produce an audible and visual (flashing light) signal that the water level in the sump is rising. This is usually an indication that the pump is not working at all or that it is not pumping at a high enough rate to keep up with the amount of water coming into the sump. If this happens, you may have a lack of power going to the tank. Check the breakers to determine the power is on. If this does not work, you may need to replace the flat switch for the pump.

2. You Have a Strong Odor

If you have a sewer odor, this is generally coming from the basement or from your sump outdoors and may warrant a call to a professional to determine the underlying problem. Odors from the bathroom should also be taken care of by a professional. Keep in mind these odors can signal problems with drains being blocked.

3. Sewer and Water Backups

Another common reason to call a professional is happens when there is a sewage or water backup. This typically occurs due to a blockage but can also be caused by a pump failure.

4. Drainage Is Slow

In most situations, drains provide an indication there is a problem. Over time, they slow down. This may not be noticeable at first, but it becomes noticeable as the problem worsens. You can troubleshoot here, but it is best to have a professional out instead.

You Need Immediate Help

Troubleshooting doesn’t always work and takes time. For faster results, call a team of professionals instead especially if your system is complex.

Pump Repair Is Necessary

Pump repair and fabrication is often necessary when pump stations fail or become inefficient. Older systems are more commonly in need of a repair sooner. Do not put off such repairs. Instead, call the professionals out to help you immediately to get your pumps working the best they can. At W.P. Law, we can help you immediately.

How can I get an old well into working condition again?

Old Well

An older, nonworking well can seem like nothing more than a nuisance on your property. Even if you’ve been at the location for years, old, nonworking wells can be revitalized. If you are thinking about bringing back into service here are a few things to consider.

Inspecting the Problem

The first step is always to determine the underlying problem and the overall condition of the well. If you have yet to do so, hire a professional well driller to provide a full inspection. Remember, too, that conditions can change and information passed down from other owners can differ from actual circumstances.

An inspection will confirm critical information about the well such as the depth and flow rate. It will also determine the condition of the mechanical components of the well such as the pump, motor, wiring and casing. Water quality is also a big issue depending on how the well will be used and water testing is often necessary. This information gathering can then outline a few steps you can take to get that old well back up and running again.

Assessment, Treatment, Replacement

A customized solution for your well is necessary. It may involve these three elements:

  • Assessment: Evaluate the physical characteristics of the well, the condition of the pumping equipment, and the water quality.
  • Treatment: Treating the well with chlorine may be necessary to kill harmful bacteria.
  • Replacement: Replacing the pump, pump motor, wiring, and drop pipe will allow for many years of renewed service.

Which is the right solution to your well problem? That depends on many factors. If you are considering drilling a new well, hold off long enough to have a professional out to look at your current well or an older well on the property. Of course, it is helpful to know why this well is no longer used, but many times the right help can help resolve these problems for you.

W.P. Law, Inc. is here to help you. Contact us today to discuss the specific areas of concern you have as well as why you think your old well is no longer usable. Chances are good repairs and replacements can happen to help get that well back up and operational in no time.

Choosing valves for corrosive environments

Inside of a W.P. Law Location

Selecting the right type of valve for any project isn’t always as easy as it may seem. There are a variety of factors that must be taken into consideration to ensure that the valve will provide years of uninterrupted service. Not only does the fluid passing through the valve need to be considered, but the environment in which the valve will be operating is equally important. Valves may operate in a variety of environments depending upon the application. Valves that operate in agricultural and construction environments typically only have to worry about the elements. However, some industrial valve application must operate in highly corrosive environments. These corrosive environments can limit some of the options for a valve’s components making the selection process difficult. So how do you make the correct valve selection? Here are some things to consider.

What Makes The Environment Corrosive?

The environment and the type of corrosion resistance required will vary from one project to the next. Is the corrosive environment caused by salt spray near the ocean, chlorine fumes in a commercial pool pump room, or acidic gases in a plating operation? These are just some of the examples of corrosive environments that valve must operate in. Know what is creating the corrosive environment is the first step in finding the proper valve. Many people immediately look at stainless steel as a solution. However, in many cases there are thermoplastic valves that are better suited and much more cost effective.

Functionality Matters

Aside from corrosive resistance, it is also important to consider the overall durability required of the valve. Impact resistance, fatigue strength, and UV resistance are all factors to consider as well. Metal valves may be better suited for applications where there is a high risk of physical damage.

Factors to Keep In Mind

When selecting valves for any application, consider the following:

  • What is the fluid flowing through the valve?
  • Is the valve in a corrosive environment?
  • What is the risk of physical damage?
  • What are my options? Metal vs. plastic.
  • Other factors that make the application unique.

Overall, each situation requires careful consideration of the application in which the valve will need to perform. To get the help you need in selecting the right product, contact W.P. Law, Inc.

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