September 2016

Pre-Winter Pond Care Checklist

Posted on September 29, 2016September 8, 2022 by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

It’s not too early to start thinking about getting your pond or outdoor water feature ready for fall and winter. Pre-winter maintenance is easy and vital to the health of your pond. Failing to take these steps may create the need for expensive repairs or modifications in the spring. Here are the steps you should take to prepare your pond for fall and winter.

Water

• Keep leaves from falling into your pond with netting. The netting will prevent leaves and other debris from entering the pond, making for very easy cleanup in the spring.• Change out up to half of the water. This step will remove contaminants and create better water condition to get through the winter. It’s best to do this when the temperature of the pond water is roughly the same as the water source. Just make certain the temperature is above 60°F to prevent stress to aquatic life.
• Add a conditioning agent with bacterial additives. Make sure the agent is formulated to work during colder temperatures.
• Clean organic matter from the bottom of the pond.

Water Pumps

• Clean pond pump filters thoroughly.
• If the water temperature gets below 45°F, turn the pump(s) off and remove the filter media and main pump. This will keep freezing temperatures from damaging the pump.
• Drain the pump according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Plants
• Winter non-hardy plants indoors or in a greenhouse.• If you have hardy water lilies, clip off any pads and buds and place the lily in the deepest part of your pond where the tuber will not freeze.

Fish

• When the water temperature gets lower than 70°F, you’ll mix wheat germ food with your koi’s regular feed. The wheat germ formula helps digestion.• When temperatures get below 60°F, feed wheat germ food exclusively.
• If the water reaches 40°F, don’t feed koi at all.

If you have any questions relating to winterizing your pond, contact the experts at W.P. Law today!

What Can Cause Extreme Fluctuations in Water Pressure?

Posted on September 15, 2016September 8, 2022 by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

Water pressure fluctuation is one of the most commonly reported troubles with fluid handling systems. When you have a system in place to deliver water, fertilizer or other liquids, you should be able to rely on a consistent, measurable flow. If you are experiencing extreme fluctuations, one of the following issues might be the cause.

Air in the Pipes

When air gets trapped in a piping system it acts as a valve and can “pinch off” or reduce the effective pipe size reducing flow and causing additional pressure loss due to friction. Air will usually accumulate at the highest point in the piping system, but it can also accumulate in fittings and valves, especially when there is a sudden concentric reduction in pipe size. Symptoms include sputtering, a lack of flow, and then a sudden burst. Air in the pipes can be caused by a leaking suction line, damaged tank bladders, a faulty pump, gas build up in the well system, or one or more leaks in the pipe line.

Municipal Water Failure

From time to time, municipalities experience water failures that can impact entire neighborhoods. In addition, in areas experiencing severe drought, municipalities may redirect water for urgent use elsewhere. If you suspect that external forces might cause a drop in pressure, check with neighbors to see if they’re having similar problems, or call the town hall for updates on water supply issues.

Pressure Regulator Malfunction

Too much pressure can cause pipes to leak or burst, and of course leads to waste. If you are seeing signs of sudden pressure bursts, take a look at the pressure regulator. These are intended to help to control the pressure and protect your fluid handling system. You can ensure that the regulator works as a safety mechanism by installing it at the water meter just as it comes in from your municipal supplier. Proper water pressure on an irrigation system will also help reduce misting and water waste.

Broken Pipe

If everything is going along smoothly and the water flow drops to a trickle, there may be a broken pipeline. Major leaks and breaks will cause a dramatic reduction in pressure and flow.
Are you currently experience extreme fluctuations in water pressure? Contact W.P. Law, and let the experts handle your needs today!

Know These 10 Benefits of Using Effluent Spray Systems On Your Farm

Posted on September 8, 2016September 8, 2022 by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

Good effluent management is made up of a mix of having a good system in place, the best processes to use that system, and assurance that the effluence is being applied at the right time in the right place. Here are 10 key benefits of using effluent spray system on your farm.

1. Savings on Fertilizer

When you use an effluent spray system, you save on fertilizer expense. An effluent spray system enables you to utilize the inherent nutrients in the effluent rather than lose that nutrient value to waste.

2. Application Control

Effluent spray systems provide built-in capabilities to control application saturation. Farmers can mathematically calculate the intensity of the application according to variances such as soil moisture, condition, and topography.

3. Environmental Compliance

With an effluent spray system, farm owners can provide proof of environmental compliance with data such as application region, usage, and output.

4. Better Ground Coverage

Effluent spray systems allow operators to cover more ground faster than other methods of effluent application.

5. Measurable Results

Effluent spray systems should have flow meters so that farm owners know exactly how much effluent is being sprayed, at what pressure, and for how long.

6. More Efficient Labor

Time is always in short supply on a farm. Automated effluent spray systems free up man power so they can take care of other tasks on the farm.

7. Less Storage Needed

With a properly designed and operated effluent spray system less lagoon storage may be required.

8. Fewer Moving Parts

Effluent spray systems are very simple and have few components to give trouble. Effluent sprinklers are designed for the rough service that they face. The same is true with the valves and pumps used in these systems.

9. Easy to Add-on to the System

Effluent spray systems can be broken up into zones to allow flexibility in application rates. Adding additional zones as your operation grows is very easy to do.

10. Easy To Manage In Rough Or Rolling Terrain

Effluent spray systems can easily apply waste to uneven terrain. Tanker trucks and spray wagons do not perform well on difficult terrain. Tip-over can be a concern in the most extreme cases. Not this is an issue with a solid-set effluent spray system.

What are you waiting for? If you are seeking an effluent solution, contact the experts in fluid handling equipment at W.P. Law. Whether you need more information about effluent spray systems, or any other fluid handling system, chances are we’ve got the solution for you!

Common Signs of Pipe Corrosion

Posted on September 1, 2016September 8, 2022 by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

Even the highest quality metal piping system will corrode over time due to oxidation. Severe corrosion can lead to burst pipes, resulting in major property damage that costs thousands in repairs. The longer corrosion is left unchecked, the more costly it will be to repair. Keep an eye out for these warning signs and catch pipe corrosion early.

Discolored Water

Water that has been discolored by corrosion may be either obvious straight from the tap or it may leave behind stains in the sink, bathtub, or toilet tank. The most dramatically tinted water will be from the “first-draw” of the day. First-draw water is an important indicator of corrosion due to sitting in the pipes overnight.
Corroded copper pipes will leave blue-green stains, while galvanized iron/steel pipes will dye water the familiar reddish brown of rust.
Look for consistent changes over time. Occasional discoloration unrelated to corrosion can happen after a water supply is turned back on after lengthy disuse or when work is being done on municipal lines.

Strange Taste

Changes to the taste of your tap water are another sign of corrosion. Corroded copper pipes create a metallic taste, while high levels of lead produce a sweet taste. Cold first-draw water that is bitter but goes away later in the day also indicates pope corrosion.

Leaks

While leaks can have many causes, they are probably the most obvious sign of corrosion. Low water pressure may be caused by a hidden leak. Frequent leaks especially may indicate the presence of “aggressive” corrosive water or that aging metal pipes may be due for replacement.

Frequent Clogs

Pipes that are easily clogged can also mean corrosion. Oxidation and mineral deposits can build up on the inside of pipes, narrowing them.

What can be done?

If you suspect pipe corrosion, consider contacting us at WP Law for more information. We can help to identify corrosion, determine its root cause, and repair any resulting damage.

Month: September 2016