November 2018

DIY: Simplifying Winter Lawn Care

Posted on November 27, 2018September 8, 2022 by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

The last thing that will probably be on your mind during winter is your lawn. This is the time that you will spend the least amount of time thinking about your yard. However, this doesn’t mean you don’t have to take care of it during this season. There are still lots of things that you can do to keep your lawn in great shape throughout winter.

Here are some simple DIY winter lawn care tips that you should know.

Aerate the Soil

One of the best ways of keeping your lawn healthy during winter is by aerating the soil. Aerating your lawn provides the much-needed air for lawn’s root system. Aeration can be done by hand, but power aerators are available for rent at most equipment rental centers for a reasonable price. Power aerators not only make the job easier, but they also do a much better job of aerating the soil.

Keep It Clean

Keep lawn debris, such as leaves and fallen branches picked up on a regular basis. Leaves and other debris can shade out and kill areas of turf over the winter.

Mowing

It’s important to keep cutting your grass during the weeks before winter so that it is as short as possible at the end of the growing season. Shorter grass discourages nesting by mice and other animals which may damage large areas of your lawn.

Do you have any questions about winter lawn care? Contact W.P Law Incorporated today on everything about lawn care and maintenance.

Backflow Preventer: Why Do I Need One?

Posted on November 20, 2018September 8, 2022 by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

What is a Backflow Preventer and why do I need one?

Many people do not understand the importance of having an irrigation backflow preventer and why it is necessary. The landscape around your home or business is filled with all sorts of things that can make you sick if ingested. Fertilizers, pesticides and the bacteria found in pet wastes just to name a few.

Most irrigation systems are connected to a potable water supply. Backflow preventers, as the name implies, prevent contaminated water from flowing back into the potable water supply. Backflow can occur if there is a sudden pressure drop in the municipal water line. This could be caused by the opening of a fire hydrant for example. When the pressure drops on the supply side of an irrigation system, water that is standing around a sprinkler head can be drawn back into the municipal water line, thus contaminating the potable water supply. Backflow preventers keep this from happening.

Because the potential risk for contamination is high, most municipalities require the installation of a backflow prevention device on all irrigation systems and require that they be tested at least annually.

There are several types of backflow prevention devices. The type of device you are required to install is largely dictated by local codes. These codes can vary by water purveyor so make sure you contact them for a list of approved devices and manufacturers.

Visit the irrigation specialists at W.P. Law, Inc. for quality irrigation systems and supplies, plus get more information and advice on why an irrigation backflow preventer can be a benefit for your system.

Winterization Guide for your Irrigation System

Posted on November 13, 2018September 8, 2022 by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

With the growing season coming to a close and winter just around the corner, now is the time to turn our attention to winterizing our irrigation system. The old adage of an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure certainly holds true when it comes to preparing our irrigation system for the winter. A little bit of time now will save a lot of time and expense when spring rolls around and it is time to get things running again.

Protecting Your Irrigation System

Any exposed piping is susceptible to damage from freezing weather. To help minimize damage due to freezing, drain all water from your system. Valve and sprinkler risers should be equipped with drain valves that are below ground. These drain valves should be opened and left open during the winter months. If above ground piping cannot be drained, it should be well insulated.
Drain all pumps and filters. Most pumps have a drain plug located at the base of the volute (or pump casing). This plug should be removed and left out over the winter. If the plug is reinstalled, condensation can accumulate in the casing and cause freeze damage. Power should also be switched off to prevent the pumps from being accidentally turned on, as running them dry can cause severe damage.
Shut down the controller for automatic systems. This prevents accidental activation of the pumps, which could be damaged by running dry if they have been properly winterized.
Backflow preventers and valves above the ground should be protected. Insulation tape can be used. Drain outlets on backflow preventers and air vents should not be blocked in the process.

Winter weather can be a source of severe damage to your irrigation system if it is not properly protected. W.P. Law has economical solutions to fit your needs. Contact your irrigation specialist today for a safe transition into winter.

Keys to Selecting an Industrial Pump

Posted on November 6, 2018September 8, 2022 by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

Industrial pumps are subject to difficult working conditions and yet, are expected to function effectively for long hours. It is therefore critical to select the right pump to guarantee high performance, longevity, and reliability. W. P. Law, Inc. is a leading provider of industrial pump products for municipalities, food processing, and manufacturing processes.

From our years of experience, we have prepared the following list of key considerations when selecting an industrial pump:

1. Materials of Construction

The material used in the construction of the pump should be compatible with the liquid to be processed. Compatibility is vital to avoid chemical reactions which can jeopardize the integrity of the equipment and put people who are around at risk. Compatibility is also crucial to ensure a buyer obtains value for their purchase.

2. The Sensitivity of the Pump to an Operation

It is essential to establish how sensitive a pump is to the success of an operation. For instance, we recommend buyers to settle on high-quality pumps containing special features in processes where downtime is unacceptable. Even though the initial costs of the pump might be high, the pump is economical in the long run.

3. Pump Environment

A pump’s working environment plays a crucial part in influencing its construction, installation, and longevity. Outdoor pumps might, for instance, require protection against extreme weather conditions. The special features needed on such pumps might make them more expensive.

4. The Rate of Flow and Pressure

Buyers need to know the performance requirements and the fluid that is being pumped. Pumps are sized based on the required flow rate (usually expressed in gallons per minute) and the required head or pressure (usually expressed as TDH or PSI).

Contact W.P Law to seek professional advice on any question about industrial pumps and other equipment used in handling fluids.

Month: November 2018