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December 2017

Greetings,

 

As we wrap up another successful year, we want to send you our sincere thanks for being our customer.     

 

Your loyalty has helped us build a locally-managed company focused on the needs of professionals like you.   We pledge to keep improving with new products, services and ideas that can help you be even more successful.  

 

If you have ideas on how we can better serve you, please share them with our team members or simply "reply" to this email.

 

We are very optimistic about the overall market in 2018.  We look forward to working with you more in the months ahead. 

 

We appreciate your business.

 

Best wishes for a safe and relaxing holiday season. 

 

 

The Team at MPR Supply  

 

Mark Your Calendar: MPR's 2018 Conference & Trade Show 

 

Save the date!   

 

Plan to join us on Wednesday, January 24, 2018 for the MPR CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW.   

 

Stay tuned for more details.

 

 

 

 

3 Easy Steps to Calculating Landscape Drainage Needs  

 

By following the steps outlined in this article, you will be able to determine the amount of water draining from your customer's property and ways that this water can be efficiently stored.

 

Step 1: Calculate Stormwater Runoff using the Rational Method: Q = C x I x A where

  • Q = Storm Water Runoff (in cubic feet per second)
  • C = Coefficient of Runoff
  • I = Rainfall Intensity (in inches per hour)
  • A = Area of Drainage Zone (in acres)

Draw a sketch of the customer's yard to gather the area measurements. Examine the property to determine where and how much water is draining.

Step 2:  Calculate the volume of water being stored
Each municipality has their specific rules when it comes to determining how much water can be drained off of a property. A method that is commonly used is called the First Flush rule  (check your local codes).

The First Flush rule states that the first 15 minutes (or other duration determined by your municipality) of water from a storm must be stored on your property. Any water after that first 15 minutes can be discharged off your property.

Step 3: Determine how to store runoff
There are two ways that this water can be stored: 1) above ground in retention and detention ponds and 2) Below ground in dry wells, french drains, etc.

The NDS Flo-Well and Ezflow are two products that can help you efficiently store your runoff.

Click here for a complete step by step guide on How to Calculate Drainage.

 

In a six part video series, NDS' resident civil engineer, Dr. Drainage, walks you through how to calculate runoff, store runoff, size a catch basin and determine what drain pipe to use. Click here to view the entire series.  

 

In addition to these videos, NDS has created a series of online calculators that make it easy for contractors to plug in information from their job site and it helps you calculate drainage for your customer's dry well, French drain, and drain pipe.

 

 

 

How Non-UL 486D Connectors Put You at Risk

 

It's just a twist-on wire connector, how different could one really be from the other? The answer is miles apart. Especially when working in potentially wet, damp or direct bury locations, using a connector that is UL 486D Listed is fundamental to the integrity of the connection and the functionality of an overall irrigation or lighting system.

 

Choosing a non-UL connector can really put a contracting company at risk. Here's how:

  1. Liability: Using a connector not approved by a reputable source (UL) means the risk of injury or property damage increases exponentially. If an injury or property damage occurs due to a faulty connection, the company who installed that system can be held liable.
  2. Compliance: A non-UL Listed connector puts the entire system at risk of non-compliance with national and local codes.
  3. Reputation: In this world of online reviews and smarter consumers, sacrificing quality is not an option. One non-UL connector failure could destroy an entire irrigation or lighting system...and take your reputation down with it.

 

King Innovation's  DryConn® Black Series Wire Connectors have the coveted UL 486D Listing. They have endured rigorous testing to confirm they are completely waterproof, direct bury, corrosion proof, UV resistant and compliant with all UL 1838 landscape lighting systems.    Take a look at the video to learn more about DryConn Black Series Connectors!  

 

 

 

TT-Series Pumps & Variable Speed Controllers, the Perfect Combination for Water Features     

 

As more and more water features are built into the Backyard Oasis, the need for efficient, long-lasting, silent pumps increases. Atlantic's TT-Series Asynchronous Pumps are the best choice for most water feature applications. They deliver more flow for fewer watts. They are compact and work both horizontally and vertically. They resist hard water buildup. They service quickly and easily. Disconnect the latched pre-filter and twist off the volute in seconds, without tools, for the easiest service, cleaning and repair in the industry. The largest in the line, the TT9000 is the most powerful magnetic induction pump on the market today, with flows up to 9500 GPH at less than 590 watts, and the rest of the line offers even greater flows per watt. All feature large threaded inlets and outlets for greater flow, screened rotor chambers for excellent heat dissipation and minimal lime buildup, and a ribbed pre-filter screen that provides huge surface area front, sides and back, reducing clogging. Best of all, every pump in the line can now be controlled, wirelessly, from a remote, tablet or cellphone, via the TidalWave Variable Speed Control.

 

The TWVSC starts, stops and varies the speed of TT pumps from 20% power in 10 steps up to 100% at the touch of a button, making every pump in the line a variable speed pump.

Just plug the TT-Series pump into the Control Module and plug the Module in to set start time, stop time, adjust flow up for show or down to decrease wattage and operating costs. Access the controls directly on the Module, use the remote to communicate wirelessly via 2.4GHz over a 100-foot range, or download the TidalWave VSC application for Apple or Android phone or tablet. Unlike integrated variable speed pumps, where the loss of any component makes the pump permanently inoperable, all the components of the Atlantic Variable Speed Control system can be interchanged and replaced, reconnecting automatically at the push of the power button. Automatic connection also allows multiple pumps to be controlled with a single remote. Atlantic's TT Pumps with Variable Speed Control - a great combination.

 

 

 

What is Backflow?  Why Are Backflow Preventers Needed?

 

Backflow Preventers are a common item in irrigation supply houses and are mandated by code in many areas, but have you ever wondered what backflow is, and why backflow preventers are required?


What Is Backflow?

Backflow is the undesirable reversal of flow of a possible source of contamination into the potable water system. Backflow is a risk in all irrigation applications, and a solution to protect drinking water systems must be provided.


When Does Backflow Occur?

Backflow is caused by pressure changes, including conditions of gravity, vacuum, etc. The two factors that contribute to backflow are backsiphonage and backpressure.


What is a Backflow Preventer?
Backflow preventers are designed to protect the public, potable water supply from the hazards of backflow (contaminants and pollutants). For more information on the importance of backflow and how to select the right backflow prevention device, visit www.zurn.com or click here 

 

Ideal Backflow Preventers for Irrigation Systems

  • Pressure Vacuum Breaker: protects against backsiphonage in low and high hazard situations
  • Reduced Pressure Principle Assembly: protects against backsiphonage and backpressure conditions in low and high hazard situations

Visit the Zurn Wilkins Irrigation YouTube Playlist for informational backflow device videos, including troubleshooting and maintenance tips.

 

 

 

New On-Line Training Resources Get Your Team Ready for Holiday Decorating Season 

 

The Seasonal Source training portal is the most effective and easy way to learn about holiday lighting. Our courses are extensive and cover every part of the holiday lighting process. Plus, it is FREE for contractors. Take a look at the courses we have available: