When it comes to lawn and landscape irrigation systems, we take enormous pride in our installations, service, and design. The installation of an automatic sprinkler system should be carried out properly from the early planning stages through final activation, and the customer should be properly educated on how and when to use it.
Most of the main components of a lawn irrigation system are underground, and most property owners are not present during installation. That makes it very difficult to know exactly what you’re getting for your money and whether or not the system has been designed and installed correctly.
If an issue arises later, it may require extensive repair work or even design changes. That’s why it’s critical to get the installation done right the first time by a qualified lawn irrigation contractor.
Types of Lawn Irrigation Systems
Not all sprinkler systems are created equal. Choosing the right type can save you money, water, and headaches down the line. Here are the main options:
1. In-Ground Sprinkler Systems
The classic choice for most homeowners. Installed underground, these systems are automated and cover large lawns with ease. They’re convenient and durable, but installation costs are higher upfront.
2. Drip Irrigation Systems
Perfect for gardens and landscaped beds. Drip systems deliver water directly to the roots, reducing waste and keeping plants healthy. They’re budget-friendly and ideal if you want to save water.
3. Smart Irrigation Systems
The high-tech option. These systems use weather sensors and Wi-Fi controls to adjust watering schedules automatically. They help prevent overwatering and can save money on your water bill over time.
Questions to Ask Your Irrigation Contractor
Here are some important questions to ask before you hire a lawn sprinkler system contractor or landscape irrigation contractor:
1. Have you measured the water pressure and volume of water at the source?
Lawn sprinklers depend entirely on water pressure and volume. If the system is not designed and built around the existing water pressure and volume of water, it will never operate properly.
2. Does your design plan take the different sun and shade areas of my yard into consideration when separating the zones?
Part of the reason that an irrigation system is separated into zones is because different areas of your lawn and landscape will require different amounts of water. It is important to take sun and shade into consideration when planning.
3. Do you combine spray heads and rotary heads within the same zones?
Generally speaking, sprays and rotors put out different amounts of water. We measure this in gallons per minute (GPM). If different types of heads are running together within the same zone, then the GPM will not be equal. This will mean that certain areas will not get even amounts of water, which will create problems in the long run.
4. What make and model of sprinkler heads, valves, and timers do you install?
Every irrigation manufacturer makes different lines of their products that range from low-end to high-end. Be sure to do a little research and be sure that your contractor is not proposing to use a low-end sprinkler head or other key component. It’s well worth a little extra money in the long run to use a higher-end product that will not fail or cause other unforeseen issues down the road.
5. Do you provide routine service after the installation is complete? What kind of warranty do you offer?
The last thing we want is an unsatisfied customer or a product that continually fails. We want our new customers to keep calling year after year to have us maintain their irrigation system. If a contractor isn’t willing to come back in the future or offer a strong warranty, that might be a red flag.
Why Choosing the Right Contractor Matters
We see poor irrigation system installations all the time. Sometimes a customer goes with the lowest bid, or sometimes the contractor is just underqualified to execute the design and installation properly.
Repairing bad design issues or installations can mean extensive work and is usually more expensive than the initial installation. Don’t get stuck with an inefficient sprinkling system or expensive repair bills because you didn’t choose the right sprinkler installation and repair contractor.
Be sure to do your homework and ask a few key questions before the installation begins. Sometimes that cheap bid sounds enticing, but remember… You usually get what you pay for.
Conclusion
Installing a lawn sprinkler system or landscape irrigation system is a significant investment, but getting it done correctly from the start saves time, money, and frustration. Ask the right questions, understand your water supply, and work with a qualified lawn or landscape irrigation contractor.
By planning carefully and choosing the right professional, you can enjoy a healthy, vibrant lawn with a system that works efficiently for years. Take the time to learn your options, compare contractors, and make informed decisions — your lawn will thank you for it.