FAQs
The Advantages of Owning an Automatic Sprinkler System
If you are considering installing an automatic sprinkler system, the following answers to frequently asked questions can help get you started toward owning the most convenient and efficient way to water your lawn and landscape.
Q. Will an automatic sprinkler system use more water than I am currently using?
A. No. In fact, an automatic sprinkler system may actually save you water. A well-designed, efficient irrigation system applies exactly the amount of water needed by your landscape. You will never again have to worry about wasting water if you forget to turn off the hose. Plus, with a rain shut off sensor, your system will know when it's raining outside and will simply turn itself off when water is not needed.
Q. Does having a sprinkler system really save me time?
A. Yes. You won't have to spend another minute of your valuable leisure time watering the lawn. Your new system will do all the watering for you ─ even when you are away from home!
Q. Will an automatic sprinkler system irrigate as well as I do when I water my lawn by hand?
A. An automatic sprinkler system will do a more efficient job because it will be designed based on your landscapes diverse watering needs, using specific products designed to water grass, trees, shrubs or garden plants.
Q. We generally get 40 or more inches of rainfall a year. Do we really need a sprinkler system?
A. If it rained at your house every three days ─ the same exact amount each time ─ you probably would not need a sprinkler system. But nature doesn't work that way, and the only way to ensure a healthy, lush yard is to make certain that your lawn and plants receive a regularly timed and evenly measured amount of water. In the dry season when there is little or no rain, your lawn and landscape can suffer stress and damage after just a few days without water.
Q. What are the components of an automatic sprinkler system?
A. A typical system is comprised of a controller (which functions as the brains of the system), valves (which open and close to release and stop the flow of water to underground pipes) and sprinklers (which distribute water to specific areas). The sprinkler system can be customized further with rain shut off devices, soil moisture sensors and drip irrigation zones.
Q. I have decided to hire a contractor to install the system. How do I choose the right one?
A. If you decide to hire a professional irrigation contractor, here are some tips that will help you select the right contractor for the job.
Before a contractor can present you with a bid, they must do their homework. This includes coming to your property, meeting with you face-to-face, surveying and sketching out the property, locating the water source, taking a read of the water pressure, and finally, understanding your needs and what you want to accomplish.
Experience does count – so make sure you are comfortable with the experience level of the contractor. If you are not sure, the best reference is a recent customer.
It's not all about price – oftentimes, we use price as the only deciding factor. Contractors who have a significantly lower price than their competition have to cut corners in order reduce their costs. These cuts could mean leaving out a backflow preventer, not using the proper installation techniques, or even not completing the work. Make sure you have selected a contractor based on their service, design plan and ability to install the system properly.
Q. How much will a good sprinkler system cost?
A. The price of a system depends upon many factors such as property size, type of landscaping, number of zones, products used and special designs.
Like most people, you probably have many questions that you would like to ask before finalizing your decision to purchase an automatic sprinkler system. We hope this information has helped to answer some of your questions, but if you have more, don't hesitate to call Rainscapes at (865) 981-4270.