How will the Backflow Preventer be installed?
PVC is one of the most common kinds of pipe used in sprinkler systems today. And while it is a good choice, copper is a better one.  We use copper everywhere it is appropriate to help extend the life and durability of your system.  Over time, PVC often becomes brittle which means it will break or crack fairly easily if it’s hit by a shovel for example.   When copper pipe is used, this problem is significantly reduced.

What kind of manifold will be used?
At My Sprinkler Guys, we use an expandable manifold system that allows sections to be added, removed or repaired by simply screwing them on or off.  Many other contractors use glue to join pieces of PVC, which means any fixes or updates will involve cutting out and re-gluing which is more time consuming and more costly in the long run.

Will all outdoor wiring be heavy duty and protected?
There are many small details that are important to keeping your system functioning well and minimizing maintenance issues. For example, outdoor wire splices should be water tight as well as enclosed in a heavy duty valve box. The attention to detail (or not) is another way to determine which company is the best one to hire.

How will the sprinkler heads be connected underground?
It is very common for irrigation companies to run the zone line underground, place a tee insert into this line where the heads are installed, and then add a riser to get the head to the correct height.  The problem with this type of installation is the riser can split when hit with a bike tire or piece of lawn equipment.

A better way to install the head is to use a flexible piece of tubing from the main pipe to the head. This allows the head to move and flex slightly which makes less stress on the fittings, reduces repairs and increases the life of the system.

Will all sprinkler heads point away from the house?
This may sound obvious, but some contractors will not set them up this way which means water will repeatedly spray the side of your home. Some may suggest it will save you money because they are creating fewer zones by configuring them like this. However, in the long run, the repeated water spray can damage the side of your home as well as your foundation.

Are both companies installing the same number of zones? If not, why not?
We realize many people are looking for ways to cut costs when purchasing a sprinkler system.  However, installing fewer zones than you really need can actually increase your costs in the long term. For example, without the right amount of zones it’s likely some spots will be missed. Your system will also be less efficient because it’s covering more area than it is intended to handle and that can mean higher water bills.

Fewer zones require a smaller box, which will cost less. However, if there is a need to add a zone later, both the manifold and the control box would need to be upgraded along with running the new line. What might look like a $400 savings at first, could end up costing $800 to add to a system that could have been more efficient in the first place.

One more consideration to make when comparing zones and overall cost  is how flowerbeds and gardens will be covered. A drip system will often be more efficient and use less water, but it may cost slightly more initially.

Will the sprinklers near concrete be placed far enough away to allow room for a lawn edger or snow blower?

One of the most common ways to damage sprinkler heads is to run them over with lawn equipment.  This can be partially avoided by installing heads far enough from the edge of driveways and sidewalks so that they aren’t hit by snow blowers and edgers.

Unfortunately, not all contractors will consider all of these factors when designing your system. At my Sprinkler Guys, we cover all this and more because we want your sprinkler system to be as efficient as possible and to last for many years to come.

If you have more questions about sprinkler systems or if you would like a quote, please contact us at 586-477-4243.

Sprinkler Line Repair

Line Cracks

For example, over time, pipes can crack simply due to age and wear and tear from the weather. This is particularly true if the pipe is made of PVC.  Even a small crack can allow dirt to get inside the pipe which can eventually cause a clog. One way to reduce the chance of cracking is to winterize your system properly (which we would be glad to take care of for you). If a crack or line break does occur, it is usually not that expensive to fix, especially if it is taken care of as soon as it is discovered.

Tree Root Problems

In addition to cracks, the other big potential underground problem is damage from tree roots. Even though it’s not that easy for a person to bend or crush a water line pipe with their hands, you’d be amazed at how much damage just one tree root can cause.

Unfortunately, tree root damage can also be a bit complicated to fix because it is sometimes hard to find where the line has been choked off. If you are experiencing low water pressure in just one zone, or area is not getting water and your yard has trees, a root might be your culprit and it’s time to call for professional help.

Because a drip system delivers water at low pressure and close to the root zone,   water does not evaporate as quickly or get blown away when it’s windy. There is also less runoff which is particularly important for sloped areas. Compared to sprinklers that may be only 65-75% efficient at getting water to your plants, this method offers 90% efficiency or more. This means less water is wasted and you save on your water bills.

It’s easier to cover odd shaped areas with flexible drip hose compared to trying to cover them with sprinklers that can only spray in certain directions and patterns.

With a drip system, it is easier to keep soil moisture levels consistent, which is much better for plant growth and survival.

Compared to changing a sprinkler line, drip hoses can easily be added or moved as plants mature, if new plants are added, or if some are removed.

Drip irrigation has been used effectively for years in commercial nursery and agricultural operations. Now, it’s easy and affordable for homeowners to get many of the same benefits and results for their gardens. We would be happy to set up an appointment to see how adding a drip system would benefit your gardens.

Backflow Preventer Valves are Not Fully Open

This is the first culprit to suspect when your system is not getting enough pressure and the pressure from your home is okay. The backflow preventer has two pipes, one horizontal and one vertical. Each pipe has a handle that is either turned parallel (running in line with) or perpendicular (across) to control the valve opening. The valves are fully open when the handle is parallel to the pipe. Even if it is partly correct, the water may not be flowing as freely as possible.

Broken Lines

Another very common cause for low water pressure in your sprinkler head is a broken line. The first thing to consider in this case is whether you or a service provider has recently done any digging in your yard. Another option to consider is whether anyone put anything into the ground near a sprinkler line such as a plant holder, trellis, fence, stake from tent, or a screw to hold a dog leash.  If so, a line may have been cut accidentally and it will need to be repaired.

Dirt Clogs or Grass in the Way

If the low pressure problem is with just one head, the issue could simply be grass has grown up around it which is not allowing the water to jet out properly. A simple thing to do to solve this is to check to make sure the area around the head is clear and it’s able to move freely in all directions.

Another possibility is that dirt has clogged the line. When a line break occurs, dirt may fill the in a line causing a clog. Also, over time, even a small crack in a line will wash dirt into the system. Another way dirt can get into a line is during common repairs and maintenance. It is good practice to flush the line to the last head of the zone being fixed. This will minimize the risk of clogs and insure proper function for the future.

Tree Root Problems

Tree roots are often a cause of water interruption in sprinkler lines. They can grow through or around lines to the point where the line is completely crushed or filled. Finding the source of a root blockage can be one of the more difficult issues to solve and repair, but if it’s not done, the situation will only get worse over time.

Municipal Water Supply Issues

As everyone knows, this summer has been extremely hot and dry throughout the Metro area. As one might expect, this is tough on city water systems. Even though some cities/townships have water restrictions, others do not. This means some neighborhoods could be watering more than others and affecting the pressure of nearby areas. If you are experiencing low pressure and none of the other reasons above seem to apply, it may simply be a case that you will have to wait for weather and watering situations to return to normal. If you feel it is a significant problem, you could contact your local water company or government offices.

As you can see, there are many potential reasons for low water pressure in a home sprinkler system. Many homeowners choose to take care of some of these problems themselves. However, if you are unsure of what to do, it is always best to call a professional to make sure the job is done correctly and safely.

The yard needs to be watered so you drag out a hose and moveable sprinkler and put it down in the first area. A little while later, you have to do another area so your choice is move it quickly and get wet, or run and turn off the water, move everything, then run and turn the water back on again. This happens several times a week or maybe even every day, which ties up your valuable time and energy. In addition, sometimes, even with your best effort, there is an area or two that just doesn’t seem to get enough water and you struggle to keep it green.

For some people, watering/sprinkling this way works just fine. However, if it’s not working so well for you, there certainly are alternatives. Often, installing an automatic sprinkler system is a significantly better answer in the long run. Here are just a few reasons why.

1. You will save water

One of the biggest differences between hand watering and a professionally installed system is the amount of water that is used. Even though automatic sprinklers will likely run more often than you might water yourself, they can use up to 30% less water. One reason is because in-ground systems are designed to water each area appropriately rather than giving the same level to everything, whether needed or not. And of course, saving water means you’ll also save money on your water bill.

2. Your lawn and plants will be healthier

When plants and grass get the amount of moisture they need on a regular basis, they will be less stressed by changes in the weather. Just like people, when plants are not stressed they grow stronger and healthier. Strong healthy plants resist pests better and strong grass will often crowd out weeds.

3. You will save time

One of the key benefits of an automatic sprinkler system for most homeowners is the “automatic” part. Instead of having to plan an evening for running around the yard, everything is taken care of for you. In many cases, the system will run in the early morning hours while everyone is asleep and no one even notices.

As long as it is properly maintained, an automatic sprinkler system will provide many years of reliable, hassle free irrigation for your whole yard. If you would like to find out more about making the switch from doing it yourself, to having a professionally installed system, My Sprinkler Guys would be happy to provide a free estimate. Feel free call or reach us through our contact page.

 Install the correct number of zones

Sometimes in order to save money, other companies may suggest putting in a zone or two less than what is truly needed. While it might sound like a good idea at the time, in the long run, the sprinklers may have to run longer in hopes of covering an extended area. This makes the system less efficient and it will use more water.

Water Saving Tip: It is better to have the right number of zones and the proper kinds of heads for adequate, even coverage. Spending slightly more initially to have the proper amount of coverage, will save water over the lifetime of your system.

 Make sure water spray is not blocked

At the beginning of the watering season, it’s a good idea to take a walk around your yard to see how plants and grass may affect the spray of each head. Maturing plants or an area that is overgrown can significantly impact whether the water reaches its intended target. Another good time to check things out is after making a change to your landscape or gardens.

Water Saving Tip: Something as simple as a bush that’s bigger than it was the previous year can change the effectiveness of a nearby sprinkler head. Check to make sure the water’s path is clear from beginning to end at each head.

Install a Rain Sensor

We’ve all driven by lawns and street corners where the sprinklers are watering during a rain storm. Obviously, this is not the best scenario for water conservation. This situation can be prevented in most home systems by installing a rain sensor which will turn off the sprinklers when it rains.

 Water Saving Tip: A rain sensor is simple to add to most systems. Once installed by a professional, it is also easy for homeowners to maintain and adjust the settings if necessary.

Install Drip Irrigation

In some situations, sprinklers are not the most efficient way to water. Drip irrigation is often a better solution for flower beds and vegetable gardens along with mature bushes. Farms and commercial nurseries have used drip hoses for decades,  and that same reliable technology is now more widely available for smaller lawn sprinkler systems.

Water Saving Tip: Drip hoses deliver water slowly near the base of plants which makes decreases both evaporation and run off. If a large area of your landscaping is covered with flowers or shrubs, you may want to consider adding some drip lines.