Irrigation FAQ
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Advantages & Benefits of Owning an Automatic Sprinkler System
According to some people, convenience is the biggest advantage to an automatic system since they don't have to spend their time watering by hand or moving the hose around the yard.
Others say extended plant life and lower water usage are the most important benefits.
Still others believe a sprinkler system is one of the best investments that they can make in their home, since a home's curb appeal (appearance and landscape) is a key factor in determining market value.
The truth is... they are all right!
Here is some insight to some commonly asked questions:
Will an automatic sprinkler system use more water than I am currently using?
No. In fact, an automatic sprinkler system will conserve water (A great idea considering our limited water resources plus lower water bills!).
You will never have to worry about runoff from over-watering if you forget to turn off the hose or about wasted water irrigating your driveway or sidewalk.
Plus, with a rain sensor (standard issue with all IBD systems) your system will know when it is raining and simply turn itself off when water is not needed.
Does having a sprinkler system really save time?
Yes. Ask yourself "What is my time worth?" You won't have to spend another minute of your free time watering the lawn.
Your new system will do all the watering for you, even when you are away from home!
Will an automatic sprinkler system water as well as I do when I water by hand?
An automatic sprinkler system will do a much better job, because a professionally designed system from Irrigation by Design delivers exactly the right amount of water to specific lawn and garden areas.
We generally get a LOT of rainfall each year. Do we really need a sprinkler system?
If it rained at your house every two or three days, the same exact amount each time, you probably would not need a sprinkler system.
But Mother Nature doesn't work that way, and the only way to ensure healthy plants and a 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 yard can suffer damage after just a few days without water.
Are there different sprinkler systems from which to choose?
Although every system should be tailored to meet one's individual needs, a typical system is comprised of a controller
(which functions as the brains of the system), solenoid valves (which open and close to release and stop the flow of water to underground pipes) and sprinklers (which distribute water to specific areas).
There are the standard components to every system; however within each category of components there are different features each has.
For example, a rotor-type head is typically equipped with a filter to screen out dirt and debris,
but not all come with a check valve or a stainless steel riser, and not all solenoid valves have an internal bleed port or flow control features.
Irrigation by Design will provide expert insight and recommend exactly what your landscape requirements demand.
How do I know what type of sprinkler system is best for me?
It is always best to work with a professional irrigation contractor like Irrigation by Design who is knowledgeable about factors such as water source and pressure (hydraulics),
soil type, planting materials, and weather conditions.
We will take all of this into consideration when designing a system specific to the needs of your landscape.
Can I save money by installing my own system?
No! In fact, it could cost you more money in the long run.
Irrigation by Design will design and install the most cost-effective and energy-efficient system possible.
You can be confident that we use the best equipment for the job and effectively schedule any maintenance required to keep your landscape in top shape.
We will pay special attention to important factors such as sprinkler patterns and spacing
(it is important to overlap the patterns to apply the water as evenly as possible and so the outer edges receive sufficient water for healthy growth)
and backflow prevention (which is necessary to protect your drinking water).
Because we use licensed plumbers (as the Ontario Building & Plumbing Code requires) for our tie-ins, you won't have to worry about costly pipe installation or mistakes.
We can do the job faster, with less disruption to your existing landscape, PLUS we guarantee our work.
How long does a typical installation take?
If no two landscapes are the same, it is safe to say no two irrigation systems are alike either, although the fundamental components do not vary greatly from system to system.
The time needed to install and commission a typical residential irrigation system is approximately two to four days.
This "best guess" depends largely on the plantings, soil and site conditions, hardscapes and the overall size of the property.
If your landscape warrants the use of our machines, it can reduce the length of time required to install the piping network.
Will I have difficulty operating my sprinkler system?
Irrigation by Design will help you select the best controller for your needs, and program it with your customized watering schedule factoring in local weather conditions
(ET) and soil - water - plant relationships. We will also explain the system's operation to you.
Then, if necessary, you will be able to easily change the watering schedule by simply following the easy instructions on the inside of the controller cabinet.
How much will a good sprinkler system cost?
The price of a system depends upon many factors such as property size, type of landscaping, and special designs.
But you can count on Irrigation by Design to design a cost-effective system comprised of quality products.
We are familiar with the many professional series products available to the industry and we know how to put the right ones together in a system in order to achieve maximum results.
IBD stands behind all of its products, services and installations and is serious about commitment to quality construction and after-sale service.
Like most people, you probably have many questions that you would like to ask before finalizing your decision to purchase an automatic sprinkler system.
This information should provide many answers for you, but please do not hesitate to contact us regarding any additional questions that you may have.
Download this FAQ in a printable PDF format.
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