Most Commonly Asked Questions About Sprinkler Systems 
Q. Will an automatic sprinkler
system water as well as I can water by hand?
A. It will do a much better job because the system waters
automatically - placing exactly the right amount of water on individual lawn and garden
areas. It never gets too busy to water properly, and it never forgets to turn off the
water at the appropriate time.
Q. Will having a sprinkler system
really save time?
A. Yes, having an automatic sprinkler system means never having
to spend another minute of your valuable time watering the lawn or flowers. Your new
system will do all of the watering for you - even when you're away from home. You'll be
able to just forget about watering and spend your free time doing the things you really
like to do.
Q. We generally get about 50
inches of rainfall a year. Do we really need a sprinkler system with that much rain?
A. If it rained at your house every three days - the same exact
amount each time - you probably wouldn't need a sprinkler system. But nature doesn't work
that way, and the only way to ensure healthy, lush growth is to make certain your lawn and
plants receive a regularly timed, 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.
Q. Can an automatic sprinkler system
be installed in Wisconsin? Won't the pipes freeze in winter?
A. A sprinkler system can be installed anywhere, in any
climate. The key is maintenance and ensuring the system is properly winterized, preventing
any freeze damage.
Q. Can I still have an underground
sprinkler system installed if I have an existing landscape/lawn? Won't you damage my yard?
A. A minimal amount of disturbance to your landscape will occur
during installation. Our specialized machinery installs pipe without digging a trench.
Also our crews are experienced at restoring your landscape to its original condition.
Q. Can my sprinkler system water
separate areas on individual schedules?
A. The sprinkler system will be set up on different zones.
There can be different zones for the lawn, shrubs and flowers. Each of these zones can
have a different time schedule for watering.
Q. How do I know what type of system
is best for me?
A. It's always best to work with a professional irrigation
contractor. He is knowledgeable about such factors as water source and pressure, soil
type, planting materials and weather conditions, all of which must be considered in
determining the products needed for your system. Remember, an irrigation system should be
customized to meet specific requirements because every landscaping situation is different.
Q. Why is it important to hire a
professional irrigation designer?
A. Your professional irrigation contractor will design and
install the most cost-effective and energy-efficient system possible. You can be certain
that he will select the appropriate equipment for the job, while streamlining the
maintenance required to keep your landscaping in top shop.
He will pay special attention to such important factors as sprinkler patterns
(it is important to overlap the patterns so that the outer edges receive sufficient water
for healthy growth) and backflow prevention (which is necessary to protect your drinking
water supply). And because your contractor if familiar with local plumbing and electrical
codes, you won't have to worry about costly mistakes in wiring or pipe installation. He
can do the job faster, with less disruption to existing landscaping, and will guarantee
his work.
Q. What is a rain shut-off?
A. A rain shut-off is a device that will interrupt the program
on the clock during a rain shower. It will automatically reset when it is dry therefore
avoiding water waste.
Q. Will the system be too
complicated for me to operate?
A. Sprinkler systems are very easy to operate. Your contractor
will set the system's controller with your individual water schedule. Then all you have to
do is sit back and let the system do all the work. And, the watering schedule easily can
be changed if necessary by just following the easy instruction on the inside of the
controlled cabinet. Your contractor will work with you to explain the system's operation.
Q. How much will a good system cost?
A. The price of a system will vary depending upon labor costs
and other factors such as property size, type of landscaping and special designs. But you
can count on your irrigation contractor to design and recommend the right system for you
at the lowest possible cost.
