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Consumer Tips Having a lawn sprinkler system installed is
an excellent investment for your home as well as your time. A properly installed system
using quality components not only takes the work and worry out of watering, but returns
other benefits as well. Your system can help you find the extra time in today's active
life-style for family activities, recreation, or even the luxury of doing nothing at all!
At the same time, your sprinkler system will help protect your landscaping while adding
value to your home. Since no two lawns are alike, each lawn sprinkler system is a
"custom" installation. A skilled contractor using quality components can design
and install a system that will last many years with a minimum of maintenance. Before
investing in a sprinkler system, take time to learn more about the components, design, and
installation practices that make up a quality system.
Where to Start
The following questions are examples
of those found in Weathermatic's "Homeowner's Guide", a
comprehensive Q&A guide to help you in selecting the right components and finding the
right contractor to install your system.
Q.) How can I be
sure I will get a quality system?
A.) A quality sprinkler system is
one flexible enough for your watering needs, it will put the proper amount of water in
each area, and it will continue operating year after year with minimal maintenance.
Ultimately your satisfaction will depend on three things:
1) The Quality of the components
2) The Design of the system
3) The Craftsmanship of the installation
All Weathermatic components are engineered and manufactured to give you years of
trouble-free service. We are one of the world's leading suppliers of landscape and turf
irrigation equipment, and have been serving the industry for over 50 years.
Q.) Does my
irrigation contractor need to be licensed?
A.) Because lawn sprinkler systems
are directly connected to your city water supply, they must meet local codes for
attachment to the drinking water system. The kind of license required varies from state to
state.(Lawn Sprinklers are required to be licensed in Topeka , and City permits are
required) Contact your city building permit office to determine what type of license is
required. In addition to this, inquire about any certifications your contractor has or
industry affiliations he may belong to. Many states have certification programs for
landscape irrigation contractors and organizations like the I.A. (Irrigation
Association) provide national certification and training. Weathermatic's College of
Irrigation Knowledge has been training irrigation professionals since 1966.
Q.) What about a
design/plan?
A.)The design of your Irrigation
system should take into account such factors as elevation changes, sunny and shaded areas,
and the type of landscape planting in place or planned for the future. Discuss these items
with your contractor before installation to insure that you get a custom system designed
to your needs. Sprinkler placement, the location of remote control valves, and the
location and scheduling of your controller should all be incorporated into the plan. You
should receive a copy of the system design after installation so that you will have it for
future reference.
Q.) Where should I
put the controller? Is it weatherproof?
A.) Your Irrigation controller can
be located wherever installation and operation are convenient. Normally this will be in
your garage, however,we have model's approved for outdoors if desired.
Q.)What about the
warranty?
A.) Our irrigation components are
warranted for a minimum of two years ad some upto 7 years. At least one year warranty on
workmanship is standard in the industry. Ask your contractor about other warranties on
pipe, fittings, wire, etc.
Q.) How much will my
system cost?
A.) The price for your installed
sprinkler system will vary depending on where you live. Labor rates and installation codes
differ from place to place. Differences in component features and unique design or
installation requirements will also affect the final price. Don't let price become the
priority vs. choosing a quality design and installation. Too often homeowners choose a
lower price over a quality job and components, and are forced to live with an inadequate
system which provides poor performance and requires more maintenance. |
