Garden Sprinkler
Should I Install My Own Garden Sprinkler?
In the heat of summer when plants are thirsty and the lawn looks stressed, it can be very tempting to throw away the movable sprinklers and hose and start planning your own automatic irrigation system. But are you ready for the work involved and can you truly design your own system? There are a number of pros and cons to doing this job on your own versus hiring a landscape professional who can design and install a system for you.
- Cost. This is obvious. You’ll be paying for labor, delivery, overhead on materials, and design services if you hire a professional. If you do the work on your own, you’re only on the hook for the materials and equipment and your own time. So, going DIY is probably the more cost effective choice here. But…
- Warranty. You’ll have nobody to blame but yourself if a pipe leaks, the system can’t come to pressure, or a sprinkler head breaks off in the first year. An irrigation professional will be licensed, bonded and insured and therefore can guarantee their work and will be able to return to make a fix should anything go wrong.
- Parts. There is a long—very long—list of parts needed to do the job. Consider whether you’ll be able to round them up before the project begins in order to avoid repeated trips to the hardware store or project delays as you await delivery of that much needed backflow preventer. A kit offered by big name irrigation supply companies might be the way to acquire everything you need for your project.
- Design. How is your math? Laying out an irrigation plan is an essential first step in installing that garden sprinkler system before the first shovel hits the ground. If you’re new at this, you’ll be investing quite a bit of time learning about the various types of sprinklers available ensure proper coverage for your lawn and plants without over spraying onto sidewalks or leaving dry areas in between arcs. You’ll also need to calculate pressure, pressure loss, and flow rates throughout the system in relation to annual precipitation, soil types, and water pressure and flow rate available on your property.
- Installation. This could be a tossup between the pro and DIY if the weekend warrior knows what he or she is doing. Yes, the homeowner will save on labor costs, but who gets stuck cleaning up the mess and putting the sod back after the trenches are dug and the pipe is laid? If that’s not daunting, then you might be well equipped to do the work yourself.
- Programming. When the controller is hooked up to the system, it’s time to determine the garden sprinkler’s schedule. How often is appropriate for each zone? Did the system come with a moisture sensor that can initiate a shutoff in case of rain?
Like almost anything home improvement related, the cost savings and personal touch of a do-it-yourselfer boils down to the knowledge and expertise of the person doing the work. If designing and installing a garden sprinkler system seems overwhelming, it probably is. Calling on a professional to do the work can go a long way in developing a system that is efficient and functional for a long time to come. And that might be worth quite a bit to the average homeowner.
I have used SB evolution landscape for 2 years, since purchase of my first home. I am very pleased with their service, from routine maintenance to clearing an entire hillside and planting a series of hydrangeas in a shady spot for me, as they are my favorite flower. They are very responsive to emails and phone calls and have given me a bouquet of flowers on completion of both bigger projects. Plus, my roses, orange trees, bamboo, callalillies, begonia and all other plants are so much healthier than when I purchased this property. Thank you Evolution!
They came out with their team and did a thorough investigation of what my yards needed. Jorge and his team are knowledgeable, work rapidly and the work is guaranteed.The office staff is quite helpful and can answer questions you may have. Beverly Silver
I was very impressed with the prompt, professional service from this company. Jorge showed up to go over the tree trimming project, made helpful suggestions and answered all my questions. The team that arrived to do the project was friendly, efficient and cleaned up all the debris spotlessly. I am very pleased with the customer service and high quality of the work of this company. Thank you, SB Evolution Landscape!
