Tips for Choosing an Irrigation Contractor
There are a lot of companies large and small that offer irrigation services. Choosing which company to use can be daunting. They all may seem to offer the same services; however, there can be major differences that can affect the quality and durability of your irrigation system. Poor installations can be costly, and can waste thousands of gallons of water. Here are some guidelines for those who choose to have an irrigation system installed.
Is the person or company licensed and insured? Also, what is your liability if damage occurs to underground utilities in your property or if the contractor's employee is injured on your property?
Is the person or company an irrigation industry certified contractor? The Irrigation Association has a website listing of certified irrigation contractors who have completed their program.
How many certified irrigation technicians are on staff?
What is the person/company’s track record? Can they provide referrals?
Is this person/company a certified backflow tester?Federal and state regulations require irrigation systems to be tested annually for proper backflow protection. Sometimes the company that installs irrigation systems cannot test for backflow prevention and the customer has to hire a second contractor.
The person/company must install an approved backflow preventer device. What type of backflow prevention device will be used on the system? Does it comply with the Loudoun County ordinance?
Ask for the irrigation controllers to be set to our voluntary two-day watering schedule.
Does the person/company offer a warranty?Does it include labor and materials?
Does the person/company have a licensed bonded electrical contractor on staff if there’s electrical work required?
Will you receive a formal estimate that itemizes the material to be used, the quantity, and estimated start and completion dates?
Is the company available for spring start-up, winterization, and follow ups for modifications? Typically, irrigation contractors will come to your house twice a year to turn the system on in the spring and off in the fall. Customers with new sod, in particular, should ask for a follow-up visit cost to decrease the watering settings once the sod has been established. Or, instructions on how the homeowner can adjust the settings.
Before submitting a formal estimate, is the contractor looking at your yard for soil conditions, climate, plant material, water sources, pressure, microclimate, topography?
Can the contractor supply instructions on how to care for your irrigation system? What routine service will be necessary? Can the irrigation contractor train you to perform some of this?
As the customer, will you be thereto inspect and understand the plans for your sprinkler system?
Are the irrigation heads spraying your driveway, sidewalk and/or street? These should be adjusted to focus on your lawn.
Are there system options that you can choose that water wisely such as smart irrigation controllers that measure evapotranspiration (ET controller)? Or at minimum, a rain shut-off device?
According to the Irrigation Association, even the best irrigation design won’t perform well if installed incorrectly or intalled using inferior components. Make sure your system will operate at peak efficiency for years to come by working with an irrigation expert who:
Has specialized understanding of irrigation principles, technology and techniques.
Understands local environmental conditions and can help you choose low water plants and grass that will flourish in this climate and soil type.
Will ensure your system complies with local building codes for licensing, backflow prevention, installation and more.
As with any contractor, homeowners are encouraged to research irrigation companies, get multiple bids, check references and confirm that the vendor is properly insured before making their decision.