Helpful Criteria for
Comparing Sprinkler Systems
Aquascape recommends that you consider the following criteria when comparing sprinkler systems.
- Legal Requirements
- Design
- Installations
- Warranty
Legal Requirements:
Your sprinkler contractor should purchase a work permit from the city building inspection office. This insures that the contractor is registered and licensed. It is the contractor's responsibility to purchase the permit and call for the required inspections. However, ultimately, the city will hold the homeowner responsible for the legality of the sprinkler system, so it is always wise to be informed as to your city's legal requirements and to obtain a written agreement from your contractor to provide all documents and reports required by the city.
Design:
Proper positioning of sprinkler heads is very important to the efficiency of your system. You should require your contractor to state the minimum number of heads to be installed in your yard. Make sure you understand the difference between spray heads and rotary heads. Rotary heads are considered impractical for smaller areas, but do work well for larger, open turf areas. Rotary heads require a larger area for proper spacing than spray heads. The number and type of heads can help you determine if the coverage will be satisfactory. Also, your contractor should state the minimum number of zones or stations which will be required for your yard. You should know that both underzoning and overzoning are problems which will lessen the efficiency and durability of the system.
Installation:
Your contractor should state in writing the brand of equipment to be installed. This information allows you to inquire about the equipment's quality and service problems. Ask questions concerning the system's wiring. Make sure that the wire to be used is rated for direct burial and that all wire cuts will be water-proofed splices and not wire nuts. You must make sure that trenches are below the freeze line and the pipe to be installed is the correct class of PVC. The system should be installed by trained and experienced employees, not day workers, who are insured by the company in the event of injury or damage to your property.
Warranty:
The contractor should offer you a parts and labor warranty on the system. Make sure that your warranty is not just an equipment or "trade" warranty. Such a warranty is virtually worthless to a customer since it is often only honored to the original purchaser of the equipment.