Frequently Asked Questions About Automatic Sprinkler Systems
If you’re considering the purchase of an automatic sprinkler system for your home or business, you probably have many questions. We’ve put together this list of frequently asked questions to assist you in making your decision. Many of your questions may be answered here, but please don’t hesitate to call 515-650-4167 should you need additional information.
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 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 the system use more water than I’m currently using?
A. No. In fact, it actually will conserve water while doing a better job of watering. You’ll never have to worry about runoff from over-watering or wasting water when you forget to turn off the hose. And, with a rain sensor, your system will know when it’s raining and simply shut off itself when water is not needed.
Q. Will having a lawn sprinkler system really save me time?
A. Yes. Having an automatic sprinkler system means never having to spend another minute of your valuable leisure time watering the lawn. Your new system will do all the watering for you, even when you are away from home. You’ll be able to forget about watering and spend your free time doing all 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 to no rain, your yard can suffer damage after just a few days without water.
Q. Are there different types of systems from which to choose?
A. Every system will be custom-tailored to meet individual needs, a typical system will be comprised of a controller (which functions as the brains of the system), valves (which open and close to release and stop the flow of water to underground pipes), and lawn sprinklers (which actually distribute the water to a given area).
Q. How do I know what system is best for me?
A. It’s always best to work with a professional irrigation contractor. Iowa Irrigation 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 site requirements because every landscaping situation is different.
Q. Will the system be too complicated for me to operate?
A. Sprinkler systems are very easy to operate. Iowa Irrigation 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 instructions on the inside of the controller cabinet. Iowa Irrigation 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 Iowa Irrigation to design and recommend the right system for you at the lowest possible cost. Iowa Irrigation is familiar with many products and knows how to put the right ones together in a system that will achieve maximum results for you. Iowa Irrigation stands behind all products and is serious about its commitment to quality construction and after-sale service.
Q. Do I need to be home?
A. We ask that you are home during the entire scheduled time block. You can call us, and we will do our best to give you an ETA. We have 3 four-hour time blocks:
- Morning block = 7:30am to 11:30am (3 customers)
- Mid-day block = 10:30am to 2:30pm (4 customers)
- Afternoon block 1:30pm to 5:30pm (3 customers)
Q. Can I request a specific time block?
A. Yes, reply to this email with the time block that works best for you, and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
Q. Can I request an exact time?
A. Unfortunately, no. However, we can give you an ETA and tell you which appointment you are within the block.
Q. Will I get an appointment reminder?
A. Yes! We will send you an email reminder 2 days before your scheduled appointment and a text message (if signed up) when the technician is on the way.
Q. Why do you schedule in time blocks?
A. Time block scheduling allows the technician to make necessary repairs to your irrigation system without worrying about missing the next appointment. This ensures all of our customers get the proper attention and maintenance to their irrigation system while we are onsite, and there will be fewer go-backs.