When comparing sprinkler system estimates, "there is generally
a reason for a wide range in prices". Below are a few design practices
that could cause these price discrepancies.
-
Installing a "lean system" poor design, combining large
turf areas with small turf areas on the same valve, or putting
too many spray heads on one valve. This allows the "shortcut
expert" to utilize a 6-Zone Controller instead of a 9 or 12-Zone
Controller that may be more appropriate for certain situations.
This practice cuts down on the "shortcut experts" labor
rates and parts cost, not to mention the lack of control you have
over your yard.
Certainly there are instances where a 4 or 6-Zone Clock is
appropriate. It is when you clearly need more control over your
yard that a
larger controller and more valves should be used.
-
Digging shallow
trenches for irrigation piping. (Saves time).
-
Not removing
the grass before digging trenches with a trenching machine.
(This leaves an ugly dirt line, until the grass grows
back).
-
Mounting the Controller in an inconvenient location in
garage (or not mounting the controller in garage at all).
-
Putting
too many heads on one zone. This exceeds the meter's
flow rates and causes poor head pressure and coverage.
-
No Pressure Vacuum Breaker is installed. This is a hazard for
you and your water supply. This device protects your
water and the city's water supply. If contaminants back siphon
in through
a low sprinkler head, you could contaminate the city's
water supply and the water you are using in the house.
-
Using cheap products (hardware grade parts), i.e. plastic pressure
vacuum breakers, light duty pop-up sprays and rotors.
-
No swing joints or flex pipe on all heads. This allows the
spray head to move somewhat if a car or heavy equipment rolls
over a
spray head. (Saves on repair costs).
-
Over-spacing heads. No head to head coverage or two-thirds
overlap of the spray pattern. (Improper water distribution to
plant material.)
-
Using the same valve on lawn and shrubbery.
-
Using an indoor controller outside.
-
Using pop-up sprays with
non-removable nozzles (less expensive). Requires replacing
entire pop-up if damaged.
-
Using cheap wire - small gauge - not
designed for direct burial. 16-gauge wire is recommended.
-
No waterproof wire connectors for splices. (Creating shorts).
-
Not using valve boxes for zone valves or using a box that is
too small to access a valve.
-
Not using the correct backflow
device. (City requirement).
-
Not obtaining permits that the
city requires. Homeowner loses benefit of city inspection of
sprinkler installation.
-
No insurance on employees. Homeowner
could be involved if employee is injured on their property.
General Liability and Workers Compensation
is recommended.
-
No follow-through on warranty.
-
No instructions on how to use
the controller; or improper programming of controller.
-
Not
back-filling trenches properly. (Not compacting).
-
No sufficient
back-fill over pipes in trenches.
-
No boring under sidewalks
- spraying over sidewalk to cover a specific area
-
Under-sizing
the main line, using 1" main when 1-1/4" should
be used. (Lowers parts cost and deliver less pressure and flow).
-
Using 2" or 4" pop-ups where 6" or 12" pop-up
sprays should be used or using 2" pop-up sprays where 4" sprays
should be used. (2" pop-ups are not recommended).
-
No
water conservation devices: rain shutoff device, pressure
compensating popup sprays (PRS) or (SAMS).
-
Running pop-up sprays
and rotaries on the same zone to save wire and valves. These
two spray heads deliver different GPM (gallons
per minute).
-
No main waterline cutoff ball valve. This shutoff
is for freeze prevention or main break emergencies.
-
Location
of pop-up sprays is in improper spots. (Poor coverage).
-
Did not make trench for piping deep or wide enough.
-
Not tying
into water meter for irrigation service. Some shortcut experts
will use a faucet for the main supply tie-in. (Causes poor
pressure and flow to system).
Note: There may be a few construction
limitations that may cause irrigation trenches to be shallow,
i.e. heavy tree roots, or concrete
obstructions, sidewalks, etc.