A lot of people spend a lot of time working on the yard around their home to make it look nice. For some of them, it is a matter of pride to have a yard that looks as good as the house does. And for many, installing an irrigation system is a convenience that they want to have.
Installing Irrigation With Existing Lawns
You might wonder if it is possible to install an irrigation system with an existing lawn. The simple answer is yes, but, and this is a big but, the contractor or installer will need to dig up a few areas of the lawn to install the pipes and uprights for the sprinkler heads. If you have spent a lot of time on your lawn already, this might not be something you want to do. Talk to the contractor, because in some cases they may be able to cut the trench and save the sod to put back on top of the tranches after the plumbing is in place.
Deciding What Needs Irrigating
It is a good idea to have an irrigation specialist design your sprinkler system so that it covers the entire lawn. Often, systems are overdone and use more water than they need to. Sometimes the sprinkler head flows too much water or is aimed entirely wrong. You don't want to be one of those houses that waters the sidewalk every time you water the grass. It is a complete waste of water and will cost you more money in the long run. Let the contractor installing the system show you what they recommend for your yard.
Sprinkler Head Selection
There are a few different styles of sprinkler heads available for your irrigation system. The most common are the pop-up heads that are flush to the ground when they are not on. Once the water comes on, they pop-up and then retract after the watering is done. They work well but can jam, so it is a good idea to check them from time to time. If there is dirt or grass jammed into the space between the sprinkler and the casing it sits in, clean it out. The debris can keep the head from extending when the water comes on, and it will not work correctly if it does not extend.
Cost of Installing Irrigation Systems
Installing an irrigation system can range from about Twenty-five hundred dollars to around five thousand dollars for a quarter to a half acre lot. The price is going to fluctuation from one area to another and for your lot size. If you have a very large yard, the system is going to cost a lot more then if you have a small yard.
