3 Reasons You Won't Regret Installing An Inground Irrigation System

Burlington homeowners, are you thinking about installing an inground irrigation system? The choices may seem a little overwhelming with so many options. Finding the inground irrigation system that will best fit your unique yard and gardens can be difficult. Our experts have put together a short list of irrigation options to help you understand how they work or what components are available.

Cut Through The Confusion And Understand How Inground Irrigation Systems Work

Where Will The Water Come From?

Most often, inground irrigation systems use municipal water for irrigation, however in some cases there may be an opportunity to use reclaimed water. Systems that use either reclaimed water or well water will have some kind of reservoir to collect the water and a pump to move the water from the reservoir. There are many different types of reservoirs including holding tanks, cisterns, or a pump may even be placed directly into the well and connected to the sprinkler system.

Regardless of what type of water source you may have, there should be a separate shut off valve for your irrigation system that will allow you to turn off the water supply to the system for maintenance and repair, or for off-season winterization.

Central Controller Or "The Brain"

Every system will have a central controller typically located on the interior or exterior of your home. At times the controller may be located near the main system pump if the system is equipped with a pump. Controllers come in many different types - from the most basic single zone, manual controller, to a multi zone, automatic, programmable controller with timers and sensor readers. Much of this depends on how large of a lawn the irrigation system is servicing and how many sprinkler heads are being controlled.

You don't have to have a completely automated, smart system, but there are many options available if you do!

Sprinkler Heads

Sprinkler heads come in two main different types - rotary and stationary. A rotary head "rotates" to allow even distribution of the water through the sprinkler head over a specified area. They will typically distribute a heavy stream of water, but will oscillate back and forth to evenly distribute the water. A stationary head does not rotate, but distributes the water in all directions in more of a mist.

Drip Irrigation

Systems that utilize drip irrigation will not usually have sprinkler heads. These systems use emitters that are placed in the soil and deliver water directly to the roots. For some gardens and specialty plantings drip irrigation is a much more economical and efficient way of providing the required water.

Moisture And Weather Sensors

There are a few different types of sensors, but the most common ones are weather and moisture sensors. These sensors allow for more automation of the system and typically will utilize a more advanced controller to read and interpret the results from these sensors.

Control Valves

Beyond the main valve for the system, many irrigation systems are designed using zones to deliver water separately for differing plant or soil needs. Each zone will have a separate control valve within the system. Control valves are typically scattered throughout the system and may be near to the zone or section that they are controlling.

So now that you're familiar with the components of an inground irrigation system and understand generally how they're used, why upgrade from a hose and portable sprinklers? There are several benefits to having an inground sprinkler system installed.

What Are The Benefits To Installing An Inground Irrigation System?

Save Water And Give Plants What They Need

One big advantage of an inground irrigation system is the ability to provide the proper amount of water for your lawn. Portable sprinklers will often overwater some areas (like the sidewalk), while under-watering others. An inground sprinkler system is designed to provide a consistent amount of water at the proper time.

Utilizing rain and moisture sensors, these systems can determine how much water your lawn needs and deliver the right amount to your lawn in an even and controlled way through the sprinkler heads. No more puddles all over your lawn, or water running down the gutter in front of your yard.

Spend Your Time Using Your Lawn, Not Watering It!

It can be time consuming to haul out and put away all those garden hoses and sprinklers day after day. Inground irrigation systems are placed once and not moved again. Additionally, irrigation systems can be customized and programmed to water your lawn when needed so you don't have to worry about remembering to turn them on (or off!), or knowing whether it's going to rain, or even tracking which day of the week it is to know if you're complying with local watering restrictions.

These systems can also be programmed to provide extra water during sensitive times like when you've overseeded the lawn or during the hottest part of summer when it hasn't rained for several weeks.

Convenience Is Worth Spending Money On!

In addition to saving time and conserving water, an inground irrigation system brings bucket- loads of convenience so you can spend your summers doing other things - like golfing, reading, or playing with the kids or grandkids! You can set it and forget it all summer long! Going away on vacation? You won't return to a brown lawn because you weren't there to water it! Can't be bothered sorting out how much rain fell? Have one part of your yard that's shady and another part sunny - let your inground irrigation system track how much water needs to be delivered.

Inground Irrigation Systems Increase Home Values

Naturally all of these benefits come at a cost, but if you need another reason to invest, consider how it would appeal to a potential home buyer? Remember, they're not just accounting for the system itself, but the lovely maintenance free lawns and gardens only possible because of the irrigation.

Why A Custom Designed Irrigation System Is Worth The Investment!

There are cheaper solutions available on the market, but the custom-designed inground irrigations systems we offer provide ultimate value!

How Zones Work With Irrigation Systems

A professional designer will create a unique-to-your-yard irrigation plan. They'll take into account soil conditions (sandy soil needs more water than clay-based soils), how much sun or shade is available, as well as how much water the plants in that location require to stay vibrant all summer.

Some plants require more moisture to bloom than others do, and some plants (like tomatoes) are sensitive to inconsistent water. Perhaps you have a slope to your yard and need a slower-release water delivery to ensure you're not wasting water. The designer will group like areas together in the design so that each part of your yard and gardens gets the right amount of water consistently. This can involve complicated wiring and other systems, but a professional designer and installer is going to do the job right, the first time!

Your lawn and gardens don't uniformly need or consume water. If you want amazing gardens and neighbour-envious lawn, you won't get good results with a one-size-fits-all irrigation system.

Think of all the outdoor activities you could spend time doing this summer with a little extra cash in your pocket! To schedule your free consultation,�contact our experts today! We install as long as there's no frost in the ground.