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What to Look For in a Sprinkler System

15 years ago

I haven't a clue about anything related to a sprinkler system. Home remodeling is forte but I'm clueless about anything related to lawn care. We live on one acre out in the country. I'm not installing a whole yard system. The primary goal of this system is to keep the soil moisture around the house even (to keep from having foundation problems in the future). It will also water the shrubs around the front of the house (that's the extent of my "landscape") We'll probably have sprinkler heads in the back (it's just about 8 ft from the patio to the fence that divides the yard from the pasture) and in front between the house and the circular drive. A company is coming on Monday to bid the job and I've got calls into two other companies. Could someone please offer some basic do's and don'ts, questions to ask, what to look for in a quality install, brands, anything that might help me know if I'm getting a quality system and hopefully quality workmanship? Again, I'm not looking for a "yard of the month" green lawn, We just need to protect our foundation and water the little bit of landscaping we do have. Water is getting expensive and foundation repair is even more expensive!

Thanks,

Monica (from the kitchen and bath forums)

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Comments (4)

texas_weed
15 years ago
Monica for around the foundation and foundation shrubs/plants nothing beats a soaker hose.

To really do an irrigation system right involves preliminary measurement of pressure and flow rates from you water source like the city or your well.. After that you then design based on the measurements.

So I suggest you hire a pro to make sure it gets done right. Or if you just have to DIY here is one of the better sites to walk you through the process.

http://www.irrigationtutorials.com/
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monicakm_gw
Original Author
15 years ago
Oh no no! We're not installing it ourselves :o Sorry if I mis-led you. When the contractors come to my home to give me bids, I'd like to be somewhat educated on the subject so I'll know what to look for and expect in a quality job.
How long does a soaker hose last buried underground? I wonder if a soaker hose system could be combined with sprinkler heads for the areas a away from the house (max 12 out)?
Monica
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texas_weed
15 years ago
You do not bury the hose. But to answer your question, yes it cam be part of the irrigation system
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dchall_san_antonio
15 years ago
Where do you live in east Texas?
Does your country neighborhood typically have foundation problems?
How old is your house? Newer houses should have an engineered slab that doesn't usually get foundation problems.

I like the soaker hose idea, but I like soaker hoses. I would run it separately because shrubs need water on a different schedule than the lawn. You could probably get away with soakering once every 3 months if you leave it on at a dribble for a week at a time. I've had some success doing this in my yard over the past several years.
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