Frequently Asked Questions:
Q; Will the installation make a mess of my lawn?
A; Modern installation techniques have made system installation far less disruptive than in the past. HTL Irrigation features trenchless pipe installation. This is done with a purpose built machine that slices the sod, and lays the pipe at the same time. In general, the nicer the lawn to begin with, the less mess there is. In this case, all of the sod is still there, it may just need to be put back and tamped. A lawn that is in disrepair will be hard to make look good, as there is no sod to be replaced. In this situation, over-seeding and new growth will be made easier because of the sprinkler system.
Q; What is a backflow device, and why do I need one on my sprinkler system?
A;A backflow device is generally a brass assembly that will prevent any water from the sprinkler system from getting into the drinking water supply, and are required by all municipalities. There are many different types of these, and each individual municipality has differing requirements for the installation. HTL Irrigation is very familiar with most locales, and can provide the appropriate backflow device for your system.
Q; How will I benefit from an in-ground sprinkler system?
A; Since hand watering is done on a random basis, and at irregular intervals, an automatic sprinkler system will actually, in most cases, use less water. It will also disperse the water at an even rate, and for a predetermined amount of time. This allows you to water sunny and shady areas for different periods of time, and to water when it is most efficient. One obvious benefit is the ability to continue a watering program while you are away on vacation, etc.
Q; What type of maintenance does the system require?
A; All systems need to be winterized at the end of the season. This is done by attaching an air hose to a fitting on the water line, and blowing all of the water out of the system. Most municipalities require your backflow to be tested annually. HTL Irrigation service personnel are certified to do the testing. The test is typically done during the Spring start up of the sprinkler system. The quality of the products used initially, and of the overall installation, play an important part in the long term service of the system. The better the products and installation, the less trouble you should expect in the future. HTL Irrigation uses the finest products available in the industry, and strives to provide the finest installations in the business.
Q; What products do you use?
A; HTL Irrigation features Hunter gear drive sprinkler heads and digital timers, and RainBird electric valves and spray-heads. These are what we consider to be the finest products in the industry, which is why we don't use all of one companies products.
Q; Will water alone keep my lawn that deep green color?
A;While water is the key ingredient for a healthy lawn, it is not the only answer. Fertilization is generally required for that lush green look, as is bug control. We get calls a lot in the summer from people that think there is something wrong with their sprinkler system, but upon inspection, there are bugs destroying the lawn, or they have not used any fertilizer. If you are unfamiliar with fertilizer and pesticides, we recommend that you contact a company in that business to look after your lawn. Having a sprinkler system installed is the first step towards a healthy, green lawn, but it is not the only step.
Q; Will the installation make a mess of my lawn?
A; Modern installation techniques have made system installation far less disruptive than in the past. HTL Irrigation features trenchless pipe installation. This is done with a purpose built machine that slices the sod, and lays the pipe at the same time. In general, the nicer the lawn to begin with, the less mess there is. In this case, all of the sod is still there, it may just need to be put back and tamped. A lawn that is in disrepair will be hard to make look good, as there is no sod to be replaced. In this situation, over-seeding and new growth will be made easier because of the sprinkler system.
Q; What is a backflow device, and why do I need one on my sprinkler system?
A;A backflow device is generally a brass assembly that will prevent any water from the sprinkler system from getting into the drinking water supply, and are required by all municipalities. There are many different types of these, and each individual municipality has differing requirements for the installation. HTL Irrigation is very familiar with most locales, and can provide the appropriate backflow device for your system.
Q; How will I benefit from an in-ground sprinkler system?
A; Since hand watering is done on a random basis, and at irregular intervals, an automatic sprinkler system will actually, in most cases, use less water. It will also disperse the water at an even rate, and for a predetermined amount of time. This allows you to water sunny and shady areas for different periods of time, and to water when it is most efficient. One obvious benefit is the ability to continue a watering program while you are away on vacation, etc.
Q; What type of maintenance does the system require?
A; All systems need to be winterized at the end of the season. This is done by attaching an air hose to a fitting on the water line, and blowing all of the water out of the system. Most municipalities require your backflow to be tested annually. HTL Irrigation service personnel are certified to do the testing. The test is typically done during the Spring start up of the sprinkler system. The quality of the products used initially, and of the overall installation, play an important part in the long term service of the system. The better the products and installation, the less trouble you should expect in the future. HTL Irrigation uses the finest products available in the industry, and strives to provide the finest installations in the business.
Q; What products do you use?
A; HTL Irrigation features Hunter gear drive sprinkler heads and digital timers, and RainBird electric valves and spray-heads. These are what we consider to be the finest products in the industry, which is why we don't use all of one companies products.
Q; Will water alone keep my lawn that deep green color?
A;While water is the key ingredient for a healthy lawn, it is not the only answer. Fertilization is generally required for that lush green look, as is bug control. We get calls a lot in the summer from people that think there is something wrong with their sprinkler system, but upon inspection, there are bugs destroying the lawn, or they have not used any fertilizer. If you are unfamiliar with fertilizer and pesticides, we recommend that you contact a company in that business to look after your lawn. Having a sprinkler system installed is the first step towards a healthy, green lawn, but it is not the only step.