Irrigation FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
* What brands of sprinkler equipment does O’Leary Irrigation install?
O’Leary Irrigation has many years of experience installing and servicing all major sprinkler brands. If your project does not have a brand specification, we will suggest the use of the Hunter or Rain Bird product line, both are widely recognized as leaders in the irrigation industry.
* What is drip irrigation, and how can I benefit from it?
Drip irrigation allows small amounts of water to be emitted directly on the root zone of plants, watering plants far more efficiently than irrigation heads would. We use tubing seen here: http://www.hunterindustries.com/irrigation-product/micro-irrigation/pld . Because the rate of water use for drip irrigation is used at a rate of gallons per hour, a drip zone will usually run for roughly an hour. It is generally considered to be better for planting beds than topical watering.
* What else should I be doing to get a nice green lawn?
While water is the key ingredient for a healthy lawn, it is not the only necessity. Fertilization is generally required for a healthy and green lawn. O’Leary Landscaping offers everything you need, just ask about our fertilization program, or about EZ-flow fertigation.
* What is a backflow device, and why do I need one on my sprinkler system?
This device prevents water from the irrigation system from “flowing backwards” into the drinking water supply. By State plumbing code, a backflow prevention device is required for sprinkler systems that operate from a potable water supply such as town water. We offer plumbing services to meet all your needs.
* What happens when it rains?
We install a rain sensor on all sprinkler systems. The sensor is set to automatically shut off the system when the amount of rain reaches a certain level. Once an appropriate level of dryness is reached, the system will automatically restart.
* What type of maintenance does the lawn sprinkler system require?
Basic maintenance is required to ensure the effective operation of your system. The most important services are the fall winterization and the spring start-up. In the fall, we shut down the system and blow out the lines to eliminate the risk of freezing pipes. In the spring, we turn the system back on, evaluate each zone, adjust heads and reset the controller. Because weather conditions on Cape Cod vary so greatly between the Spring start-up service and the Fall winterization, O’Leary strongly recommends that you also consider the mid-season checkup. This service allows us to identify repairs that may have arisen during the watering season and make important adjustments to your watering schedules to accommodate the hot summer months. Proper watering schedules in the hot summer months are critical to the long-term health of your turf and plants.
* How long does a system take to install?
It would depend on the size of your yard. An average size lawn and landscape will normally take one full day. Installing a new irrigation system for a large country lawn or in extensive landscaping can take anywhere from two to five days or more. After the initial visit to the site, we will be able to estimate the amount of installation time needed at your site.
* Will the installation ruin my lawn?
We take great care during the installation process to make sure there is as little disruption to your property as possible. We use a vibratory plow to install the lines. Pipe and wires are “pulled” underground through a small slit in the turf to minimize damage to the lawn. We also carefully hand dig in flower beds and around utility markings. After a couple of weeks from the installation date, the only visible signs of your new sprinkler system should be a greener lawn and healthier plants.
* How do I benefit from an in-ground sprinkler system?
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.
When do you startup the system ?
On Cape Cod we typically begin Spring startups in April and continue through the end of June. The cost for this service is $16 per zone ($80 minimum), it includes: turn on main water supply, pressurize system, and check backflow preventer for leaks, verify each zones functionality, check heads for adequate coverage and program controller for proper seasonal conditions.
When do you shutdown the system ?