Frequently asked questions

How is the cost of a sprinkler system determined?

The cost of a sprinkler system is determined by multiple factors. These include…

  • The size of the flowerbeds
  • The lot size
  • The city where the installation takes place
  • The preference of materials used
Many things can determine the cost of the sprinkler system, as it all depends on each customer’s specific situation.



How can I tell if I have enough water pressure to have a sprinkler system installed?

Typically, the water pressure at a home ranges from 50 to 65 PSI. If you’re not sure about your own home though, MainLine Irrigation can provide this information once a thorough assessment of your landscape is done. Click here to contact us.



How can I reduce water usage in my sprinkler system?

One of the best ways to ensure you reduce the water usage in a sprinkler system is to have the entire irrigation system audited by a professional technician. To do this, check with your water provider or seek out a third-party auditor who is capable of performing the check. Another option is to adjust your irrigation timer to run during various times of the day. You should adjust the controller to prepare for seasonal changes in the weather within your area at least once per month. This simple monthly change could save water and money more than any other change you make to the irrigation system. Alternatively, run your system during the early morning hours. During the cooler hours of the day, less water is lost to evaporation, and wind tends to be calmer in the morning. Watering during the evening hours, however, could cause diseased plants and use more water.



What should I look for during my system performance check?

Things that homeowners should look for when doing a system performance check include the following:

  • Low pressure
  • The direction of the sprinkler heads
  • The height of the sprinkler heads
  • Testing the zoning of system from main controller
  • Functionality of nozzles
  • Test sensors
  • Checking the full coverage of system



Will an automatic sprinkler system help me save money on my monthly water bill?

When thinking on leaky systems, you might start think overall about your monthly water bill. Are you using too much? How can I conserve water? The answers to these questions can also lie within an automatic sprinkler system. With an automatic system, the sprinkler only emits water on a timer. This means you’re not standing outside with a hose in your hand, aiming for the entire lawn. Besides, doing this – without a timer – can lead to an overuse of water. With an automatic sprinkler system, you’re guaranteed the same output of water every time, saving you on your monthly water bill.



What’s the difference between spray sprinkler heads and rotor sprinkler heads?

In a spray sprinkler head, there is a higher precipitation rate. This means the water is landing on the lawn and being soaked up is more than the water coming from rotors. Rotors need to be run about 2.5 times longer than spray sprinklers.



Can I install an automatic sprinkler system on my own?

You can install an automatic sprinkler system on your own. As with any home improvement project, you should consider all the aspects of the project before you begin. Understand the time and tools necessary to complete the job. Always consult local plumbing and electrical codes. Make sure you have prepped the area before you begin the installation. Give us a call with whatever questions you may have.



What are the components of an automatic sprinkler system?

The three most important components are the controller, valves, and sprinklers. The controller is what you are able to program that tells the values when to open and close. Valves work like an automatic faucet. This allows water to flow to your sprinkler heads watering your yard.



When you install the sprinkler system, will the installation itself affect my yard adversely?

Unfortunately, new sprinkler system installations will leave trench lines in your yard for about two months. Eventually, the turf will fill in these gaps, leaving an irrigated, lush, and happy yard.



Do I really need a sprinkler system if I get a bunch of rain?

Considering how rainfall can fluctuate throughout the year, an irrigation system is a good method for providing necessary watering when the drought times occur. Additionally, the foundation of your home is affected by these fluctuations. An irrigation system provides the necessary moisture your foundation needs throughout the year.



Which sump pump type is better: submersible or column (pedestal)?

This is a common question Both types of pumps are solid investment. In many cases, the motors on pedestal pumps operate with less amp draw. This can make them more economical to run saving you money on your utility bills. Pedestal pump motors are cooled by airflow around them while submersible pumps are cooled by the cool ground water they sit in. Your particular installation may impact the cooling of the pump if you need to install the pump in a very tight area, for example, there may not be sufficient air flow or volume to cool a pedestal pump.



What is the most common cause of sump pump failure?

The most common cause of sump pump failure is power outage. Bad weather storms and power failure often coincide to make one deadly combination that often results in flooded basements across the nation. This is due to the fact that the heavy rain storms result in excess water and a power outage completely immobilizes your sump pump’s ability to drain water. Thankfully, this problem can be avoided by simply purchasing and installing a backup generator for your sump pump. If you ever lose power during a bad storm, you can manually turn this generator on to ensure your basement doesn’t flood. For sump pump installation and repair or to invest in a battery backup, contact MainLine Irrigation. Our professionals lend their expertise and quality customer service to every job they do. Call us today!