CHOOSING
AN IRRIGATION CONTRACTOR
The success of any irrigation system depends largely on the contractor chosen
to install it. A contractor’s expertise and specialised skills are crucial
in determining the system’s efficiency and long term reliability.
In fact, how the system is designed and installed will make the difference
between a system that is reliable and keeps your garden in top condition,
and one that is troublesome, wastes water and provides little benefit.
LWS refers enquiries to our network of professional installers, so if you
are looking for a company to supply and install your irrigation system (big
or small) please contact LWS for further information.
What to Expect
An efficient contractor will be happy to provide you with all the information
you need to make an informed choice. On medium to large projects the contractor
will want to view your property in order to gain all the details he needs
for the design and specification of the system.
He will then present a formal estimate detailing what he plans to do and the
total price for materials and installation.
If you contact LWS first we will establish your requirements and refer you
to an installer suited to your particular project. We work with the installer
throughout the project starting with the system design right through to installation.
Your contract would be with the installer, our involvement is free of charge
and is intended to ensure that all projects are carried out to our high standards.
KEY QUESTIONS
When deciding to have an irrigation system installed there are key points
that the installer should address. If these details have not been discussed
or agreed make sure you ask!
1. Is the system
supplied direct from the mains water supply ? If so is the water pressure
and flow sufficient for effective operation?
2. Have all water bylaws and regulations been
observed?
3. If a pump has been specified what type
is it?
4. How big is the storage tank?
5. How deep will the pipework be trenched?
6. What level of reinstatement can you expect
when trenches have been backfilled?
7. Will the underground valve boxes be concealed
in borders?
8. Are the pop up sprinklers positioned on
at least a 50% overlap?
9. How easy is the controller to program and
use?
10. How much water, on average, will the system
use per week?
11. Is there a warranty on the system? (One
year is typical)
THE
COST
A professional installer will strive to provide an accurate costing which
clearly shows items that are included and the odd item that is not (electrical
work perhaps).
As a guide, a small garden with drip or low volume irrigation for the borders
and planted areas is likely to be in the region of £1,000 - £2,000.
This is likely to be supplied via the mains water supply and would include
necessary components to conform to water regulations and to provide automatic
control.
A medium sized garden with pop up sprinklers for the turf and drip/low volume
for the borders, water storage tank and booster pump, automatic control and
rain shut off device is likely to be in the region of £4,500 - £6,500.
Understandably there are a number of points that can have an impact on installation
costs such as ease of trenching, obstructions (driveways, trees, hard landscaping,
services etc), proximity of mains water/power and level of reinstatement.
You get what you pay for
When choosing your contractor, you should be wary of those who offer to charge
you significantly less than other contractors. There are many cost cutting
techniques that inevitably compromise the performance and life expectancy
of your system.
Confidence Counts
Above all, you should choose a company that you can trust and with whom you
feel comfortable. It is important to install professional products such as
those supplied by LWS.
The Rain Bird product range is used by professional installers across more
than 120 countries, and choosing a contractor who uses Rain Bird products
is the best way to ensure the job will be done right.