Comments on: Home Irrigation How-To

by: Aquatech Irrigation

Sat, 21 Jun 2008 23:05:34 +0000

I was shocked to see that you placed a ‘how to install a sprinkler system’ show on the weather channel and instructed people on how to hook up the main line to a hose bib! This poses a major cross connection violation anywhere in the United States, hence an opportunity for lawn chemicals to backflow into a public water system and poison humans. Can you spell l-i-a-b-i-l-i-t-y….. let me know that next time you decide to teach people how to install a sprinkler…. as a certified irrigation contractor, I could probably help! There are some jobs that should be left to the professionals of their field!

by: Nicholas Roussos

Fri, 19 Oct 2007 15:16:39 +0000

Dog, We just posted a irrigation cost calculator. The calculator and accompanying article should answer your question.

by: Dog Crazy

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 03:40:36 +0000

How much does it cost to irigate your lawn on average for one day??? i need a source, plz help!

by: Thomas B

Sat, 08 Sep 2007 03:18:07 +0000

What a great article on Do it your self sprinkler systems. I have been looking at quite a few system until you ran your show last month. I bought the Lawn Belt system and found it to be easy to install and worked as stated on the web site. If the home owner will do a little research on the company web site you can build a system for any need. The company does recommends a back flow prevention device. You do need to check with your local goverment

by: Art Elmers

Tue, 24 Jul 2007 15:35:39 +0000

While I welcome many of the points and intentions of the article, as an irrigation professional of over thirty-five years, I must stress some points that may have been overlooked.
When you hook up any in ground irrigation system to a potable water supply, backflow prevention is extremely important. In fact, many states require different types of devices by law. There is a possible liability issue to the homeowner when they install irrigation systems. Homeowners should check with their local plumbing inspectors to confirm what is required.
Rain sensors where also mentioned. They typically save approximately 30% of water use. Some states (New Jersey is one)require rain sensors on any new in ground irrigation systems.
I am glad to see drip irrigation mentioned for being the most efficient method of providing irrigation. Did you know that in-line drip (not soaker hose) is being used successfully all over the US to irrigate turfgrass. Athletic fields, parks and homes are utilizing sub-surface drip to maximize ater savings.
More information can be found at netafimusa.com or irrigation.org (the website of the National Irrigation Association) or epa.gov/watersense.

by: Ray

Sat, 21 Jul 2007 02:39:43 +0000

I only use Impact Sprinklers. So much easier to just get the water where you want it. (Never got around to an inground system myself). http://www.rainbird.com/diy/products/impacts/index.htm

Maybe one day the Feds will outlaw water waster sprinklers like the overhead wave type. So many times I see these ones watering the sidewalk and the side of the house. And some people can’t figure out how the little range limiter works on it, so they just slow down the water flow instead.
And did you know that manual spot watering can stress your plants? You soak just the plant base a couple times a week and the nasty dry lawn just sucks that moisture quickly away.(My neighbor does this and has lost many new small trees over the years). Consider converting to a desert landscape for your front yard. You still can enjoy the same plants, but without the chemical bombing of grass maintenance. Plus consider putting in a roof drain system that drains under the new desert scape instead of into the street or storm sewers (Minimum 15 feet from the house before it starts to drain for your foundations sake)..