Top Reasons to Hire a Lawn Sprinkler Installation Professional

Lawn sprinkler installation in Sandy UT

Lawn sprinkler installation is a task best left to an expert in automatic watering systems.

Sure, you could attempt to install your own in-ground sprinklers. Watch a few online videos and read up on the process, and you should be good to go, right?

Not quite. Lawn sprinkler installation requires specialized knowledge and expertise. If you want your yard to look its best, you need a custom-designed automatic watering system – and you can’t learn how to design an effective system on the internet. Here are four reasons why hiring a professional is in your best interests.

Lawn sprinkler installation in Sandy UT

Water Pressure

In-ground sprinklers will only work properly if you accurately gauge the water pressure from your plumbing system and design the system to match. If the pressure is too high for the sprinklers you install, they will produce only a fine mist. It it’s too low, you’ll end up with a dribble instead of a spray.

Soil Quality

Before installing an automatic watering system, you need to consider the quality of your soil. Clay-heavy soils absorb water slowly, and incorrect lawn sprinkler design can result in a flooded yard. Conversely, water flows quickly through soils that have a hefty sand content, so in-ground sprinklers must be properly positioned to ensure effective watering.

Weather Conditions

In northern Utah, the weather can be pretty fickle. Different times of the year see varying amounts of precipitation, and the weather in one area can even be vastly different from that just a few miles away. Without careful lawn sprinkler design, your watering system may not be well-suited for your local weather – and you might just see your in-ground sprinklers running on rainy days.

Lawn Damage

Installing an automatic watering system requires you to dig trenches in your yard. If you don’t have the proper equipment – or if you make a mistake and dig in the wrong spot – you can easily turn your yard into an eyesore. Professionals understand how to install in-ground sprinklers with minimal disturbance to the lawn, and they’ll leave your landscape looking intact.

Hiring a professional for lawn sprinkler installation simply makes sense. And with some companies – including Pristine Lawns – your new automatic watering system will come with both warranty coverage and a satisfaction guarantee.

If you’re interested in installing lawn sprinklers and you live in Sandy, Utah, or the greater Salt Lake City area, turn to the licensed and insured professionals at Pristine Lawns. We customize the design of every watering system we install, and we’re known for our exceptional quality, stellar customer service and affordable pricing.

For more information about Pristine Lawns, or to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss professional lawn sprinkler installation, contact us today.

4 Signs You Need Lawn Sprinkler Repairs

Lawn sprinkler repair

If you’re like most people, lawn sprinkler repairs probably aren’t a topic you give much thought.

Chances are, you installed an automatic watering system so that you don’t have to think about keeping your lawn and landscaping watered. You expect your sprinkler system to work – and it should operate for many years without a problem. So, unless you happen to notice an issue, repairing your lawn sprinklers likely isn’t on your mind at all.

But like anything else, automatic watering systems don’t last forever. To keep your lawn looking lush – and to avoid skyrocketing water bills – schedule lawn sprinkler repairs if you notice any of the following signs.

Lawn sprinkler repair

No. 1: Spitting Sprinklers

When sprinklers are coughing, sputtering or spitting, it’s a sure sign of an issue with your automatic watering system.

A few different components could be to blame. The internal valves and seals might be compromised, for example, or the sprinkler heads may be clogged or out of position. In any case, repairs are essential to ensure even watering.

No. 2: Pressure Problems

If water isn’t spraying out of your lawn sprinklers as it should, a pressurization problem could be the culprit.

Pressure problems can cause water to dribble from the sprinkler heads – or, the issue might turn your automatic watering system into a high-powered soaker, damaging the nearby plants and outdoor furniture. In either case, calling in an expert in sprinkler repairs is the best way to restore proper pressure and stave off damage.

No. 3: Soggy Spots

Overwatering can turn your lush green lawn into a swampy mess, and soggy spots definitely point toward the need for sprinkler repairs.

When your automatic watering system leaves your lawn with wet spots, the problem could be caused by a malfunction in sprinkler head rotation, incorrect zone settings or a leak. To eliminate the soggy areas, you will need professional lawn sprinkler repairs.

No. 4: Dry Patches

Underwatering your lawn can be just as damaging, and the issue can easily go unnoticed for a few weeks.

The underlying soil may be dry to the touch, but how often do you really check the moisture in your lawn’s soil? Yellowing grass is typically the earliest warning sign – and by that point, you definitely need the assistance of an experienced sprinkler repair technician to correct the problem.

Does your lawn sprinkler system need repairs? If you live in the greater Salt Lake City area, call on the professional team at Pristine Lawns.

Our expert repair technicians can give your automatic watering system a thorough assessment and address any issues for a fair, affordable price. We can also swap out your existing controller for a smart controller, which can alert you (via your smartphone or tablet) if any problems crop up in the future.

For more information on our services, or to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation and estimate for lawn sprinkler repairs, contact Pristine Lawns in Sandy, Utah, today.

Lawn Sprinkler Installation: Do You Really Need a Rain Sensor?

Lawn sprinkler installation in Utah

Lawn sprinkler installation does not typically include the cost of a rain sensor. You can choose to add one, of course, but doing so will increase your investment.

Is a rain sensor worth the extra expense? That’s for you to decide, as it’s your automatic watering system. But in our minds, adding one is a smart move to make – even if your lawn sprinkler system has soil sensors. Here’s why.

Lawn sprinkler installation in Utah

How a Rain Sensor Works

Have you ever seen someone’s sprinklers running on a rainy day? If you install a rain sensor, you won’t have to worry about that happening with your automatic watering system.

The sensor transmitter is installed outside, typically on a roof or fence, light pole or other permanent landscape fixture. Once it detects a certain amount of rain, it sends a signal to the receiver, which is wired to the timer controller. This action automatically turns off the lawn sprinkler system.

How a Rain Sensor Saves You Money

With a quality rain sensor, your lawn sprinkler installation will cost more. But, the component usually costs under $200 – and it can pay for itself quickly, with a return on investment as short as a year.

How so? Since the sensor tells the automatic watering system to skip scheduled cycles when it’s raining, you’ll see savings on your monthly water bill. As the costs of water are continually rising, it won’t take very long for you to reach the payback point.

Do You Need a Rain Sensor if You Have Soil Moisture Sensors?

Sometimes, lawn sprinkler installations have soil moisture sensors. These components detect the level of moisture present and automatically stop the sprinklers from running when watering isn’t necessary. By doing so, the sensors help you save money on water.

That said, soil moisture sensors don’t react all that quickly to rain unless placed in coarse, sandy soil. If yours is mainly clay or loam soil, you might see your sprinklers on when it’s raining – at least for a little while. So, you may end up wasting water instead of saving money.

For many homeowners, installing both rain and soil sensors makes sense. Go that route, and your automatic watering system will only run when your lawn and garden plants really need a drink. You’ll avoid potential issues of overwatering, and save more on your water bill.

Are you interested in lawn sprinkler installation? For expert workmanship and high-quality products at an affordable price, turn to the experienced professionals at Pristine Lawns.

Based in Sandy, Utah, and serving the greater Salt Lake City area, Pristine Lawns customizes every sprinkler installation to provide efficient, effective watering. We can explain your options, answer your questions, and design an automatic watering system that meets your needs and your budget.

For more information about Pristine Lawns, or to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss rain sensors and lawn sprinkler installation, contact us today.

Is Your Automatic Sprinkler System Watering Evenly?

Getting consistent watering from an automatic sprinkler system

With an automatic sprinkler system, you can have a healthy green lawn and gardens that thrive without really lifting a finger – if, that is, your sprinklers are providing the right amount of water.

If, on the other hand, your automatic sprinkler system isn’t watering evenly, your landscape may not look so lush. Here, the experienced professionals at Pristine Lawns explain how to recognize and correct this common problem with automatic watering systems.

Getting consistent watering from an automatic sprinkler system

How to Detect Uneven Watering

Brown spots and patchy areas of grass are clear indications that your automatic sprinkler system isn’t watering evenly. But these signs take time to appear, and you don’t want to take a wait-and-see approach to determine if your automatic watering system is functioning as it should be.

Instead, try the container test. Grab several empty soup cans, yogurt cartons or any small vessels of the same size. Scatter them around your lawn and gardens, making sure to place some near your thirstiest plants. Run the sprinklers for at least 20 minutes, then compare the depth of water in each container. If some contain significantly more or less water, your sprinkler system likely has a problem.

Causes of Uneven Watering

Improper sprinkler system installation can be to blame for uneven watering. If the sprinkler heads are spaced incorrectly or installed too deep in the ground, they won’t be capable of providing the amount of water your lawn and gardens need.

Uneven watering isn’t always due to installation issues, however. It can also be the result of general wear and tear on the sprinkler system. After years of use, the nozzles and sprinkler heads can become clogged or stuck. Fortunately, repairs are usually rather inexpensive.

Getting the Right Amount of Water to Your Lawn and Gardens

If your sprinklers aren’t watering evenly, your first thought might be to increase or decrease the amount of water the entire system uses. Follow that instinct, and you might help some areas of the landscape – but you’ll also create new problems in spots that were just fine before the adjustment.

Instead, contact a local sprinkler repair service. An experienced professional can perform a thorough inspection of your automatic watering system, pinpoint the source of the problem and complete any necessary repairs.

And consider this – getting expert assistance from a reputable sprinkler repair service typically costs much less than dealing with the landscape damage that can occur with uneven watering.

Do you suspect your automatic sprinkler system isn’t watering evenly? If you live in Salt Lake County, Utah, call on the licensed and insured professionals at Pristine Lawns.

Our expert team will inspect every part of your automatic watering system and correct any problems for a fair, affordable price. With Pristine Lawns, you can count on quality workmanship and exceptional customer care. For more information on our sprinkler repair service, or to schedule a consultation and restore the functionality of your automatic sprinkler system, contact our Sandy, Utah, office today.

How Does an In-Ground Lawn Sprinkler System Work?

An in-ground lawn sprinkler system makes the task of watering infinitely easier. Your yard and garden plants will have the water they need, when they need it – and with almost no effort on your part.

Curious about how an automatic watering system does its job? Here, we explain how the components of an in-ground lawn sprinkler system work together.
How lawn sprinklers work

Underground Pipes

Most in-ground sprinkler systems use PVC piping to move water to the sprinklers, as PVC withstands the elements and is both inexpensive and easy to work with. The pipes, which attach to the main water supply, are buried underground in a custom-designed configuration that covers every lawn and garden area. As different plants have different watering needs, the piping is often divided into separate zones.

Sprinkler Valves

An automatic watering system has a series of underground valves connected to the PVC pipes. A valve is typically placed at the starting point of each piping zone to control the flow of water to each section of the yard and garden. When the plants in a particular zone need a drink, the valve opens. Once they’ve had enough, it closes again.

Sprinkler Heads

In-ground watering systems have multiple sprinkler heads that deliver water to the lawn and garden plants. Between spray heads, bubblers and rotary sprayers, there are several options to ensure every landscape area gets sufficient water. Some sprinkler heads pop out of the soil when needed, then disappear when not in use.

Timer Controller

The controller is the brain of the in-ground sprinkler system. Essentially, it’s a computerized timing device that automates watering by telling the valves when to open and close. The mechanism is usually mounted in a garage, garden shed or other indoor, spot. Some devices feature weather and soil moisture sensors, and expert installers program the timer controller for optimal operation.

Factors that Affect the Cost of In-Ground Sprinkler Systems

How much will it cost to install an automatic watering system? Predicting the price is next to impossible without an in-person evaluation from an expert installer – after all, there are a number of variables to the project.
When determining the cost of in-ground lawn sprinkler system installation, professionals consider the following:

  • The location and size of the property
  • The slope of the yard
  • The conditions of the soil
  • The number of zones needed
  • The types of landscape plants

In addition, high-quality components cost more, but the extra investment is worthwhile, as it results in less sprinkler maintenance and fewer future repairs. And, in some areas, installing an automatic watering system requires a permit, which adds to the project total.

Are you interested in installing an in-ground lawn sprinkler system? If you live in Sandy, Utah or the greater Salt Lake City area, turn to the experienced professionals at Pristine Lawns.

At Pristine Lawns, we customize every installation, taking great care to provide an efficient and effective automatic watering system. Our expert installers strive to provide exceptional workmanship, with minimal lawn disturbance, and we’re known for fair, competitive pricing.

For more information about Pristine Lawns, or to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation to discuss installing an in-ground lawn sprinkler system, contact us today.

Advantages of Installing a Lawn Sprinkler System

installing lawn sprinklers

Installing a lawn sprinkler system is an investment, but it’s one that pays off in multiple ways – now and in the future.

With a custom-designed automatic watering system, you can have a lush, green lawn and a gorgeous, healthy landscape with virtually no effort. And, by installing automated sprinklers, you’ll reduce your water use – and your monthly water bills.

Here are just some of the reasons why you should consider installing a lawn sprinkler system – and why the project is best left to an experienced professional installer.

installing lawn sprinklers

Convenience

One of the biggest reasons to install an automatic watering system is to make caring for your lawn and gardens less of a chore. You won’t have to drag the hose out into the yard or even think about giving your landscape a drink – your sprinklers will work without you lifting a finger.

Optimal Watering

Advanced sprinkler systems provide the right amount of water at the right time. Weather and soil moisture sensors efficiently and effectively meet your watering needs. You won’t have to worry about over-saturating or underwatering – with automated sprinklers, your lawn and landscape plants will remain healthy and beautiful.

Lower Water Bills

When you install an automated watering system, you might think your monthly water bills would rise. The truth is, by optimizing your watering, lawn sprinklers dramatically reduce your water use. So, you can expect your bills to drop – and your automatic watering system will pay for itself sooner than you think.

Should You Opt for Professional Lawn Sprinkler Installation?

If you’re handy, you might be tempted to take the DIY route for your sprinkler system installation. Although this could possibly reduce your initial investment costs, installing your own automated sprinklers isn’t the best idea.

A professional sprinkler design and installation expert can explain your options and recommend the best automatic watering system to fit your needs and your budget. In addition, an expert in sprinklers and irrigation will understand how to complete the installation with minimal disturbance to your lawn and landscape. And, after the job is done, they can program the system to perfectly meet your water needs.

Hiring a professional gives you peace of mind and, with some local sprinkler installation companies – including Pristine Lawns — you’ll also enjoy both warranty coverage and a satisfaction guarantee. For all of these reasons, leaving the project to a professional simply makes sense.

If you’re interested in installing a lawn sprinkler system and you live in Sandy, Utah or elsewhere in Salt Lake County, trust the licensed and insured professionals at Pristine Lawns.

Pristine Lawns provides customized automatic watering system design and expert installation services, and our team takes extreme care with every project. We’ve served northern Utah clients for many years, and we’re known for our exceptional quality and affordable pricing. For a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss installing a lawn sprinkler system, contact us today.

Understanding Common Sprinkler Head Problems

common sprinkler problems

If you have a sprinkler system installed at your home, you are bound to have a few minor problems with your sprinkler heads from time to time. This occurs primarily due to the heavy mineral content of our northern Utah water, as well as the extreme weather conditions we are subject to.

Fortunately, most of these issues are minor problems and, usually, easy to troubleshoot and fix. Today’s lawn watering systems are designed so that they can be adjusted and repaired easily. You can try some of these simple repairs on your own but, to prevent damage to the system, it’s usually best to call on your local sprinkler installation and repair professional.

Sprinkler Heads Are Too High

If your sprinkler heads sit too high up above the soil, it can cause a variety of problems. Not only can damage result but it could also damage lawns tools and even cause tripping and falling injuries to people and pets.

This repair requires removing the grass and topsoil from around the sprinkler head and digging around and under the head and pipe until the head sits approximately a half inch above ground level. Once this is accomplished, the dirt is carefully packed back in and the turf replaced.

The risks of trying to do this type of repair yourself involve the potential for cracking or breaking of the line underground and damaging the sprinkler head during the process. If you cause damage underground, the leak could potentially cause damage and waste hundreds of gallons of water before you know there’s a problem.

common sprinkler problems

Clogged Sprinkler Heads Are Clogged

Clogged heads are common, usually the result of dirt and debris, hard water or lawn maintenance activities. You might notice that the water output is weak or nonexistent, or you might see dripping around the sprinkler head.

Sometimes this problem can be fixed with a stiff wire or tool, such as a paper clip or ice pick. More often, however, if the head is thoroughly clogged, it may be easier and less expensive to simply replace the malfunctioning par.

Sprinkler Heads Are Broken

Mower blades, lawn tools, kids toys, chewing pets and vandals are common causes of broken sprinkler heads. The good thing is that replacing sprinkler heads is very easy. Just unscrew the stem or head and remove it, and then screw in a replacement sprinkler head.

However, it’s important that you replace the damaged part with the right type of head. Otherwise you could cause problems with coverage and pressure.

The easiest way to deal with any sprinkler system problem is to trust the experts at Pristine Lawns. We offer full-service lawn care in Sandy, Utah, and throughout Salt Lake County. Our services include basic lawn care, sprinkler installation and repair, and all types of landscape installations.

If you’re having sprinkler head problems, contact us today for a consultation and repair quote.