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Irrigation Systems-Worth the Investment?

Will adding an irrigation system be expensive? Won’t I use more water? The increase to my water bill, will it be worth it? What about the drought effects?

These are questions we hear quite often from our customers. Most of whom are still watering their yards manually because they’re generally worried that installing an automatic sprinkler system will utilize much more water and increase their monthly water bill. Rockology, Utah’s rock landscape experts are here to help you decide.

The truth is that, most sprinkler systems will actually do the opposite. 

A properly installed and maintained irrigation system actually improves watering efficiency, which lowers your water usage and therefor your monthly water bill!

 How?

While there are significant costs to consider which we’ll get to in a bit, the benefits could certainly be worth the investment.

• Just the right amount:  The installation of a good irrigation system is an art. You have to balance the flow and saturation to your yard just right so you’re not depriving, but also not drowning your yard and your plants. An irrigation system installed however with  soil moisture sensors and rain sensors and gauges make it easier to walk that fine line between to little and too much water and ensure you’re being as efficient with your watering as possible.
• Perfect timing: The name of the game with irrigation systems is timing. Having your system installed with a timing clock allows you to optimize your system to water in the most efficient ways. Like in the mornings when it’s the best time to irrigate to avoid increased evaporation, poor water absorption and to decrease the likelihood of lawn diseases. Adding in rain sensors will allow for your system to skip the watering if moisture levels are already detected to a certain point.
• Never miss a watering: Planning a trip? No worries. An automated irrigation system will allow for you to keep your lawn lush no matter if you’re in town or not. Long gone are the days of returning to a browning yard, or wilted plants and over-watering to reverse the effects. Set the sprinkler timer, turn on the sensors, and go about your life knowing your grass will stay green and lush and the pride of the neighborhood.

What are the Costs?

Adding an automated irrigation system to your home no doubt is going to be an investment on the front-end, but what can you expect?

• Quote: Most reputable irrigation and landscape companies offer FREE estimates. The number who do far outweigh those that don’t. Do your research, read reviews, get a few quotes and choose a company you feel comfortable with.
• Installation: Professional installation  of your system is going to be the most costly piece to the puzzle, you can look into a DIY installation option but be sure you weigh the pros and cons, understand your limitations and do your research before opting to go the DIY route. Remember, in the end you’ll benefit from a job well done so make sure you choose the option that will get you there. The cost here is going to depend on a lot of factors and there is no standard answer…How big is your yard? What type of system do you want? How many zones are needed? What added features are you interested in etc. That’s why getting a few quotes from reputable companies will be key. A rough expectation that looks at the industry standard for point of reference a 1/3 acre lot would require possibly 5-6 zones and cost approximately $2500-$4000 depending on other factors. Remember, a system done right from the start will save you money in the long run, a system done incorrectly, could cost you many times over so do your homework before making the call.
• Repairs and maintenance: Plan for repairs and maintenance to be done annually. Budget for a yearly irrigation evaluation with a licensed professional to ensure that your system is running as efficiently as possible and to catch any issues in your system before they become costly. You’ll need to repair leaks and sprinkler head malfunctions promptly to prevent increased water bills. An evaluation will help you to identify these issues. A rough estimate would be $50-80 for an evaluation and $40-$100 per hour for repair work depending on the companies individual fees.
• Winterizing: It’s necessary to blow out and shut down the sprinkler system in the fall to avoid frozen pipes and harsh issues with your system that could compromise your entire system. Plan for this every year and expect $100-$160 or more for this service depending on the size of your system.

Ready to Install a Sprinkler System and Lower Your Monthly Water Bill Today?

If you’re interested in benefiting from an automatic sprinkler system, Rockology Utah can assist you. While our company does not currently offer this service, we do have a network of contractors, landscapers and experiences irrigation specialists that we vet for quality and service that we can highly recommend to our customers.  We carefully research and choose only contractors who meet our precise requirements to align with that we know will meet not only our, but your expectations in performing affordable, reliable services.

To schedule a free consultation and installation estimate, contact us today!