Many people say convenience is the biggest advantage to an automatic system since they don't have to spend their time watering by hand or moving the hose around the yard. Others say extended plant life and lower water usage are the most important benefits. Still others believe a sprinkler system is one of the best investments that they can make in their home, since a home’s appearance is a key factor in determining market value. And guess what -- they are all right!

Q. Will an automatic sprinkler system use more water than I am currently using?

A. No. -- In fact, an automatic sprinkler system will conserve water. You will never have to worry about runoff from overwatering or about wasting water if you forget to turn off the hose. Plus, with a Rain Bird moisture sensor your system will know when it is raining and simply turn itself off when water is not needed.

Q. Does having a sprinkler system really save time?

A. Yes. -- You won't have to spend another minute of your valuable leisure time watering the lawn. Your new system will do all the watering for you - even when you are away from home! This makes it easy to comply with local by-laws and regulations.

Q. Will an automatic sprinkler system water as well as I do when I water by hand?

A. An automatic sprinkler system will do a much better job, because a professionally designed system delivers exactly the right amount of water to specific lawn and garden areas.

Q. We generally get 40 or more inches of rainfall a year. Do we really need a sprinkler system?

A. If it rained at your house every three days -- the same exact amount each time -- you probably would not need a sprinkler system. But nature doesn't work that way, and the only way to ensure healthy, lush yard is to make certain that your lawn and plants receive a regularly timed and evenly measured amount of water. In the dry season when there is little or no rain, your yard can suffer damage after just a few days without water.

Q. Are there different sprinkler systems from which to choose?

A. Although every system should be tailored to meet one’s individual needs, a typical system is comprised of a controller (which functions as the brains of the system), valves (which open and close to release and stop the flow of water to underground pipes) and sprinklers (which distribute water to specific areas). It is best if all of a system’s components are manufactured by the same company in order to ensure that they will work well together. Unlike Rain Bird, most companies make only one or two components of a complete system. However, Rain Bird, designs and manufactures all of the major components that comprise a complete irrigation system.

Q. How do I know what type of sprinkler system is best for me?

A. It is always best to work with a professional irrigation contractor who is knowledgeable about factors such as water source and pressure, soil type, planting materials, and weather conditions. A professional contractor, such as Tactical Irrigation, will take all of this into consideration when designing a system specific to the needs of your landscape.

Q. Can I save money by installing my own system?

A. No! In fact, it could cost you more money in the long run. Tactical Irrigation will design and install the most cost-effective and energy-efficient system possible. You can be confident that we will use the best equipment for the job and effectively schedule any maintenance required to keep your landscape in top shape.

We will pay special attention to important factors such as sprinkler patterns (it is important to overlap the patterns so that the outer edges receive sufficient water for healthy growth) and backflow prevention (which is necessary to protect your drinking water). A professional contractor can do the job faster -- with less disruption to your existing landscape -- and we guarantee our work.

Q. Will I have difficulty operating my sprinkler system?

A. Tactical Irrigation will help you select the best controller for your needs, and we will program it with your customized watering schedule. We will also explain the system's operation to you. Then, if necessary, you will be able to easily change the watering schedule by simply following the easy instructions on the inside of the controller cabinet.

Q. How much will a good sprinkler system cost?

A. The price of a system depends upon many factors such as property size, type of landscaping, and special designs. Tactical Irrigation will design a cost-effective system comprised of quality Rain Bird products. We are familiar with Rain Bird's many professional series products and know how to put the right ones together in a system in order to achieve maximum results.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any additional questions you may have!