Installing an Irrigation System: FAQ's

What kind of damage to my lawn can I expect?

Depending on the accessibility to your property, installations of piping are done either with a pipe pulling machine or by hand. As you can see, machine damage is very minor.
For most residential installations we utilize the Ditch Witch 255. This unit can easily fit through most gates (min 36"), while succesfully pulling irrigation pipe through most soils while leaving very little to no turf damage.
 For large estate properties we use the Ditch Witch 410
If we cannot get equipment into your yard we can still install by hand using special trenching shovels to limit turf damage. 
Hand digging an irrigation lineGround repaired after installation
Sprinklers are installed by hand after the main lines have all been pulled through the ground. Rotary sprinklers are used for large turf areas, while Sprays are used in narrow turf areas as well as gardens.
A Rotor being installed:
A Spray being installed:
How do you water my gardens?

All garden irrigation is installed by hand. Ideally piping and sprinklers should be  installed prior to planting in new beds. In established beds, extreme care is taken when installing so as not to disturb plant material. Installing after plants have been installed may influence the final price.
Sprays can be installed on a riser to
get over tall plants		OR installed as a pop up to be hidden when not in use
My gardens are between the house and walkway, how do you go under the Interlock?

A typical installation may require pipe to go under a walkway. In this case, our skilled technicians may remove and reinstall a narrow section of pathway. Pipe is then enclosed in a solid conduit. All stone is then replaced and retamped to its original state.
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PLAN AHEAD: Save Time and money!
Have conduits installed under walkways prior to their completion.
This can significantly reduce irrigation install time and expense.

How is the irrigation system connected to the plumbing or water source?

Yates uses only a licensed plumbing contractor to attach the irrigation system to your existing city plumbing. Pump and well systems wells can be installed by one of our Certified irrigation technicians. All plumbing includes a dual check backflow Preventer as well as shutoff valve.
City water systems have two options for connection to a water source. The first and preferred method is to have a plumber connect to your existing plumbing. If the main plumbing is inaccesible, we may have to use an existing hose bib.
City Water: plumbed in
(preferred method)		City Water: hose bib
(if required)
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Well Systems are generally installed like city systems, but with larger diameter piping. Some well systems may require special equipment to eliminate iron in the water to prevent rust staining on the house walls.
Typical InstallationWith a Rid o Rust system
River or lake Pump systems require an irrigation pump. No indoor plumbing is required. Pump installations will include a cover, relay, filter and check valve.
How does the irrigation system exit the foundation?

Generally the plumbing for the irrigation system exits the house through a foundation wall. We use specialized equipment to drill through the wall. The piping is installed and securely sealed on both ends. Before exiting the foundation a backflow prevention valve is installed, then on the other side a blowout tap is then installed before the piping is connected to the valves and sprinklers. 
A Typical exterior connection point is shown with a blowout tap installed. A master valve is included at this point to eliminate the risk of water loss.All installations include a backflow prevention device to prevent contamination
Where will the Controller be located?

All Controllers used by Yates come in a lockable, weather resistant cabinet. Generally they should be installed on an outside wall with access to a standard household electrical circuit. Controllers can be also installed in a garage or other outside building with electrical service.
Our Typical Installation
What are Valve boxes?

Valve boxes are an in ground cabinet used to house the valves. Access to valves is required to facilitate maintenance or additions. Boxes are made of an extremely sturdy plastic that will prevent damage from lawn mowers, digging, etc. They can house 1 to 6 valves, and are usually located in an inconspicuous part of a garden or lawn.
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Do you include a Rain Sensor? Where will it be located?

All Yates Custom Lawn Sprinklers come standard with a Rain Sensor. A Rain Sensor is designed to prevent your irrigation system from activating during rainy periods. They are always installed in an unsheltered area, usually on a gutter or roofline.
Rain Sensors can be adjusted for rainfall depending on the irrigation environment. They can also be bypassed through a switch on your controller.
NEW PRODUCT: The Rainbird SMT controller comes wit a standard weather sensor! Not only does it sense rainfall, it actually measures it. Combined with an onsite temperature sensor, this new "SMART" system actually calculates how much moisture has been lost from your landscape, before applying irrigation!
How is my system prepared for the winter?

All irrigation sytems located in cold climates must be winterized prior to freezing temperatures. 
Your system will include a "Blow out valve" which is usually installed at the point the irrigation plumbing leaves the house. Our Certified irrigation technicians use a high volume compressor to completely eradicate the water from your syste

What is our Installation Warranty?

Simple. Parts and labour are covered for TWO (2) years, from the date your system is started. The following restrictions apply:

  • First operational season: (or part there of) full parts and labour, no limit on service calls.
  • Second operational season: full parts and labour, provided startup and winterization (Silver package) has been ordered and paid for. Service calls are an extra charge.
  • Third to fifth operational season: Parts only. Client must provide invoice for winterization. Service and labour charge applies.