Back to Homeowners on Sanders Irrigation Supply

Irrigation System Checklist

Discuss the following with your contractor/designer before purchasing an irrigation system. Information courtesy of the Irrigation Association.

Design/Installation Features (General)

• What is the life expectancy of system components?
• What safety features have been included?
  1. Backflow
  2. Master valve
• What are the options for future upgrades?
  1. Adding new zones
  2. Extra wiring
• Does the system meet all electrical and plumbing codes?

Specific Operating/Design Parameters

• What will be the distribution uniformity on the irrigated areas? Is water distributed evenly?
  1. Matched precipitation sprinkler heads
  2. Head-to-head coverage
  3. Sprinkler operating pressure
  4. Slopes
  5. Wind consideration
• Does the system provide climate control, rain stat, moisture sensors?
• Water requirements?
  1. What is the precipitation rate (quantity of water applied per hour) of the sprinkler system zones?
  2. What is the anticipated quantity and cost of water used per year?
  3. What is the recommended programming for the sprinkler system used?

Estimate

• What does the estimate include?
  1. Price of system including labor, material, all local taxes and permits
  2. Sprinkler system design, specifications, parts list, cut sheets, guarantees
  3. Cost of design, if any

Warranties

• Who provides equipment installation, start-up and adjustment, winterization?
• What are the warranties on individual components and "system" design performance?
• Who is providing warranties and what do the warranties cover and exclude?
• Are the providers financially capable of standing behind their warranties?
• What is the availability of replacement parts?
• Does the contractor provide operating instructions to the consumer?

Pumping Supplement: Energy Consumption

• Is it possible to pump all water during off-peak hours?
• What are the pump and motor/engine efficiencies?
• Are you provided with a pump curve showing the GPM and pressure?
• What is the sensitivity of pump flow rates to well water level changes?
• What is the approximate energy cost per year for pumping?

Pumping Supplement: Filtration

• Is filtration necessary, and if so, what type is provided?

Pumping Supplement: Backflow Prevention

• Are locally required backflow prevention and safety devices provided?

Pumping Supplement: Flow Meter

• Does it measure both flow rate (GPM) and volume (acre-feet) applied?
• Does installation follow the manufacturer's recommendations with regard to lengths of straight pipe, pipe diameter and straightening vanes?

Pumping Supplement: Pressure, Air, and Flushing

• Are there adequate continuous air vents, vacuum relief valves, and flushouts?
• What are the number, type and size of pressure relief valves?
• Is the pressure rating of all system components sufficiently high for the anticipated water temperature, surge pressures and normal pressures?