| How much does a system cost? |
A 1/2 to 3/4 acre lot in the Kalamazoo/Portage area will run between $ 2500 and $ 3500. |
| If I am building a new home, what is the most desirable water source? |
For city water a 1 1/4" service is desirable over a 3/4" service. A well with a submersible pump should produce 12-18 gallons per minute at 50 pounds per square inch (50 psi) Depending on depth, this usually requires a 1 horse power pump. |
| How much lead time is required to procure an estimate if I am building a new home? |
Call after the house has been framed and you know the driveway, sidewalk and the deck or patio layout. Often it is a good idea to have the concrete contractor install a 3" PVC "sleeve" or conduit under your driveway for future irrigation, cable or lighting needs. |
| If I have an existing lawn, when is the best time to have a system installed? |
Although we install systems from late March to late November. The best time to install an irrigation system in an established lawn is from mid March to late May and from mid October to late November. Minimum damage is incurred and the healing of the turf is more rapid when the soil contains a fair amount of moisture rather than when it is hard and dry. |
| What maintenance should be done on my underground sprinkling system? |
In addition to starting your system in the spring and shutting it down in the fall, the sprinkler heads should be checked annually to insure they are spraying and rotating properly. To insure longer life and optimum operation the turf should be periodically cut away from the heads. Managing your water application through controller scheduling is also of the utmost importance. |
| How do I adjust my sprinkler heads and automatic controller? |
Access the "support" sections of the Rainbird or Hunter websites. |
| When, or how often, and how much should I water? |
Generally, turf in west Michigan requires between .5 to 1.5 inches of water per week depending on weather, soil profile and a host of other variables. For a thorough discussion please access the Michigan State University Turf Research Program. |
| Can I service my own system? |
The most important service you can learn is to gain an understanding of your automatic controller. Managing your irrigation schedule for optimum turf health and efficient water use requires regular automatic controller changes. Beyond water management, Maple Hill Sprinkling has all the materials you need to assist you in any repairs or changes you wish to achieve. |
| Can I winterize my own system with my home air compressor? |
Typically not. The average home compressor does not produce the necessary cubic feet of air to adequately clear the lines of water. |
| Can I install my own irrigation system? |
Yes, but a lot depends on your ambition, know how, and available free time. An irrigation system typically requires 50-80 hours work. |
