Sprinkler Systems

Anyone have an in-ground sprinkler installed? Can you provide names of who does a quality job with a ballpark of prices. We have 0.20 acres.

Thanks in advance.

 

We used Mclean irrigation and were very pleased. As to cost, we only did the front yard of our .75 acre lot due to the topography which allows the front yard to drain into the back, and paid around $ 3000 3 years ago.

lyo

 

latka,

Thanks. Thats seems a reasonable price also. I had one installed in MA (where I assume the gound is much rockier than here) and for 1/2 acre we paid $2600.

 

Actually, the ground in Broadlands is extremly rocky.

lyo

 

But latka only did his front yard. Seems to be more expensive in VA.

 

I received quotes from Allen Sprinkler and Dominion Irrigation at around $3,300 each for 6 zones on about 0.17 acres. Allen agreed to knock off $300 to install in the late fall. Everything seemed fine when they ran turned the system on but we won't know 100% until this spring when we start running it regularly.

 

We just had BioGreen install a 5 zone system this past fall ( I think 10 sprinkler heads per zone). They did the neighbor's up the street also. Seemed very knowledgeable and they did it all in two days - very fast. I think it was $3,465 - paid 1/3 down at contract, 1/3 at install, 1/3 at completion (a few days later when they come out to show you how to run it, and set the timer).

Also, most companies in VA are going to want a service contract. For the annual fee (around $200) they will do a fall shut down, where they remove the Loudoun Cty-required backflow preventer. They'll give it to you to store indoors (no freezing). Then, they use a big compressor to blow all the water out of the underground pipes - so no breaking/splitting due to freezing. In spring, they come out and turn it all back on, and test the system. To include adjusting anything that needs it.

BioGreen includes a warranty on everything, provided you keep up the service contract. Got a sprinkler head that breaks? They replace it for free....they also include a third visit in summer to check on the coverage, etc, and adjust as needed. I think they've been in business out here for 15 years or so...

So, when shopping around, also consider those long term costs.

If you go with Biogreen..give them my name...I'll split any referral bonus with you...heh heh heh



Dawne

 

It's interesting that they put the back-flow preventer in a place that could freeze. Where is it? It seems only logical that they place this in the basement where the water is piped into the house (at least that's how my last sprinkler system was built). Where did they tap for the sprinkler?

$200 is also pretty steep. I paid $75 at my last house.

Of course, everything is more expensive here and I came from a nice area in MA. I may have to get a second job to afford the cost of living. The calculators on the various move-related web sites are way off. They said this area was less expensive!

 

I use Ronco irrigation for my service, and it's $150 / yr, pretty close to Dawne's co. fee.

 

rharse - They put the backflow preventer outside - not sure why, maybe a Loudoun Cty code thing. Who knows.

They tapped for the sprinkler in the basement at the incoming water line before the pressure regulator for the house.

I have to admit that the plumber running the copper lines did a really nice job. He asked us about where we wanted the pipe, to take into account our future plans to finish that part of the basement. It was a very clean job and the water was off for a total of about 15 minutes. Very efficient.


Dawne

 

I reviewed the Homeowner Document and did not see the requirement for HOA approval for an in-ground sprinkler system. Is there such a requirement?

 

There is no requirement for approval of sprinklers, as they are usually not an architectual change.

Neil Z.
Resident since 1999

 

nielz,
Thanks for the info!

 

Oh, good! I was thinking of getting one of those portable sprinkler systems on the big wheels like you see in the crop fields...