Professional Installation
The success of any irrigation system depends largely on the contractor chosen to install it. A contractor's expertise and specialised skills are crucial in determining the system's efficiency and long term reliability.
In fact, how the system is designed and installed will make the difference between a system that is reliable and keeps your garden in top condition, and one that is troublesome, wastes water and provides little benefit.
LWS refers enquiries to our network of professional installers, so if you are looking for a company to supply and install your irrigation system (big or small) please complete our CONTRACTOR REFERRAL FORM.
What to Expect
An efficient contractor will be happy to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed choice. On medium to large projects the contractor will want to view your property in order to gain all the details he needs for the design and specification of the system.
They will then present a formal estimate detailing what they plan to do and the total price for materials and installation.
If you contact LWS first, we will establish your requirements and refer you to an installer suited to your particular project. We work with the installer throughout the project starting with the system design right through to installation. Your contract would be with the installer, our involvement is free of charge and is intended to ensure that all projects are carried out to the highest standards.
Key Questions
When deciding to have an irrigation system installed there are key points that the installer should address. If these details have not been discussed or agreed make sure you ask!
- Is the system supplied direct from the mains water supply? If so is the water pressure and flow sufficient for effective operation?
- Have all water regulations been observed?
- If a pump has been specified what type is it and is the power supply sufficient?
- How big is the storage tank?
- How deep will the pipe work be trenched?
- What level of reinstatement can you expect when trenches have been backfilled?
- Will the underground valve boxes be concealed in borders?
- Are the pop up sprinklers positioned on at least a 50% overlap?
- How easy is the controller to use and what water saving features does it have?
- How much water, on average, will the system use per week?
- Is there a warranty on the system? (One year is typical)
The Cost
A professional installer will strive to provide an accurate costing which clearly shows items that are included and the odd item that is not (electrical work perhaps).
As a guide, a small garden with drip or low volume irrigation for the borders and planted areas is likely to be in the region of £1,500 - £2,500. This is likely to be supplied via the mains water supply and would include necessary components to conform to water regulations and to provide automatic control and a rain sensor.
A medium sized garden with pop up sprinklers for the turf and drip / low volume for the borders, water storage tank and booster pump, automatic control and rain shut off device is likely to be in the region of £4,500 - £6,500.
Understandably there are a number of points that can have an impact on installation costs such as ease of trenching, obstructions (driveways, trees, hard landscaping, services etc), proximity of mains water / power and level of reinstatement.
You get what you pay for
When choosing your contractor, you should be wary of those who offer to charge you significantly less than other contractors. There are many cost cutting techniques that inevitably compromise the performance, efficiency and life expectancy of your system.
Confidence Counts
Above all, you should choose a company that you can trust and with whom you feel comfortable. It is important to install professional products such as those supplied by LWS.
The Rain Bird product range is used by professional installers across more than 120 countries, and choosing a contractor who uses Rain Bird products is the best way to ensure the job will be done right.