Many people say convenience is the biggest advantage to an automatic system since they don't have to spend their time watering by hand or moving the hose around the yard. Others say extended plant life and lower water usage are the most important benefits. Still others believe a sprinkler system is one of the most of the best financial investments they can make i their home since appearance is a key factor in determining market value. And guess what - they're all right!

Q. Will an automatic sprinkler system use more water than I'm currently using?

A. No. In fact, it will conserve water. You'll never have to worry about run of from overwatering or wasting water when you forget to turn off the hose. And, with a Rain Bird moisture sensor, your system will know when it is raining and simply shut itself off when water is not needed.

Q. Does having a sprinkler system really save time?

A. Yes. You won't have to spend another minute of your valuable leisure time watering the lawn. Your new system will do all the watering for you - even when you're away from home.

Q. Will an automatic sprinkler system water as well as I can water by hand?

A. It will do a much better job because a professionally designed system will deliver exactly the right amount of water to individual lawn and garden areas.

Q. We generally get 40 or more inches of rainfall a year. Do we really need a sprinkler system?

A. If it rained at your house every three days - the same exact amount each time - you probably wouldn't need a sprinkler system. But nature doesn't work that way, and the only way to ensure healthy, lush growth is to make certain your lawn and plants receive a regularly timed, evenly measured amount of water. In the dry season when there is little or no rain, your yard can suffer damage after just a few days without water.

Q. Are there different systems from which to choose?

A. Although every system should be tailored to meet individual needs, a typical system will be comprised of a controller (which functions as the brains of the system), valves (which open and close to release and stop the flow of water to underground pipes) and sprinklers (which actually distribute the water to a given area).
It's best if all components of a system are manufactured by the same company in order to ensure that they are designed to work well together. But unlike Rain Bird, most companies make only a component or two of the complete system. Rain Bird, however, designs and manufactures to all of the major components comprising a complete irrigation system. Rain Bird also has a nationwide network of distributor to support contractors who install its systems.

Q. How do I know what type of system is best for me?

A. It's always best to work with a professional irrigation contractor, who is knowledgeable about such factors as water source and pressure, soil type, planting materials and weather conditions. He will take all of this into consideration in designing a system specific to the needs of your landscape.

Q. Can I save money by installing my own system?

A. No! In fact, it could cost you more money in the long run. A professional irrigation contractor will design and install the most cost-effective and energy-efficient system possible. You can be certain that he will select the appropriate equipment for the job, while streamlining the maintenance required to keep your landscaping in top shape.

He will pay special attention to such important factors as sprinkler patterns (it is important to overlap the patterns so that the outer edges receive sufficient water for healthy growth) and backflow prevention (which is necessary to protect your drinking water supply). And because your contractor is familiar with local plumbing and electrical codes, you won't have to worry about costly mistakes in wiring or pipe installation. He can do the job faster, with less disruption to existing landscape, and will guarantee his work.

Q. Will I have difficulty operating this system?

A. Your contractor will help you select the best controller (the brains of the system) for your needs, and he will set it with your individual watering schedule. Your contractor also will work with you to explain the system's operation. Then, if necessary, you can easily change the watering schedule by just following the easy instructions on the inside of the controller cabinet.

Q. How much will a good system cost?

A. The price of a system will vary depending upon many factors such as property size, type of landscaping and special designs. But you can count on your irrigation contractor to design a cost-effective system comprised of quality Rain Bird products. He is familiar with Rain Bird's many professional series products and knows how to put the right ones together in a system that will achieve maximum results for you. He also knows that Rain Bird, as well as its nationwide distributor network, stands behind all of its products and is serious about commitment to quality construction and after-sale service.

Like most people, you probably have a lot of questions you'd like to ask before finalizing your decision to purchase an automatic sprinkler system. Reading this information should provide many answers for you, but please don't hesitate to ask your irrigation contractor any additional questions you may have.