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The High Cost of Hiring an Unlicensed Irrigator

September 20, 2019 By Matt Sorenson

Using an unlicensed irrigator to install your sprinkler system may seem to save you some money upfront, but in the long run it’s going to cost you more for repairs and to re-do the installation properly. 

Not only is it risky to hire an unlicensed irrigator, but the law in Texas stipulates that “a person may not sell, design, install, maintain, alter, repair, service or inspect an irrigation system — or consult in these activities — in this state, unless the person is licensed by the TCEQ.” 

Chances are that unless you hired a trained, licensed irrigator, there are some hidden disasters waiting to happen in your sprinkler system.

The Importance of design

A successful irrigation system starts with a proper design. And it’s much more than deciding where to put sprinkler heads. Some of the basics include:

  • Checking local codes and permit requirements.
  • Locating site utilities.
  • Determining soil type.
  • Obtaining or drawing a site plan to scale and comparing it to the site.
  • Determining water pressure (psi) and gallons per minute (GPM) available from the water connection.
  • Calculating pressure losses from chosen sprinkler equipment (e.g. water meter, backflow preventer, sprinkler heads, etc.).
  • Making pressure loss adjustments to balance the system.
  • Determining the correct distance between sprinklers, their precipitation rate, and the GPM for each head.
  • Marking the sprinkler heads on the plan. 
  • Identifying hyro-zones for various plants and creating valve zones.
  • Drawing in the pipe layout.
  • Calculating lateral piping sizes.

A poorly designed plan by unlicensed irrigators, or no plan at all, creates many problems. Here are some issues that licensed irrigators run across, and have to diagnose and repair:

  1. Incorrect head layouts

Too many sprinkler heads on one zone lowers the water pressure for each head. The heads will barely shoot water, and the lower pressure can also prevent pop-up sprinklers from popping up. Too few sprinkler heads leads to inadequate coverage of plant material. Some areas will be under-watered, becoming dry and brown, while others near the sprinkler will be over-watered, as the homeowner tries to compensate by irrigating more often. The spray from each sprinkler should be reaching all the way to the next sprinkler in each direction for 100 percent overlap, in what is known as head-to-head coverage.

Runoff occurs when sprinkler heads are installed too close to structures, sidewalks, and driveways.

  1. Mixed heads with different pressure ratings and precipitation rates in the same zone

You should only use sprinklers with matched precipitation rates and pressure ratings in the same zone. Stick with one brand and model of sprinkler for the zone because precipitation rates differ between makes and models — if you mix a high precipitation sprinkler with a low one in the same valve zone, one area will be over-watered, and one will be under-watered. It’s fine to use a different type of sprinkler in a separate zone (e.g. brand “x” spray heads for a small lawn area on one valve, brand “y” emitters for the garden on another valve, and brand “z” for rotors for a larger lawn area on a third valve).

Also, in order to achieve matched precipitation rates in a watering zone, a professional knows how to choose the correct GPM nozzles for rotor sprinklers in order to proportionally match their precipitation/application rates. A rotor that’s watering a 1/2 circle should have a nozzle installed that is applying 1/2 of the GPM that the nozzle in a full circle rotor sprinkler in the same zone is applying.

Nozzles for spray sprinklers also need to be matched for precipitation rates and distance in the same zone. You can’t just take a different brand nozzle and screw it on a sprinkler body if the performance specifications aren’t the same, and expect it to work properly.

  1. Improper installation of drip tubing and emitters

A trained, licensed installer has to match the proper emitters with the needs of the plants and the soil type. If the emitters are placed too far apart, are too few in number, or don’t meet watering needs, the plant roots may not develop properly. 

Types of emitters include: soaker hose, pre-installed emitter lines, punch-in emitters, micro sprays, and micro bubblers. Soaker hoses, emitter hoses, and micro sprays are better suited for closely spaced plants, while drip emitters are better for areas with wider spaces between plants, or for separate plant containers. Micro sprays are not as efficient as ground drip emitters, as they can lose water due to evaporation.

Micro bubblers are best for larger plants, such as shrubs or roses, and for filling the basins around newly planted trees. The micro sprays and bubblers should be placed on a different zone from the emitters due to their higher flow rates. 

In-line drip tubing (with pre-installed emitters) should be laid at 18- or 24-inch intervals. Unlicensed irrigators have installed the tubing incorrectly by running it in areas where there were no plants, running the lines too close together, not placing the tubing close enough to the plants, and creating tangled, overlapping piles of tubing.

User-installed, or punch-in emitters, provide more versatility than in-line tubing, and allow customization for a variety of plant sizes and irregular plant spacing. These can be installed on in-line tubing as well. A licensed irrigator has to know the output rates for various emitters, which range from 1/2 to 4 gallons per hour (GPH), so he can compensate for plants close together with differing water needs.

Unlicensed irrigators also cut costs by using emitters that clog easily and distribute water unevenly, rather than installing the better quality turbulent-flow, diaphragm, adjustable, or pressure compensating emitters.

Wiring issues

Troubleshooting the irrigation electrical system can take many hours. Often the problem comes down to shoddy workmanship, and the use of improper materials by unlicensed irrigators. For example, regular splice caps being used rather than special waterproof splice connectors. Any water leaking into the splice will corrode the wire and short it out, or create an electrical open. Sometimes wires are stripped too far back, or twisted too loose or too tight, and fail after only one or two years. You’ll also find many inappropriate types of wire not approved for direct burial, such as communications cables, speaker wire, thermostat wire, telephone wire, and lamp cord.

Inadequate trenching

In temperate zones, the typical pipe used for lateral pipes is 1-inch CL (Class) 200 PVC (polyvinyl chloride). It performs well under frequent use and higher water pressures. The recommended sealer for threaded fittings is PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) thread seal tape, often called Teflon tape. This tape needs to be wrapped correctly with the right thickness to create a strong, leak-proof pipe.

For slip connections, PVC primer and cement are used (“solvent welding”). Unlicensed irrigators often take shortcuts by using only the primer or cement. Sometimes they also just glue the fitting and not the pipe, or vice versa — the result being future leaks needing repair. They also cut corners by not burying all the barbs inside the pipe if they cut it short, leaving some of the barbs sticking out. The fitting then won’t set properly, and will come loose at some point, especially under high pressure. 

Lateral pipes should be buried or trenched at least 10 inches deep to protect them from cars driving over them, shovels, and lawn aerators. Unlicensed irrigators bury the pipes too shallow, often 6 inches or less, making them highly susceptible to damage. As well, they often use a cheaper, smaller pipe with a very low flow capacity that plugs up easily. If they also use too much glue on the fittings, they can partially block the flow of water, severely affecting the sprinklers.

Incorrect controller programming

Irrigation controllers have to be programmed correctly to nourish lawns and gardens, and to conserve water and save you money. Unlicensed irrigators improperly program controllers in the following ways:

  • Not caring about or aware of your specific watering days and allowed watering times.
  • Not knowledgeable about the watering needs of your plant materials (overwatering and/or underwatering).
  • Not aware of the cycle and soak irrigation method.
  • Not installing a rain sensor or shutoff device for new systems or when replacing a controller (a TCEQ requirement).
  • Programming all programs (e.g. A, B, C) so they all run, even though you don’t need them (overwatering).
  • Confusing start times with zone run times, and programming start times in all the zones (overwatering).
  • Not knowing how to use the “seasonal adjust” feature.

Sprinkler design, installation, and maintenance is a skilled activity.  Be sure to hire a licensed irrigator.

For prompt and skilled service to your sprinkler system, call the pros at South Austin Irrigation at (512) 534-7449.  

 

Filed Under: Irrigation Repair Blog Tagged With: Irrigation system installation, landscape tips

Common Sprinkler Problems Part 2 – Trouble with Zones, Valves and Pipes

July 8, 2019 By Matt Sorenson

Most sprinkler systems, no matter how good they are, will need routine inspection and repair.  

Here is the second part of our trouble-shooting tips.  

Sprinkler Zones Do Not Turn On

If no zones will turn on, see if they’ll run using the manual setting on the controller. If the zones run on manual, you know the controller is good. It just might not be programmed properly or be on the correct setting.

The rain sensor could also be stopping the automatic programming if the ground is already saturated.

If the system doesn’t run in manual mode, do the following to check the controller for power:

  • Ensure the controller’s fuse hasn’t blown (if it has one).
  • Reset any circuit breaker button and try the system again.
  • If plugged into a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) receptacle, press the reset button.
  • If the system still isn’t working, check the outlet the power transformer is plugged into.
  • Plug the transformer back in, turn the system off, and test the voltage of the transformer with a multimeter by placing the leads on the transformer terminals marked “24 vac”. Replace the transformer if the reading is less than 24.

You may have to replace the controller if none of the above resolve the issue.

If just one zone isn’t working, the problem is usually an electrical issue or a defective controller or solenoid. To check the controller:

  • Ensure the zone wires are firmly attached to the controller terminals, the transformer is plugged in, and the circuit breaker in the main panel is on.
  • Use a multimeter to check the voltage to the nonworking zone by touching the leads to the common terminal and zone terminal. Replace the controller if the voltage is too low, but above zero (consult your owner’s manual for the required range).
  • If the voltage reading is zero, check the fuse, and replace it if blown.
  • If the controller doesn’t have a fuse, check the voltage of the transformer with the multimeter. The transformer is defective if the voltage is below 24 and needs to be replaced.

Valve Problems

If a valve’s not turning on, check to see if it will turn on manually. Many valves have a lever or switch to activate them without electricity. If the valve works when turned on manually, the problem is most likely with the wiring from the controller to the valve, the wiring at the valve, or the solenoid. Check for any loose or damaged wires and reconnect, repair, or replace them.

Test the solenoid using a multimeter to check the resistance ohms between the common terminal and the terminal for the nonworking zone. If the number is lower than the recommendation in the owner’s manual (usually 20 to 60 ohms), the solenoid switch that activates the sprinklers in that zone is defective and has to be replaced. Any reading above 60, or a reading of zero, indicates a wiring problem.

A stuck valve can prevent your sprinklers from turning on or off. Sometimes this is caused by dirt, debris, or rocks in the valve’s diaphragm. To remedy this, unscrew the solenoid, and allow water to pass through the valve, then close the solenoid. If this doesn’t work, take the faulty valve apart, and use a small screwdriver to remove any debris and rocks from the diaphragm.

Water seeping from sprinkler heads after the controller has turned off the zone is caused by:

  • A torn or damaged diaphragm inside the valve. Rebuild kits are available that include replacement diaphragms.
  • A cracked valve body. Replace the valve.

Broken Pipes and Leaks

One of the causes of low pressure in your irrigation system can be underground leaks. Signs of leaks in the water line include:

  • Water bubbling up from the soil when the system is running.
  • A depression in the ground.
  • A very wet area.
  • Sprinkler heads that are barely shooting water and not popping up properly.
  • Visible geysers.
  • Water meter runs when the sprinkler system is off.

One way of discovering the leak is to look at the area between the last working head and the first nonworking head. Also, if you spot running water, follow it to the highest point to find the source.

If you can’t find the leak, the irrigation line could be obstructed or crushed. Tree roots can grow around a pipe, and over the years constrict it. Sometimes vehicles compress the soil and collapse the water line. These broken pipes are more difficult to find, and you often have to do a lot of digging. Look for the area after the last working head and dig until you find the damaged pipe. If your line runs near a tree, start digging in that area.

There are some quick fixes that are easy to do yourself.  For those that you’d rather not tackle, call the pros at South Austin Irrigation at (512) 534-7449 or complete our online service request form.

Filed Under: Irrigation Repair Blog

Common Sprinkler Problems Part 1 – Trouble with Nozzles and Heads

July 1, 2019 By Matt Sorenson

Even with trouble-free operation and proper maintenance, many sprinkler systems will occasionally need repair. Identifying problems early will save both water and money. Here are some common sprinkler system problems you can troubleshoot.

Clogged Nozzles

Over time, dirt, sand, lawn mower cuttings, and debris from rain storms can get trapped in the sprinkler filter or nozzle. Clogged heads can produce an erratic spray pattern, or they can rise but not spray, or fail to lower after watering.

To clean the sprinkler head, first ensure the system is off, then pull up the stem of the sprinkler head with a flathead screwdriver. Clamp it with a soft clamping device for sprinklers to prevent it from dropping back into the body. Unscrew the nozzle from the sprinkler and lift out the filter. For spray heads you might need tweezers, and for rotors you’ll need to remove the internal parts to get to the filter at the bottom. Use a small thin wire or toothbrush to unclog the holes in the filter and nozzle and rinse them under water.

To flush out the sprinkler of any additional debris, turn the system on for a minute, then turn it off again. Replace the filter and screw the nozzle back on. Make sure the sprinkler head is working properly by turning the system on once more. Adjust the spray pattern if necessary.

Broken Heads

Broken sprinkler heads are easy to identify. Look for:

  • Cracked or broken plastic casing on the heads
  • Heads that are completely broken off or partially missing.
  • Heads that won’t pop up, retract, or rotate.
  • Puddles or spurts of water around the heads.
  • Water geysers.
  • Water spraying unevenly or not at all.

Broken heads are a common occurrence if they’re set too high, and lawn mowers or vehicles run over them. People can also trip over sprinklers, breaking them. And animals looking for a drink, especially during droughts, will cause damage by chewing on heads and nozzles.

Replacement heads are available at your local home center and online. Make sure you buy one made by the same manufacturer with the same model number. Never mix different types of sprinkler heads in the same zone.

Replace the broken head following these steps:

  • Turn off the system.
  • Dig a hole around the sprinkler head approximately 2 feet in diameter. Use a square shovel and set the sod aside to put back in the hole when the job’s finished.
  • Dig carefully so as not to hit the main lateral line and locate the riser around 8 to 12 inches underground. The riser is a vertical pipe that extends upward from the main irrigation line and connects to the head.
  • Turn the sprinkler head counterclockwise to remove it from the riser. Be careful not to let any dirt fall into the riser. If you find the head difficult to unscrew, use wrenches, or hold the riser with slip joint pliers to keep it from coming loose from the fittings below on the irrigation pipe.
  • Screw the new head onto the riser and turn it hand-tight. Don’t use any thread seal tape or joint compound on the riser threads.
  • Fill in the hole and replace the sod.
  • Reset the desired sprinkler pattern for the new head.

Tilted Heads

Sprinkler heads settle, tilt and sink due to foot traffic, the natural compaction of soil, and being struck by lawn mowers. To straighten the head, remove the sod around it with a square shovel. Carefully dig to remove the dirt around it, then lift and straighten the head. Pack soil under and around the head until it’s level with and perpendicular to the ground and can clear the grass easily when it pops up. Lastly, replace the sod.

There are some quick fixes that are easy to do yourself.  But when it’s time to call in the pros, call South Austin Irrigation at (512) 534-7449 or complete our on line service request form.

Filed Under: Irrigation Repair Blog Tagged With: About South Austin Irrigation Repair, Irrigation system maintenance, Irrigation system repair

Spring Tune-Up of Your Sprinkler System

March 29, 2019 By Matt Sorenson

 

Spring is such a great time of year. It’s the season when the cold weather is just a memory, the buds are out, and we can all start visualizing barbeques and dips in the pool.

It’s also the time of year for maintenance and adjustments to your sprinkler system to keep it in peak operating condition for the summer season. Proper maintenance of your sprinkler system will help to keep your lawn healthy and your water bill down.

The following steps are recommended for a trouble-free start-up of your irrigation system this spring:

  • Clear away any vegetation, debris, gravel, or dirt around the sprinkler heads. Any broken or cracked ones must be replaced with the same model and brand within each zone.
  • Reposition any sprinkler heads that are too high or too low.
  • Straighten any leaning sprinkler heads.
  • Check that the tops of the sprinkler heads are correctly angled for the slope of the lawn.
  • Find the valve boxes, and thoroughly check the valve assemblies for damage
  • If your system has been dormant all winter, remove the sprinkler head at the end of each zone to create a flush point when the system is first turned on. Any accumulated insects or debris will then be swept out.

Your above-ground backflow preventer needs to be checked for any damage, even if you irrigated your lawn throughout the winter. After doing this, open the isolation valve slowly, and allow the pipes to gradually fill with water to help prevent water hammer (a shock wave caused by a sudden change in water flow, such as turning the water on too quickly, that can cause cracked fittings or burst pipes).

Check the controller to ensure it’s working and that it’s showing the correct time and date. If the controller has a back-up battery, it’s time to change it (this should be done every six months — in the spring and fall). Some of the high-end controllers have built-in battery chargers with batteries that last for years. The majority of newer controllers are equipped with non-volatile program memory and long-lasting batteries like the ones in your computer — you may never need to change them. During a power failure, these controllers will retain their programming, date and time.

If you didn’t run your irrigation system over the winter, run it now to sweep out any insects or debris that may be lodged in the pipes. Each zone should be run separately and long enough to thoroughly flush the system. Make sure water is running out the flush points you set up earlier. Replace the end caps or rotors at the end of each zone when you’ve finished flushing the system.

Now check your irrigation system to make sure each valve station is operating properly. Use the controller to manually activate each zone one at a time, and do the following in each station area:

  • Inspect for leaks in pop-up spray heads. For leaking sprinklers, clean out any debris, and tighten the caps. Replace any internal damaged parts.
  • Check pop-up spray heads for uneven gaps in the fan-shaped spray that could indicate partially blocked nozzles or filters. Clean any dirty filters. For nozzles, remove them and clean carefully. It’s sometimes faster to just replace nozzles, since they scratch easily, and aren’t expensive.
  • Verify that the spray from one sprinkler overlaps the spray from the next spray head. If it’s too long or too short, turn the radius adjustment screw on the nozzle to change the spray distance.
  • Check that pop-up rotor sprinklers are rotating, and shooting streams of water the proper distance. If a sprinkler is no longer rotating, and the water flow has decreased, clean the filter. Replace it if cleaning doesn’t solve the problem.
  • Make sure pop-up sprinklers are fully extended. If risers do not come up all the way, either the sprinklers are damaged, or debris in the sprinkler heads or filters is preventing them from popping up. Low water pressure could also be preventing the heads from rising. Ensure the valves on the backflow preventer are fully open, and that there aren’t any leaks in the water line affecting the water pressure.
  • Make sure pop-up sprinklers are fully retracting. If not, clean out any dirt or debris caught between the sprinkler heads and risers. Check for worn-out seals, and replace them.
  • Buy new sprinkler heads if the risers are broken.
  • Check for broken or leaky pipes. Signs of this include: depressed ground areas, very soft or wet areas, and water bubbling up from the ground when the sprinklers are running.
  • Examine the valve boxes. If you find water, check for water leaks between fittings, loose wiring, and worn parts.
  • Inspect sprinkler heads at lower elevations. If they continue to drain after the system is turned off, install check valves, or replace with sprinkler head check valves.
  • Ensure each zone is shutting off when your inspection is done.
  • Make sure any sensors, such as weather, soil, and rain, are set up and working properly.

When you’ve done your inspection and maintenance steps, it’s time to set up the automatic watering schedule on your controller.

The do-it-yourself homeowner can do many of these spring tune-up steps. But for those who don’t have the time or expertise, hiring a professional is a good choice. A licensed irrigator can provide even more services, such as: electrical troubleshooting, controller replacement and upgrades, inspection of irrigation lines for leaks, sensor checks, water pressure checks, inspection of station control valves, valve closure checks, rotor head adjustment for arc and distance, spray head adjustment for proper head-to-head spacing, and water scheduling assistance for any area restrictions. As well, a professional can catch any potential problems during his visit, and provide solutions that will keep your system running trouble-free during the warm seasons ahead.

Call the experts at South Austin Irrigation at (512) 534-7449 or fill out our Service Request form for professional maintenance and repair to your sprinkler system.

Filed Under: Irrigation Repair Blog, Seasonal Tagged With: Irrigation system maintenance

Why You Need a Smart Controller

February 25, 2019 By Matt Sorenson

smart controller and a phoneControllers were once a simple clock that could only be programmed to start and stop sprinkler run times, regardless of actual weather and soil conditions. Today’s controllers, known as smart controllers, are far more advanced than those earlier models, and if you don’t have one, you really should think about upgrading. Not only do they reduce water waste, but they’ll also save you money. In communities where there are watering restrictions, smart controllers can keep your plants and lawn healthy within conservation watering schedules. Austin Water even has a rebate program for irrigation upgrades.

Here are some of the features available in the current generation of smart irrigation controllers:

  • Programmable using a computer, tablet, or smartphone. The system’s current status can be viewed and changes made to the program remotely. Programming can also be done manually at the panel.
  • Flow sensor data. The flow sensor will shut down the system if it detects a flow higher than the programmed limit, which could indicate ruptures or leaks.
  • Rain sensor data. The controller will shut down the system if a specific amount of rain has fallen, or even prevent the system from starting if rain is detected.
  • Soil moisture sensor data. The controller won’t start the system if it senses the soil is wet enough.
  • Freezer sensor data. The controller won’t turn on if the temperature drops to a specific degree (e.g. 37 degrees).
  • Wind sensor data. The controller will shut off the irrigation system during periods of high wind (shut down points are adjustable), then automatically reset the system when conditions are more favorable.
  • Daily weather data received either remotely, or from an on-site weather station, and used to determine watering needs.
  • Detailed statistical reports and charts provided to allow users to track water usage and manage scheduling.
  • Automatic notifications of failure alerts sent by email or text to a technician and/or home owner.
  • Operates without WiFi.
  • Allows customized watering for zones.
  • Works with digital assistants, so you can start or stop your various zones with a voice command.
  • This document provides a comparison of smart controllers, including detailed information about each controller’s capabilities and specifications. There’s also a list of definitions used with smart controllers at the end of the document.

There are two types of smart controllers: weather-based or evapotranspiration (ET) controllers, and soil moisture-based controllers.

Weather-Based ET Controllers

Weather-based ET controllers use weather data derived from evapotranspiration (ET) calculations (the sum of evaporation from the land surface plus transpiration from plants) as a basis for scheduling irrigation. ET is used to determine when and how much irrigation water is needed, and is usually expressed as the depth of water in inches or the volume of water in gallons used by a planted area for a period of a day, week, month or year. The best ET weather data uses temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation for its calculations. There are generally four types of ET controllers:

Historical ET Controllers

These use historical weather and water use data for your area to determine what amount of water is required. Usually it only resets the time monthly. The historic data is not perfect, but for most users it still gives significant water savings. Occasionally, you will have to override the automatic control settings, especially if you have unusually hot weather for the month. On some models you only have to enter your zip code to set up the controller, and it accesses the historic data from its memory. On other models you have to manually key in the historic data from the user’s manual or a website.

Historical ET Controllers With a Sensor

These controllers use historical data to determine watering time, but then adjust the time based on a sensor, either a temperature or solar radiation sensor. This combination is more accurate than just using the historical data alone. If the daily high temperature is higher than the historical data, the controller adds more time. If the temperature that day is lower, the controller reduces the watering time.

Signal-Based Controllers

This type of controller uses water and/or weather data provided by a remote provider. The controller receives data from either a central data provider, or from a local weather station via radio, the Internet, or a mobile device. Usually there’s a subscription charge for the data service, as well as charges for the smartphone, tablet, Internet, or radio link. The data can be very accurate if it comes from a nearby weather station. It can also be very accurate if it comes from a central database of historic data that is managed expertly for current conditions.

On-Site Weather Measurement Controllers

These controllers have their own weather stations you install with it that calculate ET continuously, and adjust the irrigation times according to weather conditions. Such sophisticated controller systems can provide accurate data if the sensors are high quality, positioned according to required standards, and well-maintained to keep them functioning.

Soil Moisture-Based Controllers

This type uses sensors to determine the moisture content of the soil. Moisture sensors are buried at the root zone level of turf, trees, or shrubs, to measure the actual amount of moisture in the soil and transmit this information to the controller. The system compares this reading to the recommended moisture level for the plant, soil type and other variables that were programmed when the controller was first installed.

Soil moisture sensor controllers (SMS) use two types of control strategies: by-pass and on-demand.

Bypass SMS Controllers

These are set like traditional timed controllers, with watering schedules, start times, and duration. However, the system will stop the next scheduled irrigation when it senses there’s enough moisture in the soil. Most of these types of controllers are added to an existing time clock, and many of these only include one soil moisture sensor. In this case the sensor should be buried in the driest irrigation zone, and the run times for the other zones should be adjusted to prevent over-watering. Some controllers, though, have multiple sensors, one for each irrigation zone.

On-Demand SMS Controllers

These controllers aren’t programmed for duration, only for start times and days of the week for watering. They initiate irrigation at a user-set  low soil moisture threshold, and terminate irrigation at a high threshold.

Soil moisture-based controllers can be retrofitted on existing irrigation systems. Many manufacturers also make soil moisture sensors that can retrofit to existing systems and interface with the current controller already on-site.

For advice on what type of controller is best for you, and for repairs and maintenance of your sprinkler system, call South Austin Irrigation at (512) 534-7449 or fill out our service request form.

Filed Under: Irrigation Repair Blog Tagged With: garden tips, Irrigation system improvements, Irrigation system types, Irrigation system water conservation, smart controllers, water conservation tips

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Important message:
South Austin Irrigation is very mindful of the health and safety of its customers and employees and we are taking all possible precautions against the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
For customers practicing self-isolation or social distancing, please be assured that we will perform repairs and adjustments to your sprinkler system at a safe distance and without the need for close contact.

Our Services Include:

  • Consultation
  • Main and Lateral Line Repairs
  • Pop-up and Rotor Replacement
  • Broken PVC and Copper Pipe Repairs
  • Electrical Troubleshooting
  • System Leaks
  • Backflow Replacement and Installation
  • Valve Locating Repair and Replacement
  • Reroutes for Mature Trees and Patio Additions
  • Controller Replacement and Upgrades
  • Water Conservation by System Upgrade
  • Custom Scheduling
  • Drainage Repair & Maintenance
  • Lawn Irrigation System Adjustments
  • Sprinkler Head Replacement
  • Underground Sprinkler Weatherization
  • Unclog and Adjust Heads and Nozzles
South Austin Irrigation

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Becca Friedman
14:22 12 May 20
I've been waiting to write... this review for far too long. I wanted to do it justice. Still worried it won't be good enough ;)I saw the stellar reviews for South Austin Irrigation and with a mystery leak on my hands, really wanted the best. So I gave them a call. Matt promptly responded, listened to my issue, set solid expectations, and then sent Dave to my home.Dave arrived on time (early, if i recall) with the biggest smile on his face. I knew it was going to be a good visit. Dave was straightforward, no bs, and fun to talk to. He helped me understand my system, pointed out things I could do to improve it if I wanted, but never over-sold. He was honest about what the return on investment could be, and helped identify the cause of the massive water loss experienced (glitch or incidental adjustment of the system).My water bills were immediately back on track after that visit, and I had a plan for the future. But more than anything, I'd had a great time learning about something I never thought I'd ever enjoy - irrigation. And I feel like I've made a friend in the process. I trust South Austin Irrigation. That's hard to say about home service. You should too.Now if only they weren't so good at their jobs I'd have a reason to call on them. Can you teach other businesses how to operate? lolThanks again Matt and Dave. Really spectacular service. I recommend you to all my friends.read more
John Boozer
John Boozer
00:52 05 Feb 20
First time working with Matt... today and couldn't be more impressed! He is very knowledgeable and helpful, and not only took care of the problem I had, but also gave me lots of helpful tips to prevent further problems. I'll definitely be referring Matt to anyone I know that needs help with their sprinkler systems. Thanks Matt!read more
Ben Schreiber
Ben Schreiber
22:04 01 Dec 19
Nathan Erwin
Nathan Erwin
23:14 15 Oct 19
Dave came out to provide an... evaluation since someone (me) ruined the drip line in the front of our house when aerifying. It didn't take him but a few seconds to know it was going to need to be replaced. The other 59 minutes he taught and walked me through everything I didn't know about my irrigation system, which was a lot. I would recommend SAI to anyone who wants to better understand how their system works or has an issue that needs to be addressed.read more
Karen Shah
Karen Shah
21:44 15 Oct 19
Dave did an excellent job not... only replacing a control valve but thoroughly explaining and showing me the issue. He was super quick to respond, coming out within an hour and a half of my call. Reasonable price, fast, friendly - couldn't ask for more. Highly recommended!read more
Lee Polson
Lee Polson
22:47 29 Aug 19
On time, friendly and... inexpensive.read more
Jackie Jason Sabella Roche
Jackie Jason Sabella Roche
16:52 27 Aug 19
Highly recommend South Austin... Irrigation. Matt did an excellent job replacing our sprinkler system’s control panel. He made sure everything worked properly, and he spent time explaining the settings on the panel. He also quickly replaced a broken line in a flower bed. We hope we don’t have issues with our system in the future, but if we do, we will not hesitate to use them again.read more
Allan Hawkins
Allan Hawkins
18:08 31 Jul 19
I’ve known Matt and his team... for at least 5 years. He’s done multiple projects at 2 of my homes. He has always been reliable, honest, and knowledgeable. He will walk you through your issue and discuss options without up-selling. If you have an irrigation need, and you can squeeze into his schedule, he is a great choice.read more
Cue Boykin
Cue Boykin
17:01 22 Jan 19
I've used Matt at South... Austin Irrigation for years. Matt is knowledgeable, efficient, courteous, prompt, and reasonable. South Austin is my one-stop shop for all my irrigation needs.read more
Jeff Roberts
Jeff Roberts
22:33 10 Dec 18
Just had Matt out to work on... a customer's sprinkler system that one of our driver's accidentally broke. Matt was incredibly capable and had every tool-of-the-trade imaginable. The troubleshooting and work was completed swiftly, and the price was very reasonable. I will definitely be using South Austin Irrigation in the future and highly recommend them for any sprinkler system maintenance needs.read more
Phil Evans
Phil Evans
18:00 20 Aug 18
Thorough in sprinkler repair.
John Land
John Land
20:17 02 Jun 18
Excellent Service - I have... been using Matt and his company South Austin Irrigation for the last 6 or 7 years and could not be happier with his service. He is courteous, communicates well and has a great attitude and sense of humor. Matt is the best at what he does. He explains his work and advises well with providing the pros and cons with budget in mind. I wish that everyone I hire to perform services at my home were as good as Matt is, he sets a high bar of excellence.read more
Philip Watts
Philip Watts
05:55 11 Feb 18
In a recent long freeze our... sprinkler system suffered from a burst. I switched off the irrigation water and called Matt from South Austin Irrigation. He came out pretty quickly, investigated the problem and talked over how to fix it, how to winterize it in future, and answered other questions I had. He was very knowledgeable and helpful, and fixed the system after ordering a part. I am very happy with South Austin Irrigation's work and employees that I dealt with. I would definitely recommend them to anyone who needs their services.read more
Joan Jackson
Joan Jackson
13:52 08 Oct 17
Excellent, quality work. ... Matt, the owner, is reliable and explain all charges clearly, with options for how to repair.read more
Emanuel Saba
Emanuel Saba
21:22 02 Mar 17
I've worked with Matt on a... few different occasions and every time he has been extremely professional, timely and most importantly does it right. He really knows the business. His work lasts and is done right. Highly recommend for anyone needing any type of irrigation repair, adding lines, fixing leaks, etc...he does it all!read more
David T
David T
03:17 16 Oct 16
Matt with South Austin... Irrigation has been my go-to irrigation company for many changes we've made to our yard over the last 4 years. We've done extensive rock work throughout the front and back yards (which required major irrigation changes); converted an entire zone of our irrigation system to a low-pressure drip irrigation system for my 1000 sq ft "in-ground" garden, plus a recent drainage project to top it off.My experiences with South Austin Irrigation have always been good - Matt is professional and punctual, and has always known what to do to solve the issues I've thrown at him. I was using other companies before I found him, so I can say that his rates are very competitive as well.Matt is a good communicator and doesn't mind taking time to explain the reasons for doing something one way or another, and then letting you make an informed decision about how you want to handle it. Of course, if you'd rather just stay out of it and let him make the decisions (I'm too curious for that!), he's more than capable of doing that as well.read more
Raymond Loren Naylor
Raymond Loren Naylor
14:56 02 Jan 12
Knowledgeable service... technician. Work performed a quickly and efficiently. Pleased with ovaerall experience. Even helped understand importance of wartering timing.read more
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Our sprinkler repair service areas include:

  • Austin, TX
  • Lakeway, TX
  • Spicewood, TX
  • Horseshoe Bay, TX
  • Dripping Springs, TX
  • Wimberly, TX

Give us a call for sprinkler repair and service in your area: (512) 534-7449

We Service Many Irrigation Brands:

  • Toro
  • Nelson Turf
  • KRain
  • HydroRain
  • Berkeley
  • Irritrol
  • Rain Bird
  • Rachio
  • Hunter

Payments

South Austin Irrigation accepts Visa and Mastercard

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Irrigation in Texas is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) (MC-178)
P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087 · www.tceq.state.tx.us
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