When you have a sprinkler system installed, it is similar to any other larger equipment that you use. Just like a car, as the system starts to get older, it may begin to break down. It is during this time that you may begin to wonder whether it is worth fixing the problem or if it might just be better to replace your current sprinkler installation completely. Like other questions regarding landscaping, the answer to whether to install new sprinkler system or repair will depend on several factors.
Sprinkler System Installation vs. Repair What Do You Need?
One of the first things to consider when it comes to replacing or repairing your sprinkling system is whether or not there have been any changes to your landscape. The landscape of your property is a living and dynamic system. Trees and plants will grow with time, and as they grow, irrigation needs will change. At times, you might replace plants with different ones, and these plants might have different needs than the originals. In these cases, your current system might not be providing proper coverage.
As the landscape changes, watering requirements and challenges need to be considered. You might need to move heads or add more to accommodate your changing landscape. Lowering or raising the heads might be necessary as well. Sprinkler installers will be able to help you determine whether or not your current system can be added to or adjusted to accommodate the new conditions of your landscape.
Water Usage
The sprinkler systems that are made for landscapes today are much more efficient than those that were made ten to fifteen years ago. This means that if you replace your older system, you are going to save on water usage. The less water you use, the more you will save on your water bill. These savings could be the reason to consider replacing your current sprinkler system.
Homeowners can monitor the amount of water necessary to ensure they are putting down just the right amount. The new technology provides a way to calculate rainfall and program the sprinkler system only to release the right amount of water, which helps avoid watering when it is not necessary.
Upgrading your entire sprinkler system helps cut your water bill, but another option might be to improve some of the components of your current system. For example, replacing your current timer with a new weather-wise controller can help save up to 40 percent on your water bill.
Budget
As with every home improvement project, a budget is essential. Replacing your entire system can cost thousands of dollars. For some people, the immediate reduction in their water bill will be worth it. However, for those homeowners on a stricter budget, replacing only parts of the system at a time can help them avoid spending a significant amount at once.
If you decide to replace your system, the cost will depend on the size of your landscaping. A sprinkler system should be installed so that it provides head to head coverage and be personalized for water requirements for each of the areas of the property.
When it comes to replacing parts, the most common element that will need to be replaced is the backflow preventer. This is what protects your drinking water from becoming contaminated. This part requires maintenance, and it will eventually fail. The cost of a backflow preventer will depend on the size.
Sprinkler System Installation vs. Repair
There is some good news when it comes to whether or not you should replace your sprinkler system or repair it. The most significant component of a sprinkler system is the underground piping. This piping, when it is correctly installed, should last a lifetime. The main reason these pipes fail is because of friction from pushing too much water through bad joints.
This means that if you are planning to expand your landscape, you should consider replacing the irrigation system. However, if you are only looking to save money on your water bill and in your budget, repairing your timers, sprinkler heads, and valves will typically be just fine as the underground piping should hold up for a very long time.
Contact Pioneer Underground to have an Omaha sprinkler maintenance professional come and tackle any sprinkler system repairs.
Pioneer Underground Lawn Sprinklers | Omaha Sprinkler Maintenance
Contact Pioneer Underground Lawn Sprinklers to schedule a free estimate on a system install or to find out what you can do to make your existing system more efficient. We welcome commercial and residential clients. And remember, whether you need our services now… or later in the season, Your Healthy Lawn is Our Passion and we are only a phone call away! Call 402-934-7900 to schedule your service.
