Sprinkler Systems

[311Hemi]

My parents run their sprinkler system out of the lake without any issues. The pump is out about 10' from shore in roughly 2' of water. I believe it does have a big screen around it.

[setterguy]

Hydrostatic pumps are the way to go now...no relay back to the controller needed. The pumps run off pressure loss, so when the valve opens the pump senses the pressure loss and kicks in.

Elevation is the main thing to consider when pumping out of the lake.

One thing to consider when choosing a contractor is to make sure of two things.

1. They use a licensed plumber to make connections in and outside for the backflow preventer. If they do it themselves and the thing springs a leak their insurance will not pay for damages to your home.

2. They are have their low voltage license. A guy installing a 10 zone system for 2200 bucks probably does not have either.

While irrigation systems aren't rocket science, someone with experience is important. When I owned my irrigation company there were multiple occasions where we basically started over and installed new systems for people who had them done by the "cheapest bid" guy who used sub par materials and a sub par design. I was in sprinklers for almost 20 years and have seen almost everything...

[LwnmwnMan2]

Hydrostatic pumps are the way to go now...no relay back to the controller needed. The pumps run off pressure loss, so when the valve opens the pump senses the pressure loss and kicks in.

Elevation is the main thing to consider when pumping out of the lake.

One thing to consider when choosing a contractor is to make sure of two things.

1. They use a licensed plumber to make connections in and outside for the backflow preventer. If they do it themselves and the thing springs a leak their insurance will not pay for damages to your home.

2. They are have their low voltage license. A guy installing a 10 zone system for 2200 bucks probably does not have either.

While irrigation systems aren't rocket science, someone with experience is important. When I owned my irrigation company there were multiple occasions where we basically started over and installed new systems for people who had them done by the "cheapest bid" guy who used sub par materials and a sub par design. I was in sprinklers for almost 20 years and have seen almost everything...

Didn't know you sold out? Who'd you sell to?? What are you doing now??

[Walleye Guy]

Sorry lwnmwnman2. The company that installed my 10 zone system for $2200 is a large and very reputable Eden Prairie-based irrigation firm who does both commercial and residential irrigation systems. They have all the plumbing and electrical licenses and training.

[LwnmwnMan2]

Sorry lwnmwnman2. The company that installed my 10 zone system for $2200 is a large and very reputable Eden Prairie-based irrigation firm who does both commercial and residential irrigation systems. They have all the plumbing and electrical licenses and training.

I think you meant to direct that to Setterguy.

[setterguy]

@ lwnmwnman2 - Sold to the guys that worked for me..now I'm in the fast paced business of building supply sales. Just saw you today in Lino..

Walleye guy - I never said anything specific about the company that installed your system. I know what kind of $$ goes into a system especially one of that size.

Parts - 900 +/- 100

Plumber - 200

Labor - 300-500

Permit - 50

So a minimum of 1450 bucks before any money dedicated to gas for the bid, gas to your house for install, money for upkeep on the machine, truck, workmans comp insurance, contractors insurance, yearly licensing etc.

Doesn't mean its impossible that everything is up to date, just not a lot of room for any kind of profit when you do the math. I don't know your specific situation, and you possibly got the deal of a lifetime. If you are happy with your product and price, then that's a great deal for you. I was just warning people about going with the lowest bid. I know of people that had their basement flooded because of the irrigation contractor doing the plumbing himself and then having the contractors insurance decline the claim because he was doing work he's not licensed to do. Saw the same situation where the controller in the garage started a fire and the contractors insurance declined the claim because he didn't have his low voltage certificate.

[Walleye Guy]

You are correct. Sorry about that!

[311Hemi]

I will be installing the back flow preventor myself.

Walleye Guy, what company did you use?

I am still in the process of getting the yard ready, and have two bids so far. I could entertain a 3rd as my schedule has been pushed back some. I don't plan to go with the cheapest bid just because it's the cheapest....depends what the guys have to say and what their plans are.

[Eric Wettschreck]

Let us know who you pick? For obvious reasons I'm kinda curious now.

Thanks.

[fowldreams]

Good luck on who ever you end up with. Do diligent research on the company before a decision is made. And I won't ever put money down on any project before completion again. I put the 50% down for a irrigation system and never saw the S O B again. And the thing about losing a couple thousand dollars you learn alot of what not to do and what things could be done differently.

[Walleye Guy]

Aqua Engineering. I had to put down a small down payment and paid the balance once the job was completed to my satisfaction.