Q:  Does an automatic sprinkler system really save time?
A: Absolutely! You will no longer have to spend your valuable time dragging hoses and moving sprinklers. Your customed designed irrigation system from Hydro-Tech will automatically schedule the watering for you, even when you are not home. We design our systems to run overnight and will finish their cycle before you wake for the day. During times of drought our systems can be easily be set to comply with any water restrictions imposed by your state, county or city and allow you to take full advantage of your watering windows. 

Q: Will an automatic sprinkler system water as well as I can by hand? 
A: Better!! Our certified irrigation designers will design a system that ensures the right amount of water is delivered to your lawn and landscape. We custom design our zones to make sure each area of you property is getting the right amount of water. We eliminate the run-off and over-spray that is common with homeowner style sprinklers. 

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 exact amount each time, you probably wouldn’t need a sprinkler system. Unfortunately, Mother Nature is not that exact. Having a custom designed sprinkler system installed by Hydro-Tech will ensure a healthy lawn and lush landscape by providing regularly timed, evenly measured amounts of water. In our area even a few days of hot, dry weather can take its toll on your lawn and landscape. During periods of rain your Mini-Clik rain sensor will prevent your system from running. 

Q: Are there different systems from which to choose?
A: Though many properties differ, most residential systems are basically the same. The process begins with Hydro-Tech tying into the main water supply of the house, typically in the basement. WE do our own plumbing work and only use copper pipe inside the house. We bring the water line to the exterior of the house and install a backflow preventer (the only part of your system required by the county) which keeps the water from your sprinkler system from backing up into the public drinking water supply. From here we custom design your system into broken into a number of zones. Each zone is completely independent of one another and is operated by a Controller which we prefer to mount in the garage. The controller sends signals to your Remote Zone Valves located throughout the property. They open and close to release and stop the flow of water to the individual zones. Your zones are made of one of three different types of sprinklers. Rotor Heads (Gear Drive Heads) take care of all your large lawn areas, typically the front and rear of most properties. Lawn Spray heads water the small lawn areas, such as the sides of most houses. Shrub Spray heads are dedicated to your foundation landscaping and other isolated landscaping that requires separate watering. They ensure proper coverage of your plant material without watering the house, porch, walkways, etc. Our designers will choose the proper sprinklers for you property and provide you with a system that will ensure years of worry free operation. 

Q: How do I know what type of system is best for me?
A: At Hydro-Tech Irrigation Co. our certified sales representatives will discuss your individual options and budget in order to design a custom sprinkler system to fit your property. We will consider such factors as water source and pressure, plant material and weather conditions in order to design the correct system for your needs. 

Q: Is it cheaper for me to install my own system?
A: If you crunch the numbers it may seem like the better option. However, in the long run it could cost you much more. Hydro-Tech will custom design and install a cost-effective and efficient lawn sprinkler system. Our certified designers will select the best products and materials for your system. Our designs will insure proper Head-to-Head Coverage (over-lapping patterns of water that insure proper dispersion of water) and Matched Precipitation (even amounts of water from each sprinkler regardless of its pattern or coverage area). Hydro-Tech offers turn-key systems and does 100% of our own work. We are familiar with all local plumbing codes, including backflow prevention, so you won’t have to worry about costly mistakes down the road. Our professional crews can do the job the faster with less disruption to your existing lawn and landscape and we back our systems with a two year warranty on both parts and labor. 

Q: What method do you use to install the underground piping for my system? 
A: There are two basic methods for installing underground sprinkler lines. At Hydro-Tech most of our jobs use a Vibratory Plow to install our lines. This is a large machine with a hydraulic arm and blade that slices through your soil while pulling the pipe behind it. To install the heads we simply dig up the installed piping, make a connection and bury the head. The second method is Trenching which can be done with the same machine. This involves removing the soil and then back-filling the area. This method is more common on commercial projects or when there is no existing grass. 

Q: Is it difficult to understand or operate the system?
A: Once your system is installed by Hydro-Tech a representative will meet with you on site and fully explain your system to you. This includes programming the controller, giving you guidelines on watering and showing you how to adjust the controller to account for varying weather conditions. All controllers come with a manual and we provide a DVD that explains your entire system. Of course we are just a phone call away if you need assistance. 

Q: What do I need to do for the install?
A: Hydro-Tech provides a turn-key operation for most of our installations. We will custom design your system, call Miss Utility to mark your lines, perform 100% of the install with full time employees, perform a formal walk-through after the install and provide a two year parts & labor warranty. On the day of installation we will need access to your basement for a few hours and to the garage for the day. Although we prefer you to be home for the day, it is not necessary. You are free to come and go for the day or even go to work if you are willing to provide us the proper access.