Installing an irrigation system is not a small job, and it often brings about questions. If you are considering installing an irrigation system, you will want to go into the project well informed. Heinen begins with only the highest quality irrigation system components from Hunter that are installed with care by our experienced irrigation team. What should you expect when you purchase an irrigation system from Heinen? See our frequently asked questions about installing an irrigation system below and watch our short video of what installing an irrigation system entails.
Is there a consultation and if so, is there a fee associated with it?
Heinen offers an at-home consultation with no cost or obligation to you.
How long does the whole process take?
After the initial consultation, the design and installation process takes only a few days depending on your schedule.
Will installing an irrigation system tear up my yard?
No, at Heinen we use a minimally invasive installation process that will leave your yard looking great, and with your newly installed irrigation system, your lawn will look even better – all the time! Immediately after installation is an ideal time to overseed to blend an existing yard, or establish a brand new stand of turf.
Is there maintenance involved with the system?
Yes, some yearly maintenance is involved when you install an irrigation system. A process called winterization must be done in the late fall to drain all the lines. It is a short and inexpensive process that will keep your automatic sprinkler system running well for years to come.
How can I be sure I will get a good system?
A “good” system is one flexible enough for your watering needs, it will put the right amount of water in each area, and it will keep operating year after year with minimal maintenance. At Heinen, we believe that quality, design and craftsmanship make all the difference. All of Heinen’s system components are American made and backed by an extended warranty.
Will the system be custom designed for my property?
Absolutely. The custom design of your sprinkler system takes into account such factors as changes in elevation, sun and shaded areas and the landscape planting in place or planned. These factors are important in determining sprinkler placement, zoning, your watering schedule and the length of watering times. If possible, and to save labor costs, it is best to install an irrigation system before any new landscaping is planted.
Will there be a piping and head location plan for my system? Will I receive a copy of it?
Yes. Your Heinen representative will survey your property to determine design requirements and to estimate the cost of your system. Before installation, a detailed plan for piping, sprinkler location and system zoning will be made.
How do you determine what water pressure to use in the design of a system?
The piping and hydraulics require a specific water pressure to insure the proper operation of your system. We test onsite or obtain from the water utility. By creating a zoned irrigation system, even older homes with lower water pressure can have an excellent irrigation system.
Will the design and equipment help me save water?
Your Heinen system will use the most efficient type of sprinklers and nozzles available to put just the right amount of water where it is needed. Your watering schedule will also be planned to minimize waste runoff, wind drift and evaporation. Plus you won’t waste water by overwatering in some areas as above ground hoses and sprinklers do. Plus, systems are generally programmed to water in the early morning hours, so there is less evaporation by the hot sun and maximum use of the water used by your sprinkler system.
What do you do to avoid damaging existing landscape?
Your Heinen representative can design a system that won’t require moving existing plants. Heinen is also an experienced landscape company who can make recommendations on integrating the system for existing landscape needs as well as future landscape plans. Since Heinen also designs and installs landscaping, we are familiar with individual plant water requirements and can design the best system for your home’s landscape water needs.
Can my system have an automatic override when there is enough rain?
Yes. The rain sensor senses heavy rainfall and shuts off power to the valves. The program you set in the controller is not disturbed, and your system will begin watering again on schedule when additional water is required.
We also offer mobile device sprinkler control apps that are geo-sensitive and linked to local weather information that will automatically “opt-out” of watering on a particular day if rain is likely.
Are all pop-up spray heads alike?
All pop-up spray heads are definitely not alike. Heinen installs a select group of heads for low or high cut turf grass and ground cover applications. All sprinkler heads installed by Heinen are made for many years of reliable service. Heinen uses nozzles that offers the designer an almost infinite variety of arcs, angles, flows and precipitation patterns for custom designing your system.
When planning an irrigation system, dividing the property and plantings into separate zones is one of the most important factors is optimizing water usage, as it addresses separate water needs, slope runoff, sun/shade, and total water usage for a property.
Will the quoted price for my system include all extras, such as backflow devices, taxes, etc.?
Yes. Your Heinen representative will quote you a price for a turnkey system.
What about the after-the-sale service?
Heinen has trained service technicians and a stocked inventory of the parts necessary for prompt service. You may want to ask about the benefits of pre-scheduled maintenance.
Will my system be warrantied? Who backs up the warranty?
Yes. Your Heinen irrigation system comes with a complete parts and labor warranty.
