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Service FAQ’S
What type of annual service will my sprinkler system require?
A typical irrigation system should be serviced at least twice annually. First, in the spring to activate the system, test all heads and valves for proper operation, and set the controller for the appropriate timing and frequency of watering. The second required service is your winterization, which is done in the fall. Some people prefer to do their own start-up in the spring- that is okay to do if you know the proper steps. We suggest at least having one of our technicians complete this service your first year, at which time you could take notes and make an attempt the following year. If your system is under warranty the winterization must be completed by American Lawn Irrigation. This is one of the terms of our guarantee. You may also need periodic adjustments to your controller, as the weather gets warmer into the summer months and cooler into the fall. This is recommended, as it will save a lot of potentially wasted water and provide the proper amount of water for your lawn and landscape. We can do it for you or you can do it yourself.
Do you have a full-time service technician?
We have four full-time service technicians dedicated to servicing and repairing irrigation systems. Unlike some of our competitors who try to squeeze in service calls at the end of the installation day or “next time they’re in your neighborhood”, we have a full service division set up for our customers with existing systems.
How much does a service call cost?
The answer to this question will vary greatly depending on the age, size, and continued/ preventative maintenance of the system. See our Service Rates and Why We Charge What We Charge articles for details on pricing.
Do I have to be home for my service appointment?
We highly recommend that someone be home at the time of service so that we are able to access all parts of the system (garage, basement, etc.). Please note that we can better serve your needs after talking in person with you about site specific conditions on your property. You being home at the time of service also gives you the opportunity to see that the work completed was what you had wanted to be done and what was involved in doing so.
What is the guarantee on your systems?
American Lawn Irrigation systems are guaranteed for 5 years, including all parts and labor. If at anytime during the 5 years a head stops rotating or the timer stops keeping time or a leak develops, we will fix the problem at no charge. For complete details see our Warranty page.
I am planning on changes to my yard (pool, addition, landscaping), when should I have the sprinkler system issues addressed?
Everything that you do in your yard can affect the design of a sprinkler system. Something as simple as putting up a basketball pole can cause the need to change the location of a sprinkler head. We recommend calling us once you know exactly what you want to have done in your yard. At that time we can advise you on the best way to prepare your system and your yard for the changes. This may include removing sections of your system to preserve them for after the construction is complete. Usually the construction is completed except for the final steps of sod, stone and mulch before we come back to put your system back together. We suggest installing sprinklers before you put the final beautifying layers in your yard as this will keep us from disturbing the finished product. Please see our Project Planning page.
What makes American Lawn Irrigation different from other companies?
Professionalism and commitment to doing a great job and the follow up after the installation or service call if there ever is a problem. We believe communication to be extremely important. We are family owned and we are willing to make ourselves available to help answer your questions and solve any potential problems. When an appointment is made, we honor it or make a phone call when things don’t go the way we planned. We pay attention to the small details that make things go more smoothly.
How does my rain sensor work?
The rain sensor that we use is a device that measures how much rain has accumulated and is adjustable to how sensitive it is (how quickly it will disable your system in a rain event). Your system will still run if it is set to run and the rain starts to fall just prior to or during a cycle. If the sensor is set for ¼ inch of rain, it will not shut your system off until ¼ inch of rain has fallen. The sensor is also sensitive to temperature, sun and wind conditions. If the day after a rain event is hot, dry and windy; the sensor will probably dry out in the course of that day, enabling the system to run on the next scheduled cycle. If the day after a rain event is cool, damp or even cloudy; the sensor probably will not dry out in the course of that day (and neither will the soil that your lawn and landscape is depending on).
How do I set my controller and adjust my sprinkler heads?
Instructions for the controllers and rotating heads that we have installed in the last several years can be found here: Timer Demonstration and Head Adjustment The spray heads (usually found in your beds and other smaller areas of your yard) usually need to be adjusted by us because they have a fixed spray pattern and altering that often requires a nozzle change (the small tip found at the top of each head). These heads can usually be turned down (reduced distance) with a small flat head screw driver. If your timer is not listed on our timer demonstration page, you might find instructions online or call us for a service call as we have worked on almost every controller ever manufactured.
My system will not come on?
The first thing to check if your system won’t come on is power to the timer. Plug in something else that you know will work, in the same outlet as the timer to test. Sometimes it will appear that you have power but the controller is actually running on the back up battery. The back up battery keeps the display on but does not provide enough power to run the system. Second, check that your program is set correctly paying close attention to AM and PM on the current time and the time you have it set to come on. This is a frequent problem. Third, check that the water supply to the system is on. Sometimes landscapers or other contractors will turn off your water outside at the backflow device because it is watering while they are trying work at your property. Lastly check your rain sensor. Modern systems installed by us always have a rain sensor. If it has rained in the last day or two or have had a lot of rain in the last week, it is likely that your rain sensor is the cause of your system not running. Our modern systems have a rain sensor bypass if you would like to water regardless of the rain sensor’s activity. Older systems can have a rain sensor bypass switch added to make it easier to control your system.
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