Home Works

Automatic Sprinkler Systems

Good for Your Lawn and Your Wallet

By Anne Yankus

We may still be up to our ears in ice melt, but the time is not far off when we’ll be wishing for such excess to keep our lawns healthy and green. No one wants to manually water the lawn when it’s 90 degrees outside! Fortunately, there’s a simple solution that won’t have you fiddling with sprinkler knobs all summer long: automatic sprinkler systems!

Aren’t automatic sprinklers expensive and wasteful? Not so! Modern sprinkler systems are a lot smarter than the ones you’d see 15 years ago, watering the sidewalk during a rainstorm. Most systems have customizable programming, and others have smart controllers or automated sensors that can tell if your lawn has already been getting enough rainwater. Besides the convenience of not having to wake up early to water your lawn at the optimal time of day, you also don’t have to worry about your grass getting too much or not enough water when you’re on vacation. As for the water bill, modern sprinkler systems are by far cheaper than watering the grass the old-fashioned way.

Regularly-watered grass is also a boon for your home’s curb appeal and resale value. Having an automatic sprinkler system will keep your lawn lush and green all summer, eliminating the unsightly brown spots that come with manual watering, which is—let’s face it—inevitably uneven. Modern sprinkler systems are also designed to avoid excessive runoff and standing water, which can reduce fungi and plant disease that can be caused by excessive dampness. Less runoff means more nutrients stay in your soil.

When you start to shop around for a sprinkler system, there are a few things you’ll want to take into consideration. The type of soil you have in your yard will determine how often it needs watering. You should also consider the size and shape of your yard as well as any water usage rules that may be set by your local municipality. You’ll also want to look into a system that comes with professional installation rather than a DIY kit. You’re not just setting out sprinklers here! Professionally installed sprinkler systems are generally smarter, have more programable options and soil sensors, and can be designed to fit your yard in the most optimal way.

The top sprinkler systems on the market currently are going to be the systems with smart controllers. Consumer Reports suggests that the top three sprinkler models for 2021 are the Orbit B-Hyve 57950, the Rachio 8ZULW-C, and the Rain Bird ST8-2.0. The Orbit has the lowest price point of the three and is rated as excellent for convenience and ease of use. On the other end of the price range is the Rachio, which can connect to local weather forecasts via Wi-Fi. The Rain Bird is in the middle of the price range and is very convenient to use once installed. Its weather sensors are rated as good.

The best time of year to install a new sprinkler system is in early spring or early fall, so now is a great time to start shopping around for systems and installers. You can probably still have one installed in later spring or summer, but avoid winter installation at all costs.

When shopping around for sprinkler system installation companies, there are naturally a few questions you should ask. Ask if they have a licensed plumber that they work with regularly, how much experience they have with installing the specific system you’ve chosen, and whether regular maintenance and repair are available through their company (and at what cost).

Once you’ve got a sprinkler system installed, you’ll want to make sure it’s properly winterized so it doesn’t suffer any damage during extremely cold weather. Insulating any parts that are above ground with foam tape or tubes is a good practice, as is shutting off the main water supply to the system before the first freeze. In colder areas, it’s also recommended to drain all your sprinkler pipes to prepare for winter. If your system doesn’t have a drain valve, you’ll want to ask a professional for help. Last, make sure to turn off any control panels.

In short, getting an automated sprinkler system is convenient, optimizes when your lawn is watered, lessens daily yard work, reduces your monthly water bill, keeps your schedule while you’re out of town, boosts your curb appeal and home value, improves your yard’s aesthetics and overall health, and preserves your soil quality. What’s not to like? Make your lawn more beautiful and your summer more relaxing by having an automated sprinkler system installed in your yard this year!

Sources for this article included: consumerreports.org, homeadvisor.com, and chicagotribune.com.