Having to water your lawn with a hose can very quickly become tiresome. Instead, you’re considering getting a sprinkler system. You’ve seen them in action all around you, on other people’s lawns, at the ballpark, you name it. Before you go ahead and have a professional come install it, there are some things to think about. Here are eight things to consider:

1. How Much Will It Cost?

A sprinkler system isn’t a cheap investment. According to Bob Vila, the average cost around America to install a sprinkler system is $2,540. Depending on the type of sprinkler you’re getting, you can also expect to pay around $200 for the sprinkler itself. You will also pay to invest in things like timers so that you can set the sprinkler to run when you want.

The main factor to keep in mind is that there are going to be different prices based on how extensive the work is going to be. Will the installers have to dig deep underground? Will there be plumbing needs, too? You can get estimates of how much it will be from several different companies. Make sure you know the brand of the sprinkler, too. With this information, you can make your decision after you know exactly what you’ll be paying for.

2. What Is My Water Pressure Like?

You need to figure out how much water pressure your home has. The way that the installers will measure that is by seeing how many pounds per square inch (PSI) of water pressure you have. You want the sprinkler to shoot out enough water, after all. According to our experts, you'll get anywhere between 30 and 50 PSI for your sprinkler heads, though it depends on whether it's a spray head, a drip, or irrigation. Then the PSI can be adjusted up or down for your system.

3. How Many Parts Does a Sprinkler System Have?

Sprinklers are far more than just a hose attached to a sprinkler head. There are other parts, too, including piping, valves, and controllers that allow you to control when it runs. Make sure you check these before your purchase. Otherwise, you might have to make an extra shopping trip that you didn't anticipate.

4. How Long Does It Take to Install?

The process shouldn't take too long, especially if you're having professionals install the sprinkler system. You should likely expect it to take a mere day or two, barring them encountering any issues on your property, like a plumbing pipe not being where it's supposed to be. The installers should conduct an inspection first, and then if they like how your yard looks, they can move ahead with setting up your sprinkler.

5. How Can You Tell How Many Zones Sprinklers Need?

There are certain areas of your yard that you need to figure out how much water needs to be used. These zones can include areas like gardens. You don't want to water them too much. The same goes for trees. Walk around your property and see what needs what in terms of water. Then, talk to the sprinkler installer and see what they think would work the best.

Besides the zones of your place, you must think about zoning in general. Your neighbor might not appreciate you accidentally watering their property. Make sure you have a clear zoning map so that you don't run afoul of both the town you live in and your neighbor. Neither of those would make for a good situation.

6. Is It Hard to Maintain?

It shouldn't be too hard if you listen to what the installers tell you to do when they've finished. If you're still not sure, you can get peace of mind by having them do the maintenance on it both before a certain season and after that season. That way, you'll be able to focus on other things while the professionals do their job of making sure all the green areas of your property look healthy and watered.

7. Should I Do It Myself?

There might be sometimes when it's OK to try to do something yourself. You could have a remarkably simple sprinkler, which might make you think you can do it by yourself. However, you should leave the setup to the professionals. The last thing you need is a pipe to burst causing flooding and damage.

As you can see, there are a lot of different parts that need to be set right to have your sprinkler operate at peak efficiency. That's why it's better to have a professional do the installation. Otherwise, you run the risk of something going wrong. This means that you will have to pay someone to come fix it. When they do that, they may have to dig up work that you've already done. It's better to have it done right the first time. You don't want any wasted expenses if you can help it.

8. What Kind of Licensing Is Needed in Colorado?

The answer to this depends on where you live in the state. Certain towns in the state do require you to get a builder's permit or the company that is installing it to have certification. It also depends on what kind of water supply you're going to be tapping into. Is it your own or a municipal supply? The best course of action is to talk to local officials or make sure that the contractors are qualified and know what they are doing.

As you can see, there are a lot of considerations to make before going ahead and having sprinklers installed. If you do the above research, you'll be able to make an informed decision. You can also talk with a sprinkler installation expert who could also go more in-depth. They will have the knowledge and experience of having worked on a similar property to make your sprinkler system perfect.

In the past, you might have worried about how much water you'd be potentially wasting. Technology has helped to make that concern a true thing of the past. Your sprinklers can be set to turn on at a certain time of the day, use a certain amount of water, and then shut off when you want, all without you having to lift a finger. After programming the system, you will be able to create the system that works best for you. You'll be able to be confident that the sprinklers won't waste a drop of water beyond what you tell them to expend.

Having a functioning sprinkler system is a must when it comes to keeping areas of your yard looking lush and green. It can improve your curb appeal and the attitude you have toward your house. People are more likely to stop and look at green lawns and shrubs. They will also be glad to not have to get new sprinklers themselves. As a result, you can add some more value to the selling price. Then your investment will be worth it.

Do you live in Colorado and want to get a sprinkler system installed? We're a family-owned company that has over 20 years of experience. Contact Ward's Lawn Service today to get a free estimate to be able to get your lawn looking as healthy as you've ever dreamed.