Frequently Asked Questions

Irrigation questions tend to come up at important moments: when a zone stops working, when a water bill jumps, when a hard freeze is in the forecast, or when you are deciding whether a repair is worth it right now. This FAQ is designed to give Austin and Central Texas homeowners clear, practical answers about sprinkler service visits, pricing and service charges, warranties, estimates, and what to expect when a licensed technician evaluates your system.

You will also find straightforward guidance on day-to-day system basics, including how to shut off irrigation water, the best time of day to water, what causes dry spots, winter shutoff considerations, and when mapping or pressure-related work may require a specific professional. The goal is to help you make confident decisions, understand your options, and keep your landscape healthy while staying aligned with local watering rules and seasonal conditions.

The service charge covers the cost of sending a licensed technician to your property. That includes travel time, fuel, insurance, tools, and the time required to diagnose the issue and provide professional recommendations for your specific system.

Even if no repairs are made that day, the technician’s time and expertise are still required to properly assess your irrigation system. The service charge helps the team operate efficiently so they can continue to provide reliable, high quality service to every customer.

There is no hourly rate. The company uses fixed pricing for most common repair items, plus the standard service charge. This makes pricing easier to understand and helps you know what to expect before the work begins.

Free estimates are provided for new system installations, zone additions, remodels related to pool or deck projects, drains, and landscaping work.

For repair visits, the standard service charge applies because the technician needs to perform diagnostic labor to find the problem and prepare an accurate quote. That diagnostic work is part of the repair process, even if you decide to postpone the fix.

Installations are covered by a two-year warranty. When new zones are installed, the warranty covers both the new components and the workmanship associated with those zones. Warranty details can vary slightly based on the type of work, and your technician can explain how coverage applies to your specific project. All of our repair work is covered by a one-year warranty.

Yes. The team handles large system redesigns, additions, and full new installations. Free quotes are provided for this type of work so you can review options and pricing before deciding how to move forward.

Most irrigation systems have a dedicated shutoff valve near the backflow device or where the irrigation line branches off from the main water supply. Turning this valve so it is perpendicular to the pipe will usually shut off water to the sprinkler system while leaving water service to the house on.

Because layouts vary, your technician can point out the exact shutoff location during a visit so you feel comfortable turning the system off in an emergency or before a major repair.

Early morning is usually the best time to water. Cooler temperatures and lower wind help more water reach the soil instead of evaporating, and grass has time to dry during the day, which can reduce disease pressure.

You should also make sure your schedule fits the allowed watering hours for your address. Your technician can help you choose a start time that works for your lawn and stays within local rules.

Dry spots can have several causes. Common issues include clogged or tilted sprinkler heads, blocked spray patterns from plants or hardscape, low pressure in part of a zone, or areas with harder, compacted soil. Sometimes the original design does not provide true head to head coverage, so certain areas simply do not receive enough water.

A walkthrough while the system runs usually reveals the cause. The technician may recommend adjusting heads, cleaning or replacing nozzles, changing run times, or in some cases adding or relocating heads.

Many Central Texas homeowners reduce watering or turn systems off for portions of the winter. Lawns and landscapes usually need less water in cooler months, and city watering rules often change seasonally. It is a good idea to shorten run times or use seasonal adjustments, and to turn the controller off entirely during extended wet or cold periods.

If a hard freeze is expected, turning off the controller and closing the irrigation shutoff valve can help protect the system. Your technician can recommend a winter plan based on your yard and current guidelines.

Yes. Mapping services are available. The current rate is $75 per-hour to map an irrigation system. This process can accurately locate and document the controller, valves, mainline, and wiring paths.

Lateral lines are often difficult to trace precisely without excavation, so those portions are usually shown as approximate routes based on best available information. You will receive a clear overview of how the system is organized so future repairs and changes are easier.

Customer supplied parts can be used, but those parts and any work related to them cannot be covered under the normal warranty. When the company supplies the parts, both parts and labor can be backed by the standard warranty. If you prefer to provide your own materials, the technician will let you know how that affects coverage before work begins.

Yes, pressure regulators that belong to the irrigation system can be replaced. That includes regulators on the sprinkler mainline or near the backflow assembly.

Pressure regulator valves on the main water service to the house must be replaced by a licensed plumber, since that work involves the domestic plumbing system, not just the irrigation line. If the technician sees an issue on the house side, you will be advised to contact a plumber.

Yes. A sprinkler maintenance plan is available for homeowners who want regular checkups. Plans typically include scheduled inspections, seasonal adjustments, minor head and nozzle tweaks, and recommendations before small issues become major repairs.

Because there are several plan options and details, your technician or the office team can walk you through the current maintenance plan offerings and help you decide which level fits your system.

New sod needs more frequent watering at first so roots can establish. During the first three to four weeks, the goal is to keep the top few inches of soil consistently moist but not muddy. That often means several short watering cycles each day rather than one long run.

As the sod begins to root into the soil, the frequency can be reduced and cycles can be lengthened so water reaches deeper. You should also follow any local watering exemptions or rules for new sod and adjust your schedule as those allowances change.

Service vehicles are stocked with most common replacement parts, including heads, nozzles, valves, fittings, and controllers. In many cases, repairs can be completed in a single visit. For specialty items or unusual components, parts may need to be ordered, and the technician will explain timing and options if that happens.

Yes. Technicians are licensed and insured to perform irrigation work in Texas. That includes holding the appropriate irrigation licenses and maintaining the insurance needed to work safely on residential and commercial properties. You can ask your technician about specific credentials at any time.

Yes. Tipping is allowed, and 100% of any tip goes directly to the technician who worked on your property. Some homeowners like to use tips as a way to thank a technician for going above and beyond.

Tipping is never required or expected. Technicians are paid professionals, and the quality of service you receive does not depend on gratuities. The option is simply available for homeowners who want a convenient way to show appreciation.

Like many businesses, the company pays processing fees whenever payments are made by credit or debit card. Instead of increasing base prices for everyone to cover those costs, a separate card processing fee may be added when you choose to pay by card.

Customers who prefer to avoid this fee can often use alternative payment methods such as check or electronic payment options like Zelle, when available. This approach keeps pricing straightforward and gives homeowners flexibility in how they choose to pay.