FAQ’s
Are you licensed, bonded and insured?
We are licensed, bonded and insured. Please check this for yourself at the Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses website.
Our license number is – RCE-61615 for the State of Idaho
Why do I need a backflow test annually?
Idaho Rules for Public Drinking Water Systems (IDAPA 58.01.08) states that all irrigation systems connected to the public drinking water supply must be equipped with a backflow prevention assembly and that this device must be tested at least annually by a State-certified Backflow Assembly Tester. By having your Backflow Prevention Assembly tested annually, you can ensure that the drinking water supplied to your home remains safe.
Why haven’t I received a notice from the city to test the backflow?
Your backflow should have been tested at the time of installation, prior to a plumbing inspection. Due to the demand of both the installation of new Backflow Preventers and the large number of existing Backflow preventers, municipalities can’t always notify you when your backflow testing is due. However, due to increased awareness of the importance of protecting our water, many cities are taking proactive steps to inform people when their annual test is due.
What is trench-less installation?
Please click here to find out just how great a trenchless installation can be for your yard!
Why should I winterize my system? Does it really get cold enough to do damage?
There is a significant investment in a sprinkler system and most people want to protect it. But you might think… if it’s underground how can it freeze? The simple answer goes something like this. During periods of freezing weather, the frost level sinks deeper and deeper into the soil. How deep the frost goes depends on how cold it is and for how long. In some winters the freezing weather might not stay long enough for the frost level to reach the sprinkler pipes, but it’s hard to tell when we could get an unusually arctic winter cold. The only way to ensure that you are protected is by removing the water from your system with compressed air. We liken it to insurance …you hope you never need it, but you are glad you have it when you do!
What is a smart controller?
Simply stated, a smart irrigation controller or timer has built-in water saving features including a sensor to adjust to the optimal sprinkler run time based on the local weather conditions. Smart controllers help to provide a healthy, beautiful landscape while reducing water use.
How can I make my system more efficient to conserve water?
- Install a rain switch. A rain switch is a simple rain sensor. When it detects measurable rainfall, it turns off the automatic irrigation valves. (We always install a rain sensor on all of our new installations.)
- Install a Smart controller. A Smart controller does the work of periodically adjusting the sprinkler operating times for you. It changes the run times to reflect the current water needs of the plants.
- Fix low head drainage. Low-head drainage occurs when the sprinkler system has been installed on a sloped area. After the sprinklers are turned off, the water in the pipes drains out through the lowest sprinkler heads. This is wasted water that often flows into the gutter or creates a muddy area around the lowest sprinkler head.To fix low head drainage you need to have special anti-drain check valves installed at the sprinkler heads. These check valves prevent the water from draining out of the pipes through the lowest sprinklers. In most cases these check valves are built into the sprinkler head.