Irrigation System Repair- Hiring a Contractor
Upon discovering a problem with your irrigation system you may decide to hire a
local contractor to perform the work. By understanding what the problem is, it will be easier to communicate to the contractor what needs to be repaired.
By providing a contractor with the best information about a repair it could save you money and time. Be prepared with information about the following equipment.

Irrigation Controller
1. Know the make and model.
2. Is it indoor or outdoor mounted?
3. How long has the controller been installed?
4. What is the problem with the controller? (See the controller chapter)

Control Valve
1. Know the type and model.
2. Location of the valve. (Is it easy to get to?)
3. Is it under ground or above ground?
4. How long has the valve been installed?
5. What is the problem with the valve? (See the valve chapter)
6. What is the location of the water source? (backflow preventer, water meter, etc.)

Sprinkler Heads
1. Know the type and make.
2. What is the height of the riser? (How high does it pop-up?)
3. Location of the heads.
4. What stations are the lawn valves?
5. What is the average head to head spacing?
6. What is the problem with the sprinklers? (See the sprinkler chapter)
7. Are you running the system automatically or manually?
8. What is the location of the water source? (backflow preventer, water meter, etc.)

Bubblers
1. Know the type and make.
2. Location of the bubblers.
3. What station is the bubbler valve?
4. What is the location of the water source? (backflow preventer, water meter, etc.)

Broken Pipe
1. Type of pipe-mainline or lateral.
2. Size of pipe.
3. Location of the break.
4. Is it easy to get to?
5. Is the break before or after the valve?
6. What is the location of the water source? (backflow preventer, water meter, etc.)

Most contractors will charge a service call fee. Inquire if the estimate to do the repair
work includes driving time, labor, parts and warranty. What is their hourly rate? Is the
contractor licensed to perform the work?