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Q. How much does a sprinkler system cost?

A. There are variables - the size of the yard, what the customer wants, the source of the water (city water, existing well, or new pump and well), the concept of the system, and the products desired (brand of controller, sprinkler heads, valves, pipe and wire). At Dakotah Services we try to customize the system to maximize the benefits and coverage. We make suggestions based on what irrigation is supposed to be. Then we let the customer decide whether he/she is more interested in quality or price.

Q. How long will it take to install my sprinkler system?

A. It depends on the size of the system, the number of zones, the water source, the soil conditions and whether there are a lot of trees and shrubs in your yard, typically it takes 2 to 3 days for a normal residential lawn.

Q. How much of a deposit do you require?

A. In most cases... 50%! Only 1/2 down is required until the system is installed, and the customer is satisfied with the result. Once completion is done and we have ran through the system with you the remainder balance is due 10 days afterward.

Q. What is your warranty on Irrigation?

A. Our warranty on our Irrigation products (...if installed thru Dakotah Services ) is 3yrs including parts and labor. For further information CLICK HERE to view the full extent of the warranty.

Q: What procedures should I follow when starting up my system after the winter months or after a long period of inactivity.

A: The best way to get your system up and running in the spring is to have your contractor go through their startup procedure. They will be able to check and make sure all the components are working properly and help to ensure that your system is ready to work for the season.

Contact: Dakotah Services (605) 351-1181

If you decide to attempt to start up the irrigation system yourself, please refer to this checklist for important steps to follow.

1. Before turning on any water to the system, make sure all manual drain valves are returned to the "closed" position.

2. Open the system main water valve slowly to allow pipes to fill with water gradually. If these valves are opened too quickly, sprinkler main lines are subjected to high surge pressures, uncontrolled flow and water hammer.

3. Verify the proper operation of each zone valve by manually activating it from the controller.

4. Walk through each station on the controller, checking for proper operation of the zone. Check for proper operating pressure (low pressure indicates a line break or missing sprinkler), proper rotation and adjustment of sprinkler heads, and adequate coverage. Check and clean filters on poorly performing sprinklers. Adjust heads to grade as necessary.

5. Reprogram the controller for automatic watering. Replace the controller back-up battery if necessary.

6. Uncover and clean the system rain sensor, if applicable.

7. Finish and clean any in-line filters for drip irrigation zones.

Q: How often should I check my irrigation system’s performance?

A: It’s a good idea to check it frequently during the peak watering season to make sure that everything is functioning correctly and water is being applied as needed to the plant material. Users will often do a quick run through of each zone after they have finished mowing and trimming. A handy tool to have installed in your Hunter system is one of our popular remote controls. These time-saving devices allow you to walk around your property and turn the valves on and off without having to keep going back to the controller.

Q: Why do I hear banging or whining noises when my irrigation system turns on or shuts off?

A: When an irrigation zone is passing enough water through the piping that the velocity is faster than 5 feet per second, the system may start to water hammer. Water has a specific weight that when traveling at fast speeds can act like a battering ram inside the pipe and damage pipe, heads, fittings and valves. Water hammer puts a tremendous amount of strain on irrigation components.

The best way to reduce water hammer is to design your system with appropriately-sized pipe for the zone flow requirements. Pipe friction loss charts are used as a guide to size piping based on the relationship of volume, velocity and pressure loss. These charts can be found on our web site by clicking on the following link. If your pipe is already in the ground, there isn't much you can do about the sizing. You can try tuning your valves by using the valves flow control feature. Here are the steps:

1. Start with your valve flow control wide open.

2. Start to turn the flow control knob clockwise until you start to see the spray from the sprinklers drop.

3. Stop and open the flow control a half of a turn. The flow of that valve is now tuned to the zone requirement.

Ä If that does not solve the problem, water hammer arresters can be purchased from a plumbing supply and installed to try and fix the problem.

Q: Why would my sprinkler system continue running even after the controller is unplugged?

A: There are two reasons why your sprinklers would continue running:

1. It is possible that you have debris in the valve, which is causing them to remain open. To fix this, you’ll need to disassemble the valve, rinse all the parts with clean water and re-assemble the valve. If you cannot locate your valve boxes or fix the valve, it is recommended you contact the contractor who installed the system or visit our Professional Contractor Referral page for help finding a company in your area.

2. It is possible that your valves have been opened manually. You will need to locate your valve box(es) and twist the solenoid(s) on the valves clockwise until snug. The solenoid is located on the top of the valve and looks like a cylinder with two wires coming out of it

Q: How much time do I run my sprinklers to water my lawn effectively?

A: Chances are your professional contractor programmed the controller when they were finished installing the system. They probably also gave you a schedule (or schedules) you could enter into the controller during different seasons of the year. If not, you should contact an irrigation professional in your area who can give you guidance as to the number of minutes each zone should water, and on how many days of the week. Each climate has different requirements; each plant material will have varying needs, as well. In addition, be sure to account for the fact that different types of sprinklers apply water at varying rates.

Q. Will an automatic sprinkler system use more water than I am currently using?

A. No. -- In fact, an automatic sprinkler system will conserve water. You will never have to worry about runoff from overwatering or about wasting water if you forget to turn off the hose.

Q. Does having a sprinkler system really save time?

A. Yes. -- You won't have to spend another minute of your valuable leisure time watering the lawn. Your new system will do all the watering for you - even when you are away from home!

Q. Will an automatic sprinkler system water as well as I do when I water by hand?

A. An automatic sprinkler system will do a much better job, because a professionally designed system delivers exactly the right amount of water to specific lawn and garden areas.

Q. Are there different sprinkler systems from which to choose?

A. Although every system should be tailored to meet one’s individual needs, a typical system is comprised of a controller (which functions as the brains of the system), valves (which open and close to release and stop the flow of water to underground pipes) and sprinklers (which distribute water to specific areas). It is best if most all of a system’s components are manufactured by the same company in order to ensure that they will work well together.

Q. How do I know what type of sprinkler system is best for me?

A. It is always best to work with a professional irrigation contractor who is knowledgeable about factors such as water source and pressure, soil type, planting materials, and weather conditions. A professional will take all of this into consideration when designing a system specific to the needs of your landscape.

Q. Can I save money by installing my own system?

A. In most cases...No! In fact, it could cost you more money in the long run. A professional irrigation contractor will design and install the most cost-effective and energy-efficient system possible. You can be confident that he will use the best equipment for the job and effectively schedule any maintenance required to keep your landscape in top shape. He will pay special attention to important factors such as sprinkler patterns (it is important to overlap the patterns so that the outer edges receive sufficient water for healthy growth) and back-flow prevention (which is necessary to protect your drinking water). Because your contractor is familiar with local plumbing and electrical codes, you won't have to worry about costly pipe installation or wiring mistakes. He can do the job faster -- with less disruption to your existing landscape -- and will guarantee his work.

Q. Will I have difficulty operating my sprinkler system?

A. Your contractor will help you select the best controller for your needs, and he will program it with your customized watering schedule. Your contractor will also explain the system's operation to you. Then, if necessary, you will be able to easily change the watering schedule by simply following the easy instructions on the inside of the controller cabinet.

Q: What are the benefits of an Automatic Sprinkler System?

A: Having a beautiful landscape doesn't mean you have to spend hour after hour working in your yard. With a professionally installed automatic sprinkler system, your lawn will be the envy of the neighborhood! In addition to keeping your landscape attractive, an automatic sprinkler system will help conserve water too. Your system will place exactly the right amount of water on specific lawn and garden areas so that water is not wasted. Hunter as well as Rain Bird also have rain sensor devices that can automatically turn off your system when it rains. In fact, a professionally installed automatic sprinkler system is one of the best investments that you can make for your home. Just ask anyone who has one. There is no easier or more cost-effective way to beautify your home, increase its value, and save yourself a lot of time and money. Keep in mind, however, that there is more to a sprinkler system than just sprinklers! System design and installation are critical factors that will affect your system’s performance and longevity. This is why it is important to have a professional irrigation contractor ( such as Dakotah Services ) design and install the right system for your home. You can count on a professional to do the job right the first time. So put away your garden hose and let the irrigation system do your watering for you -- automatically! You'll have greener grass, healthier plants, and much more free time to smell the roses instead of watering them.

Q: Why purchase an automatic sprinkler system?

A: YOU'LL SAVE TIME: Your system will do all the watering for you.

YOU'LL SAVE WATER: An automatic system uses less water than watering by hand.

YOU'LL SAVE MONEY: Your water bills will be lower and your plants will live longer.

Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions that we receive about Irrigation, if there is a question that you may have that is not listed below please CLICK HERE to contact us so that we may further assist you in any question/help that you may have.

Dakotah Services

& Irrigation Inc.

( 605 ) 351-1181 or (605) 310-2200