Irrigation | FAQ
Q: What is a backflow preventer and where is it located?
A. A backflow preventer is a brass device that prevents any residual water in the irrigation lines from flowing back into the mainhouse water line. There are two types of backflows (RPZ and PVB) and they usually located in two places; in the crawl space or at the street by the water meter. The RPZ-is the most commonly used backflow valve. see photos in picture glossary.
Q: How do I adjust my sprinkler heads?
A. Please visit our "How to" video section of our website.
Q: How can I determine if I have a leak in my system?
A. There are several ways to determine if you have an irrigation leak:
-First, make sure the system is not running and there is no water running in the house (i.e.-no toilets being flushed, dish washer not running, washing machine not running) and check your water meter dial to see if it is spinning. If the triangular dial is spinning with no water running in the house, turn the ball valve(main shut off for the irrigation) off. Once that is done go back and check the triangular dial on the water meter. If it has stopped spinning with no water on in the house and irrigation valve is off, chances are the main line to the irrigation is leaking and please call Collier to schedule service.
-Second, if you think you have a leak and the meter is NOT spinning, turn on the zone(area) in which you are in question of and if the pressure is very weak(or weaker than normal)—chances are there may be a leak in a zone line.
Q: My system is leaking, how do I turn the irrigation off without turning my main water supply off?
A. Turn the red handle shut-off valve (ball valve)perpendicular to the irrigation line Please reference our picture gallery.
Q: What does our 1-year warranty cover and can that warranty be voided?
A. Please click the Warranty Information tab located on the left.
Q: When do I need to activate my system?
A. If you have an indoor backflow you can turn on your system as early as Mid to late March. As for outdoor backflows, we recommend waiting until April to prevent freezing.
Q: Why do I need to winterize my irrigation system? When should I winterize my system? What does the winterization process entail?
A. Systems are winterized to prevent freeze damage and can cost hundreds of dollars to replace the backflow should freezing of the device occur. If you have an outdoor backflow, we recommend winterizing late October-early November. If you have an indoor backflow it is recommended that winterization be completed by the end of November. Winterization consists of hooking up an air compressor to the blowout stem and purging all the water from each zone. If you are not a contract customer, please call to schedule winterization by the end of September. Please remember our schedule fills up quickly and is best to call and schedule in August if you are a non-contract or warranty customer.
Q: How deep are your pipes and do you provide diagrams?
A. The pipes are typically 12-18 inches in the ground and we do not provide diagrams due to cost restraints.
Q: What are your service rates?
A. Service call is $110 for the first hour and $20 per Qtr hr for any time over the first hour.
Q: How often and how long should I run my system?
A. Each system is different and there are many factors that effect how long each zone should run. Seasonal Conditions also dictate how long you should run your system. Please call the office if you have any questions.
Q: I have a zone(area) that has been running longer than its scheduled time and I cannot get it to stop when I turn the controller to "Off". What do I do?
A. Turn the system off at the ball valve which is either in your crawl space or at the water meter at the street.
Q: What is a companion/exclusion meter?
A. It is a separate water meter for irrigation use only and is available only for Chesterfield residents. By having this meter, you will not pay sewage charges on you water bill and if you are planning on staying in your home for more that 3 years, it will pay for itself and in the long run and save you money.
Q: What is a backflow preventer and where is it located?
A. A backflow preventer is a brass device that prevents any residual water in the irrigation lines from flowing back into the mainhouse water line. There are two types of backflows (RPZ and PVB) and they usually located in two places; in the crawl space or at the street by the water meter. The RPZ-is the most commonly used backflow valve. see photos in picture glossary.
Q: How do I adjust my sprinkler heads?
A. Please visit our "How to" video section of our website.
Q: How can I determine if I have a leak in my system?
A. There are several ways to determine if you have an irrigation leak:
-First, make sure the system is not running and there is no water running in the house (i.e.-no toilets being flushed, dish washer not running, washing machine not running) and check your water meter dial to see if it is spinning. If the triangular dial is spinning with no water running in the house, turn the ball valve(main shut off for the irrigation) off. Once that is done go back and check the triangular dial on the water meter. If it has stopped spinning with no water on in the house and irrigation valve is off, chances are the main line to the irrigation is leaking and please call Collier to schedule service.
-Second, if you think you have a leak and the meter is NOT spinning, turn on the zone(area) in which you are in question of and if the pressure is very weak(or weaker than normal)—chances are there may be a leak in a zone line.
Q: My system is leaking, how do I turn the irrigation off without turning my main water supply off?
A. Turn the red handle shut-off valve (ball valve)perpendicular to the irrigation line Please reference our picture gallery.
Q: What does our 1-year warranty cover and can that warranty be voided?
A. Please click the Warranty Information tab located on the left.
Q: When do I need to activate my system?
A. If you have an indoor backflow you can turn on your system as early as Mid to late March. As for outdoor backflows, we recommend waiting until April to prevent freezing.
Q: Why do I need to winterize my irrigation system? When should I winterize my system? What does the winterization process entail?
A. Systems are winterized to prevent freeze damage and can cost hundreds of dollars to replace the backflow should freezing of the device occur. If you have an outdoor backflow, we recommend winterizing late October-early November. If you have an indoor backflow it is recommended that winterization be completed by the end of November. Winterization consists of hooking up an air compressor to the blowout stem and purging all the water from each zone. If you are not a contract customer, please call to schedule winterization by the end of September. Please remember our schedule fills up quickly and is best to call and schedule in August if you are a non-contract or warranty customer.
Q: How deep are your pipes and do you provide diagrams?
A. The pipes are typically 12-18 inches in the ground and we do not provide diagrams due to cost restraints.
Q: What are your service rates?
A. Service call is $110 for the first hour and $20 per Qtr hr for any time over the first hour.
Q: How often and how long should I run my system?
A. Each system is different and there are many factors that effect how long each zone should run. Seasonal Conditions also dictate how long you should run your system. Please call the office if you have any questions.
Q: I have a zone(area) that has been running longer than its scheduled time and I cannot get it to stop when I turn the controller to "Off". What do I do?
A. Turn the system off at the ball valve which is either in your crawl space or at the water meter at the street.
Q: What is a companion/exclusion meter?
A. It is a separate water meter for irrigation use only and is available only for Chesterfield residents. By having this meter, you will not pay sewage charges on you water bill and if you are planning on staying in your home for more that 3 years, it will pay for itself and in the long run and save you money.
