scope of work
What do you need done?
the guide
Design comes first
A good system is laid out in zones by plant type, sun and soil, with spray or rotor heads spaced so their patterns overlap, and drip lines for beds. Water pressure and flow at the house decide how many heads each zone can run.
What affects the price
The size of the area and number of zones, lawn versus drip, the water source and its pressure, trenching through established turf or under hardscape, the controller and sensors, and the backflow preventer and any required plumbing permit.
Winterize every fall
Lines left full of water crack when they freeze. Before the first hard frost the system should be shut off and blown out with compressed air, and the backflow preventer drained or protected.
Rules and paperwork in Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania’s Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act requires most contractors who perform home improvements to register with the Attorney General’s office and to give you a written contract for any job over $500. The registration number belongs on the estimate and the contract — ask for it.
- Pennsylvania law requires a call to 811 (PA One Call) at least three business days before digging, so buried utilities can be marked.
- Pennsylvania’s Safe Drinking Water regulations require public water suppliers to run cross-connection control programs, so an irrigation system connected to public water generally needs an approved backflow preventer. Your water supplier and municipality set the device type and how often it must be tested by a certified tester.
Sources: Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General — Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act; Pennsylvania One Call System; Pennsylvania Code, 25 Pa. Code § 109.709 — Cross-connection control program (Department of Environmental Protection). Rules change — confirm current requirements with the agency and with your municipality.
Questions to ask before you hire
- How many zones do you recommend, and why?
- What backflow preventer will you install, and who tests it?
- Will you call 811 before trenching?
- What is your Pennsylvania Home Improvement Contractor registration number?
Frequently asked questions
When should a sprinkler system be winterized in my town?
Before the first hard freeze, commonly in October or early November in southeastern Pennsylvania. Many contractors book fall blowouts weeks ahead.
Do I need a backflow preventer?
An irrigation system tied to public water generally does, and many water suppliers require it to be tested periodically by a certified tester. Your water supplier sets the rules.
Is a smart controller worth it?
Weather-based controllers adjust watering to rain and temperature. EPA’s WaterSense program labels controllers that meet its efficiency criteria.
the crew
Verified irrigation & sprinklers contractors
We are still onboarding verified irrigation & sprinklers contractors. You can submit a request and we will tell you honestly if we cannot match it — your details are never shared unless a verified contractor is available.
This trade typically requires a license or state registration. Contractors receive irrigation & sprinklers requests only after we have reviewed theirs.