A Texas Licensed Irrigator is required by law to comply with the standards established by the rulings of the Texas Water Code. These standards have been set to insure the protection of our potable water sources and maintain the highest level of conservation to our most important resource -- Water.

Underground Sprinkler Systems: When designed and installed properly, automatic underground sprinkler systems not only eliminate the time consuming chore of hand watering your lawn, but also provides your landscape with more uniform coverage and application of water. Properly installed, they aid in healthy and vigorous growth of your valuable landscape plantings. Automatic systems have proven time and again to not only provide better application of water, but also can provide numerous time-controlled watering schedules, which help in establishing new lawn areas and conserve our water resources.

The rapid increase in demand for commercial and residential sprinkler systems has been accompanied by two developments: better values by responsible contractors, and an increased number of irresponsible, fly-by-night contractors. You, the prospective customer, should obtain sufficient information to prevent selecting irresponsible and incompetent contractors.

License:  The State of Texas requires a licensing program directly aimed at testing designers and installers in every aspect of design and installation. Applicants are thoroughly tested in the areas of backflow prevention devices, hydraulics (proper sizing of components), efficient head spacing and other important aspects concerning the system. The successful applicant is then certified and issued a license number. It is required by state law that the certified state seal be placed on all designs. TNRCC strongly recommends you deal only with a Texas State Licensed Irrigator. He or she is usually well informed with state and local codes and regulations concerning sprinkler system installations.
The Texas Natural Resources and Conservation Commisssion (TNRCC) is the state agency that governs the licensing and rules of irrigation.

• Any advertisement or business card must have the irrigator's license number included. Any vehicles used for installation, repair or service must list the irrigator's license number on both sides.

 Selecting Materials: Ask your prospective contractor to show samples of various types of equipment he uses such as sprinkIer heads, controllers, valves and risers. This will not only help inform you as to how the system will operate, but will also aid in communicating with your contractor what you desire in a system. Ask him to explain the advantages and disadvantages of each product. As a general rule, sprinkler system equipment varies in cost and quality. Each item is manufactured with specific functions in mind and will operate properly only if it is installed as recommended by the manufacturer's specifications.

The TNRCC strongly recommends that all irrigation systems be designed, installed, maintained, repaired, and serviced in a manner that will promote water conservation. An irrigator must comply with the minimum standards set forth in the rules for spacing of all types of heads, water pressure, wind derating, precipitation rates in various zones of the state, depth coverage of pipe and wiring of all irrigation systems.

Is A Written Legal Contract Necessary? As a general rule, most residential sprinkler system installations are awarded after a contract is agreed upon and signed by both parties. The contract submitted by the contractor should include: scope of work, price of job, city permits, backflow permit, warrantee periods, and client/customer payment agreement. The contract is directed at legally protecting both parties. Responsible contractors should have no objections to a written contract.

All written contracts and bills to install irrigation systems must include the statement "Irrigation in Texas is regulated by the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, TX 78711-3087".

Advance Payment? In general, a successful contractor should be adequately financed to install a residential system without the need of large advanced deposits/payments. However, due to high operational and material cost, the contractor may desire advance deposit/payment, particularly on larger installations. D.I.A. suggests that if a large advance deposit/payment is requested, (in excess of 30%) you should insure that you are dealing with a reputable contractor.

Warranty:  TNRCC suggests that you ask for references on other installations the contractor has completed.  Contact the other customers and ascertain how responsible the contactor was regarding warranty work. A customer must be given a written guarantee for materials and labor furnished in the installation of all new irrigation systems.

Should You Take the Low Bid?  It was Ruskin who said: "There is hardly anything in the world that some men cannot make a little worse and sell a little cheaper; and the people who consider price only, are such men's lawful prey." Remember, in order for the contractor to continue serving you and other customers in a responsible manner they must (1) stay in business and (2) show a fair profit. Simply "paying the bills" is little incentive to a reputable contractor. Again, consider the cost of other items you own or desire compared to the value of your landscape or residence. The low bid is not always the cheapest. Rebuilding or replacing an improperly designed or installed system may cost you many times the amount you thought you saved. Remember, you are installing a permanent underground system that must be installed right the first time.

 THE IMPORTANT POINTS

1.  Is your prospective contractor or designer a state licensed irrigator?
2.  Have you discussed the equipment to be used, and does the contractor understand your needs?
3.  Will your prospective contractor provide a signed written contract if you desire one?
4.  What type of warranty does the contractor provide and what is their reputation concerning warranty work?
5.  Remember! The low bid is not necessarily the least costly in the long run.
6.  Ask for references.