Frequently Asked Questions
Most start up's are typically done in May. However, when the temperatures at night no longer fall below freezing, it is safe to start up your system. Below freezing temperatures may cause damage to your sprinkler system. Read More
Your sprinkler system should be winterized prior to the first freeze. B&W Sprinklers starts winterizing in October. It is better to be safe than sorry. Schedule your appointment early to ensure that there will be no freeze damage. If you have any doubts on whether your system should be winterized, your best bet is to go ahead and have it done. Read more
Ok let's give an example. You haven't been winterized and it's going to freeze tonight. Don't panic. With these simple steps you can protect yourself from early freeze damage.
No deposit is required. However we will expect to be paid in full upon completion of the install. We encourage customers to see the install therefore you will have a better understanding of what you are getting.
There are many different kinds of rotary heads. Click on one of the manufacturer links below to go to the product page where you can download the user guide. Irritrol® Rotors, Hunter® Rotors, Rain Bird® Rotors, Toro® Rotors
Contact your local irrigation distributor or contact us to pick up another key.
MISS DIG is a statewide, one call utility notification system. MISS DIG notifies the utilities companies at the address we will be digging at to mark the approximately location of the underground lines. Our office contacts MISS DIG a minimum of three business days prior to digging to have the underground lines marked for our arrival. Please do not remove any markings. If the marking get washed away due to weather, please contact our office right away so we can call in to MISS DIG to have them marked again.
Usually 3 - 4 hours depending on the size of the job. 90% of installations are completed in one day.
Yes you need to be home for approximately 2 hours so we can get inside the house to do the plumbing and the timer.
You should do all hardscaping first (example: patio, pool, retaining walls). Landscaping can be installed before or after the installation of your sprinklers, however if you plan on putting in a shrub zone, do not mulch, install weed barrier, or put rocks in until the shrub zone has been installed. Fence installation can go before or after the sprinkler installation. You will need a 48" gate opening if the fence goes in before the sprinklers. Sod must be installed after the irrigation. You may install sprinklers and sod before any hardscaping but changes may need to be made at a later date, for an additional cost.
Yes. There may be an additional charges to the price given on your original estimate.
Hunter, Rain Bird, Irritrol, Toro, Febco, and Rid O Rust
Early morning is usually best. The wind conditions are usually milder and water pressure is usually up. In mid summer or during a drought, you have to adjust your time so that you are not watering at the same time as the rest of your subdivision or area. Watering when it is going to be dark for a few hours can cause mold and fungi to grow in your lawn.
Listen to your sod company first, follow their recommendations. Depending on the weather, you want to water 2 or 3 times per day. If it is a rainy season, you can water 2 times per day. If it is sunny and hot you want to water 3 times per day. You want the roots of your new lawn to stay wet for 2 weeks. Use your own judgment. If you have standing water, it is probably being watered too much. If your lawn is starting to turn yellow then you need to water a little more. Drip irrigation is a soaker line that is placed around shrubs. Drip irrigation will only water the roots of the plant.
There are three types of controllers non-volatile memory controller, battery back up controller, no back up power controller. The non-volatile memory controller can hold its memory for up to 30 days with no power. When the power is restored the program remains the same and the system will restore watering at its next schedules time. Battery back up controller holds its program as long as the battery will last. No back up controller will need to be reprogrammed every time you lose power.
No we have machines that are made for installing sprinklers on existing lawns. Sprinkler pipe is not trenched in. Sprinkler pipe is installed using a vibratory plow method. We also have a wheel on the back of the machine that cuts the sod first so that there is no tearing or ripping of the sod.
Yes we have referrals. Please contact us and we can give you the address of someone in your area and tell you how long ago the system was installed.
Depending on the time of season and what the lawn looked like before the installation your lawn will be back to normal or better in 2 - 4 weeks.
A Rid O Rust system is needed when well water (hard water) is staining your hardscape, walks or house. A Rid 0 Rust system will eliminate staining from occurring. Find out more about Rid O Rust systems
Your system will do all the work for you. It will place the exact amount of water needed that is programmed in your timer for your landscape beds, trees and lawn. You will not have to spend any of your spare time moving a sprinkler device around your yard, dragging hoses or standing out in the hot sun for hours. You will no longer need to have family or friends take care of your lawn while you are away.
If you are already watering your lawn on a regular basis, you will use less water as your lawn will now be watered with the exact amount you choose, and timed not to over water. We also have Rain Sensors available for installation that automatically stop unnecessary watering when it rains.
B&W Sprinklers sales representatives are trained to help you choose the best system for your soil type, landscape needs and weather conditions. We have been in business for over 20 years and provide systems for home owners and businesses in southeastern Michigan. We can provide a custom system to meet your specific needs.
Installation of a vacuum breaker which is also called a backflow preventer is required by Law. This device prevents water that could be contaminated by the different lawn maintenance chemicals from backing into your home water supply. Yes, we are fully insured with worker's compensation, liability and equipment insurance.
Installing a system requires pulling pipe by machine. We have equipment to do this that causes minimal damage. We also use machines to pull pipe under driveways and sidewalks if necessary without causing any damage to your pavement. Sprinkler lines quickly disappear as your lawn grows.
You can save on your water bill by not having to pay the sewage portion of your bill on your outdoor water use. Second meters can be installed even on your existing system. Each city has specific rules on whether or not these meters are allowed. Please contact your local water department for information.
Yes, our trained service technicians are familiar with all types of systems. We have been working in the area opening, closing and updating systems for 20 years. Controller is another name for a timer. They control the time, the amount of water and in what order the zones will be watered. Valves are used to control the flow to specific areas also called zones. Each zone has its own valve. They are kept in a valve box which protects them from dirt and wear as they are buried underground. We use a green lid so they blend in with your lawn.
Pop-Up Head - These heads are inserted flush with the ground. The water pressure raises them anywhere from 4 to 12 inches out of the ground to avoid surrounding obstacles. After the cycle has finished, the head falls back into place. Pop-Ups spray from 2 to 15 feet. Risers - If the water spray has obstacles (landscaping, air conditioner, etc) over 12 inches in height, we will install a riser. They do not retract.
B&W Sprinklers experienced sales representatives and service technicians have been well trained to advise you of all your lawn sprinkler needs.
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Rotor-Head - This is a gear-driven rotor which rotates from a 40 to 360 adjustable arc and spray anywhere from 15 to 30 feet.