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Our Service Charge allows us to bill for repairs at a lower flat rate instead of the old method of billing by the hour plus parts. The Service Charge covers basic overhead expenses related to getting a professional to your property, such as van maintenance, travel time, uniforms, insurance, licensing fees, ongoing training, advertising, tools, fuel costs, office space, workers’ compensation, computers, phones, phone bills, billing software, and dispatch software.
We do not charge by the hour because we believe that this is an outdated way of billing. Billing by the hour is not fair to the customer. If a company sends out an inexperienced technician who takes entirely too long, the customer is paying a premium for lesser quality work. A flat rate price holds a company accountable. With Smart Earth Sprinklers, you get exactly what you pay for. It’s our responsibility to hire, train, and dispatch professionals. Another great benefit of this pricing model is that you are not charged sales tax on an inflated parts price. We pay the sales tax when we purchase materials at cost.
Unfortunately, we do not provide free onsite estimates. However, if you know exactly what you need replaced, we can give you a rough idea of what that item costs. Keep in mind that this is just a rough estimate. The technician may find other issues upon inspection.
Our goal is for our relationship to be a win-win. Remember, nothing is free. When companies offer a “free estimate,” the cost to perform the estimate is built into your repair price, often inflating the cost of the repair. These companies do not win every estimate; therefore, they must inflate prices to cover the time spent on the jobs they do not win. By charging for an estimate, we can keep the prices for repairs low and fixed.
We provide a one-year Parts and Labor Warranty that covers the repairs charged and paid in full on your invoice. Unless otherwise stated.
What’s Not Covered?
What Does “Otherwise Stated” Mean?
Some repairs are subject to their environment. For example, if tree roots caused a pipe to crack and leak, we cannot warranty the repair from the roots damaging the pipe in the future.
Call or email for availability.
Above Ground Shut Off Valve (RPZ):
This device is attached to a vertical piece of pipe that comes up out of the ground. The device is typically located on the side of the house. Sometimes it is located near the water meter. The device may be wrapped in insulation or under a faux rock. Once you have located the device, you should turn each handle a ¼ turn to shut off the water supply to the irrigation system.
Below Ground Shut Off Valve (DCA):
The double check assembly is typically located near the water meter and your home water shut off. It is a rectangular green box. Once you locate the box, there will be a brass device inside with two handles. You only need to turn one handle to shut off the water. Turn the handle vertical to stop the flow of water to the sprinkler system. (You may need pliers to turn the handle). If you have a hard time finding the box, they are often covered in grass or mulch. You can use a long screwdriver to poke the ground to find the box. (Listen for a hollow sound).
See this blog post for more information:
https://smartearthsprinklers.com/turn-off-sprinklers/
Sprinkler irrigation controllers are often intimidating. It’s because it is something we so rarely mess with. You always want to start off by making sure the current date and time are correct. Then think of the sprinkler controller like a recipe. The controller needs three ingredients (inputs) to work:
You can set up multiple programs on a controller. If you add all three ingredients to a program, it will run that program automatically. If you want to disable a program, remove one of the ingredients.
It’s also important to know how long each section should be programmed for. Factors such as system coverage, distribution rates, and the type of landscape are all important when setting up the program.
While we make that sound really simple, we understand it’s not so easy for everyone. We are happy to schedule a visit to help you get your sprinklers properly set up and programmed.
The best time to water your lawn and landscape is early morning prior to the sun coming up. The largest amount of water is lost to evaporation—we don’t want you paying for water only for it to evaporate.
We have found that most landscapes thrive with one good, deep watering a week. We are often limited by water restrictions on the number of days we can water. If you see dry or stressed areas, it may be a good idea to have a professional check the coverage and distribution.
There is no one-time-fits-all answer. This really should be determined by a lawn/irrigation professional. Several factors include emitter type, distribution rate, plant material, slope, and microclimate.
The one that gets the most water to the soil. That may sound silly; however, a large amount of water is lost to evaporation and wind. Ideally, the best sprinkler creates a larger, heavier droplet of water. The larger droplet is less affected by wind and evaporation and lands exactly where it should. Sprinkler system heads can be upgraded to rotary-type heads that produce a more efficient and even distribution. Another option for flower beds is drip irrigation. We do not recommend drip in turf areas.
Dry spots could have multiple causes:
Short answer is no. While not as much, your turf and landscape need water even during the winter months. Also, the longevity of your sprinkler system is greatly reduced when shutting it off for long periods of time. Think of it like a car—if you park it for 6 months, it likely will not start right up. Every part in the sprinkler system is lubricated by water. The rubber seals in valves dry out and begin to stick, causing zones to stick on or not come on altogether.
The only time the system should be turned off is in the event of freezing weather. We recommend using the seasonal adjust on the controller and lowering it to the lowest possible setting during winter months.
Unfortunately, there is not a way to accurately map out the system’s piping and where it goes. We can, however, locate most valves and flag the sprinkler heads in areas where you need them. We can also trace the path of the main wiring, which usually follows the main line of the sprinkler system.
We do not recommend using customer-supplied parts as we are not able to warranty the repairs made. Also, we are not able to discount the service since our prices are flat rate. *Exception for Controllers (if a customer supplies their own controller; We will reduce our line-item price by OUR cost for the controller. We still are not able to warranty customer-supplied controllers). If you have already purchased parts, we recommend holding on to them in case you decide to make a repair yourself.
Yes, your sprinkler system does need to be winterized. However, sprinkler systems in Texas and other southern states are not designed to be “blown out.” There is not a proper air connection on Texas irrigation systems. We do offer a “Winter System Inspection” to help identify any potential freeze points and properly insulate pipes and valves as needed. We will also inspect the system and adjust the controller for winter watering.
Smart Earth Sprinklers’ licensing covers replacement and installation of pressure regulators on sprinkler systems. However, if the pressure regulator is needed on the main water supply to the property, Texas Law requires this be replaced by a licensed plumber. We can always recommend our favorite plumber if this is needed.
Yes, we do! Maintenance plans ensure that you get your system regularly serviced. Regular service of your sprinkler system can save you thousands of dollars in repair costs and water bills. Additionally, regular service will extend the life of your sprinkler system. Essentially, your membership can pay for itself every year.
You can purchase a cheap hose-end sprinkler from Home Depot just to hold you over in the meantime. They are about $10. If we have a cancellation, we can call and try to move you up.
At a minimum, twice a year. Proper maintenance on a sprinkler system is critical. Since sprinklers often run at night and we never see them, they are often forgotten about. There is no other fixture in your house that processes as much water as your sprinkler system. We have all seen the Grand Canyon, so we know the power of water. That same force is working inside your sprinklers. Water eventually wears out seals and moving parts. It’s important to have the system inspected twice a year. We recommend once during the early spring growing season and then once in the winter months to protect from freezing damage. You will need to check your watering system for leaks, broken lines, or misdirected sprinkler heads. Take a few minutes each month to make sure your watering system is working well. If you notice anything that needs servicing, you can always give us a call.
The easiest and most logical way is by sight. That’s right, the biggest sign of a leak is a wet or soggy spot in the yard. Regularly inspect your irrigation system for visible signs of leaks. Look for puddles, wet spots, spots in the yard that are extra green, or unusually damp areas in the landscape that could indicate a leak in the underground pipes or sprinkler heads. Additionally, check for water pooling around valves, fittings, and connections. If you feel more advanced, you can inspect the water meter. If a leak is found, you can isolate it to the sprinklers by shutting off the backflow valve. Just because the meter does not show a constant leak does not mean there is no leak. Some leaks only occur when the system is operating. If you need help isolating or repairing a leak, please give us a call and we would be happy to help.
Week 1 – 2: Establishment Phase. Frequency: Water 2-3 times per day.
Week 3 – 4: Root Development Phase. Frequency: Water once daily.
Week 5 – 6: Transition to Regular Watering. Frequency: Water every other day.
Beyond Week 6: Established Lawn Maintenance. Frequency: Water 2-3 times per week.
Certainly, if they hold a TCEQ Irrigation License.
Irrigation is regulated just like plumbing. (You wouldn’t hire a Chuck in a truck to install a gas water heater.) Don’t cut corners on your irrigation either.
Irrigation is connected directly to the potable drinking water system. It is crucial that this is taken seriously to prevent backflow of contaminated irrigation water from entering your drinking water. It’s also the law!
Even if it’s not us, hire professionals.
Our Service visits are scheduled Monday – Friday. The first appointment is at 8:00 AM and the latest appointment is at 3:00 PM. 3:00 PM appointments are limited geographically due to travel times.
We do not schedule appointments after 3:00 PM due to our early start time. If we arrive later, it cuts into your allotted time. The technician would not have time to make any repairs and would likely require a second service visit, which would require an additional charge.
Yes. We can service every component of the sprinkler system regardless of the brand you have installed. And when a part needs replacing, we can even make suggestions if it’s better to upgrade.
Our trucks are fully stocked with every sprinkler head, nozzle, and rotor imaginable. Each vehicle is also stocked with Smart Wi-Fi and Conventional Controllers, Control Valves, and Rain Sensors. With this much inventory on a service truck, almost every repair can be made in one same-day visit.
We are licensed by the State of Texas (Texas Commission of Environmental Quality) to perform Sprinkler Repair and Sprinkler Installation. We are also licensed to perform Backflow Testing and Backflow Repair. In addition to being licensed, we are registered with all local municipalities as contractors. We are also fully insured so you can rest easily knowing you are in good hands.
Submit your Sprinkler concern and our team will contact you!
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Michael Barr Licensed Irrigator LI 19770 • IRRIGATION IN TEXAS IS REGULATED BY THE TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (TCEQ) (MC-178), PO BOX 13087, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78711-3087 WWW.TCEQ.STATE.TX.US
