Out with the old (manual watering practices), and in with the new (irrigation systems). That’s the stance of many homeowners — some of whom have already made the move to a sprinkler system and others who are looking to do so soon.

For those homeowners still in the decision stage, there’s an important question to ask: How do I know I’m investing in the best irrigation system? After all, not every sprinkler system is built with the same level of quality, which in turn affects its performance and life span.

The key is to know what qualities to look for in an irrigation system. This will help you make the best decision for now and in the future.

Made From Durable Materials

By nature, irrigation systems are subject to harsh conditions — whether it’s heavy rain in the spring and fall or harsh temperatures in the summer and winter. The materials that comprise an irrigation system must be ready to fight back.

While plastic may be more affordable from a cost standpoint, the best irrigation systems tend to combine UV-resistant plastic with a metal (e.g., brass or stainless steel) in sprinkler heads. The benefits of this combination are two-fold: Plastic provides greater flexibility and brings down the overall cost, while the metal reinforces the system to defend against wear and tear due to stresses.

Features the WaterSense Label

There’s a lot to be said for the value of WaterSense-labeled products. Sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the WaterSense program is designed with the intent to make every drop count — in other words, encourage water efficiency. Products that meet these standards include the WaterSense label to showcase their commitment to reducing water waste and providing operational excellence.

As statistics indicate, the benefits of investing in a WaterSense-labeled irrigation system are substantial. For comparison, consider the shift from a standard clock timer to a WaterSense-labeled irrigation controller. This swap will reduce the average home’s irrigation water use by 15% and also save the home nearly 7,600 gallons of water per year. (To put this into perspective, that’s the same amount of water needed to take 480 showers.)

Has a Good Warranty

Manufacturers should be confident they are selling homeowners the best irrigation system. The warranty on the parts of an irrigation system should be a reflection of this. Ideally, there will be anywhere from a one- to five-year warranty — during which, the manufacturer completes any repairs or replacements free of charge. (Negligence and misuse are typical exclusions.)

Pairing the Best Irrigation System with the Right Installer

Now that we’ve highlighted some of the key elements to look for in an irrigation system, it’s important to think about the next step: Who should I pick to design and install my system? The answer to this question is just as vital in terms of the system’s overall performance and life span.

That’s where Green Impressions comes into the picture. Our passionate team of landscape experts has experience installing high-quality irrigation systems throughout Northeast Ohio — all while offering services to maintain them year-round. Learn more about our irrigation services here.