FAQs

Yes. — You won’t have to spend another minute of your valuable leisure time watering the lawn. Your new system will do all the watering for you – even when you are away from home!

An automatic sprinkler system will do a more efficient job because it will be designed based on your landscapes diverse watering needs, using specific products designed to water grass, trees, shrubs or garden plants.

If it rained at your house every three days — the same exact amount each time — you probably would not need a sprinkler system. But nature doesn’t work that way, and the only way to ensure healthy, lush yard is to make certain that your lawn and plants receive a regularly timed and evenly measured amount of water. In the dry season when there is little or no rain, your plants can suffer stress and damage after just a few days without water.

A typical system is comprised of a controller (which functions as the brains of the system), valves (which open and close to release and stop the flow of water to underground pipes) and sprinklers (which distribute water to specific areas). The sprinkler system can be customized further with rain shut off devices, soil moisture sensors and drip irrigation zones.

It is best if all of a system’s components are manufactured by the same company in order to ensure that they will work well together. Rain Bird designs and manufactures the most complete line of components that make up an efficient irrigation system. Northwest Iowa Sprinkler can help you choose and install the right Rain Bird product for your landscape’s diverse watering needs.

You can install an automatic sprinkler system on your own. As with any home improvement project, you should consider all the aspects of the project before you begin.

• Understand the time and tools necessary to complete the job. Consult local hardware and plumbing stores, or nurseries for more information on the tools necessary to complete the installation. Depending on the size of your property, installing a system could take more than just a few days to complete.                                                                                                    
• Always consult local plumbing and electrical codes. Most municipalities require a backflow preventer to prevent the flow of irrigation water into the main drinking water supply. It is better to know the code requirements before you begin the installation to avoid costly mistakes.

If you already have an existing lawn and landscape you might need to move plants, trees or shrubs in order to install the system. Make sure you have prepped the area before you begin the installation.

It depends. Remember, product cost is only one part of an efficient irrigation system. Many people choose to hire an experienced professional irrigation contractor who will bring years of experience designing and installing the most cost-effective and efficient irrigation systems. Contractors have also invested heavily in specialized installation equipment to help speed up the job and many have gone through detailed training courses and certifications.

If you decide to hire a professional irrigation contractor, here are some tips that will help you select the right contractor for the job.

• Before a contractor can present you with a bid, they must do their homework. This includes coming to your property, meeting with you face-to-face, surveying and sketching out the property, locating the water source, taking a read of the water pressure and finally, understanding your needs and what you want to accomplish.
• Experience does count – make sure you are comfortable with the experience level of the contractor. If you are not sure, the best reference is a recent customer.
• It’s not all about price – often times, we use price as the only deciding factor. Contractors who have a significantly lower price than their competition have to cut corners in order reduce their costs. This could mean leaving out a backflow preventer, not using the proper installation techniques or even, not completing the work. Make sure you have selected a contractor based on their service, design plan and ability to install the system properly.
• If you need help finding a contractor in your area, Rain Bird’s Contractor Referral Service can assist you in finding a prequalified contractor in your area.

The price of a system depends upon many factors such as property size, type of landscaping, number of zones, products used and special designs.

Whether you work with a qualified professional irrigation contractor or decide to install your own system, you can rest assured knowing that Rain Bird products will deliver maximum results. Rain Bird, as well as its nationwide distributor network, stands behind all of its products and is serious about its commitment to quality construction.

We get asked a lot Is it Expensive?

 If you hire a sprinkler company that offers you a $3000 system and the company does not draw up a custom design, does not include any water saving features, does not have a service department and you end up with a system that does not perform as you expect, THAT’S EXPENSIVE!

Prices for an underground lawn sprinkler system can differ, widely, depending on the expertise of the contractor and the quality of the products installed as well as the size and shape of your lawn. For an average-sized lot located in the middle of the block, the price will range from $4,500 to $5,500.

Rain Bird offers a wide selection of the most advanced sprinkler timers and controllers that are powerful enough to meet your customized watering needs, while being simple to program and adjust. The newest Smart controllers from Rain Bird even adjust themselves automatically based on changing weather, temperature and rainfall, so all you need to do is sit back and relax.

Rain Bird Select Contractors are part of a network of independently owned and operated irrigation contractors that have been hand chosen by Rain Bird and are considered the best in business. Each Rain Bird Select Contractor has met the Select Contractor requirements outlined below and has committed to follow a code of professional ethics.

Select Contractor Requirements

In keeping with the highest standards of professionalism, Rain Bird Select Contractors:

• Use Rain Bird water efficient products, the best quality products on the market today
• Maintain a professional irrigation certification
• Have been in operation for a minimum of two years (We have been in the sprinkler business for 25 years)
• Can take advantage of the Rain Bird Factory Trained program to train their irrigation crews

Professional Code of Ethics

• Treat each customer with respect.
• Conduct all business dealings in a legal and ethical manner.
• Continuously meet state and local licensing and insurance requirements.
• Respond to job leads within 24-48 hours.
• Be on time for all sales calls and site inspections.
• Provide each customer with a thorough system proposal, including an explanation of the work to be done and the time required to complete it.
• Design premium quality systems and install professional-grade products in accordance with industry standards and applicable codes.
• Provide customers with a thorough “walk-through” of the completed system, including component locations and operation.
• Exceed customer expectations by leaving each job site in the best condition possible.
• Ensure that crew members and company vehicles present a consistent, professional image.
• Take advantage of opportunities for professional and educational development.

Invest Wisely

By hiring a Rain Bird Select Contractor, you can be assured that your new irrigation system will be properly designed and installed by top professionals.  Rain Bird Select Contractors must follow rigorous professional standards and meet strict program requirements.  You can be certain that Select Contractors are fully qualified to design and install your automatic sprinkler system. In addition, you will have full confidence that the products used are appropriate for each zone of your landscape, are capable of delivering the precise amount of water needed, and are durable enough to last.

Enjoy Peace of Mind

For more than seven decades, Rain Bird has been providing the industry’s most water-efficient, durable and reliable irrigation components, helping homeowners like you enjoy a hassle-free, beautiful lawn and landscape. Ask your friends and neighbors, more homeowners choose Rain Bird automatic sprinkler systems than any other brand. With the help of a Rain Bird Select Contractor, you can rest assured your system will be properly designed and professionally installed so you don’t have to worry about it, whether you’re at home or away.

The IA (Irrigation Association) is the world’s premier organization representing professional irrigation contractors. The mission of the IA is to improve water resource knowledge and efficient irrigation practices. The IA certification program provides an avenue for qualified irrigation professionals to demonstrate their experience and technical competence. Certified individuals have made a commitment to professionalism in the industry, subscribing to a Code of Ethics. We are also proud members of the EPA Water Sense Program showing our commitment to water conservation through proper design and educating our customers on correct water usage.