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1.
Can I run a system from my tap?
Generally, dripper, porous pipe and microspray
systems may be run from a tap. However, the amount of equipment
operated will be determined by the available flow and pressure.
Pop-up sprinkler systems require higher pressures and flows and
are therefore pump fed.
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2.
Why do I have to install a pump and tank?
Permanently installed underground systems must
be fed from a tank to comply with the water by-laws. This means
a pump is required to provide the correct flow and pressure to operate
the system.
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3.
What is the benefit of automatic control?
Automatic control allows irrigation at night
when evaporation losses are lowest and pressures highest and most
constant. It also provides strict control over the amount of water
used and therefore minimizes water wastage and promotes water conservation.
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4.
How can I prevent my system operating if it rains?
Simply install a 'Miniclik' rain sensor to the
automatic controller. This device is adjustable for a preset level
of rain (generally 1/4") and automatically turns off the controller
when this level is reached. The unit then resets as the garden dries
out. Cannot be generally used with battery timers.
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5.
Do I require a mains power supply to have an automatic controller?
No. There are many types of controller that
are battery powered. They are, however, suited to smaller systems
such as drip, porous pipe and microspray systems.
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6.
When is the best time to water?
At night , when evaporation losses are lowest.
Additionally, no damage to the plants from sun scorch can occur.
We always suggest that watering is timed to commence as late at
night as possible but also to ensure that it is complete well before
sunrise.
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7.
Why is it important for a garden system to be divided into zones?
Lawns, borders, shrubs, hanging baskets etc.,
all require different watering regimes. In addition, the equipment
to water these areas works at differing pressures and applies water
at differing rates. A good design will allow these areas to be controlled
separately and therefore water in the most effective and efficient
manner.
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8. How long should I water for?
This will depend on many factors including soil
structure, planting, local climatic conditions and the installed
equipment. It is not possible to provide specific times without
this knowledge. However, our system designers will provide details
within the specification which can be used as an initial guideline
for your system.
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9.
Will an automatic system use more water?
Definitely not. The whole concept of automatic
control is to provide a strict regime of watering which can be easily
adjusted to provide maximum benefit with minimum water useage.
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10.
How far apart can I place my sprinklers?
To achieve efficient and even watering, lawn sprinklers should generally be spaced no further apart than the distance they
throw. This is called 'head to head' coverage and ensures that the
water distribution is maximised to prevent over and underwatered
areas occurring. When this policy is not maintained 'brown' rings
can appear at times of stress in lawns etc..
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11.
I live in a hard water area. Will this affect my system?
Generally No. However, certain products, eg,
porous hoses will tend to block prematurely if filtration is not
used. We always recommend a filter is fitted to all drip, porous
hose and microspray systems. Most sprinklers are designed with integral
filters.
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12.
I wish to purchase some equipment to install myself, but I am unsure
of what I need. What do I do next?
Simply provide us with a scale plan of your
area with as much detail as possible. We will then discuss with
you the options available and provide you with a quotation for a
specific 'kit' of parts to enable you to install the system yourself.
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13.
I wish to have a comprehensive system designed and installed, for
my large garden. What do I do next?
It is essential that you meet our systems designer
on site to ensure that you are made aware of the options available
to you and to discuss which areas are to be irrigated. Our designer
will also discuss with you the locations of all equipment, power
requirements etc.. and show you how the system could be installed.
After the meeting, a thorough survey of the site will be undertaken
to allow a scale drawing to be produced. This is the basis for the
irrigation design. Once the design is completed our designer will
provide a full layout plan of the system, together with a complete
specification of all equipment to be used and a fixed price quotation.
Our designer will then meet with you to discuss the details, make
any changes required and agree an installation schedule. Installation
is then carried out by our own trained installers using our own specialist
equipment to ensure a quality installation.
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14.
What guarantees are provided on equipment and systems?
All our equipment is guaranteed for a minimum
of 12 months from date of purchase. Certain equipment has a longer
guarantee period and this is detailed in the product database.
Systems designed, supplied and installed by
us are covered by a full parts and labour guarantee for 12 months
from handover. This can be extended if required.
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15.
Can my system be easily extended?
Yes. Provided thought is given at an early stage
as to potential extension areas. You should consider pipe sizes,
cable sizes and controller type carefully if you think this may
happen. Many of our customers extend their systems regularly. If
you are unsure how to proceed, please call us for free advice.
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16.
How unsightly will the equipment be?
A good system will blend easily into the landscape
and will be very unobtrusive. For example pop-up sprinklers may
be used for the lawn areas whilst the shrub beds may use a spray
head installed below the canopy. Driplines and Leaky Pipe are normally
installed under the mulch level. Drippers are very small and are
locally fed from a small 4mm distribution tube clipped to the building.
Tanks are generally installed above ground, but are dark green in
colour and may be located in an area adjacent to power and water
supplies but secluded from the main garden.
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17.
Can I fertilize through my system?
Yes. Proportional injectors and dilutors are
available to provide very accurate applications of liquid feed.
See our product database.
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18.
I wish to install a drip system for my pots and baskets but the
pressure fluctuates badly. What can I do?
We recommend a pressure regulator is fitted
to all porous pipe, microspray and drip watering systems to prevent this
happening. The regulators are easily adjustable with a screwdriver
and prevent pressure surges within the system. This also prevents
the push fit joints in the piping system from leaking over time
and ensures the system operates at optimum pressure.
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19.
How long will my system last?
A well designed and installed system will last
many years. We have many systems fully operational which are 15-20
years old.
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20.
How much maintenance is required with a system?
System maintenance is generally minimal and
limited to regular visual inspections throughout the growing season
to ensure equipment is operating correctly. Modern equipment is
very reliable , however, sprinkler nozzles and pumps etc., will
wear over time. We operate maintenance contracts for our larger
systems to ensure that they operate efficiently over many years.
Please call for details.
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21.
Do I need to drain my system for winter?
Yes. All systems should be 'winterised' to protect
the components from frost damage. For a small drip watering system this will
mean simply removing the battery timer and draining the pipework.
For a larger system the pump and pipework will need to be drained
together with manual opening of the solenoid valves etc.. This function
is carried out as a normal part of our maintenance contracts.
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