Irrigation System... Recommendations and is it worth it? (Durham, Cary: Home Depot, cost of)

[fester600]

So, If you have read some of my posts my wife and I have FINALLY made the move to Durham (27713). I was thinking of putting in an irrigation system in the front yard considering we are having sod installed in October (part of our home contract).

1. Does anyone have any good recommendations on irrigation people?
2. Is an irrigation system even worth it?

[MrsBTA]

You may want to check out these threads:

What are your thoughts on sprinkler systems?
(lots of opinions on the "is it worth it" question)

Irrigation System Installers??
(some recommendations for installers)

[jkmeca11]

As you will see in the threads MrsBTA provided it is pretty costly to have a system installed. I have a 3/4 lot and about 15,000 sq. ft. of it is lawn and was quoted from $5k up to $7k. Then there is the cost of the water and whether or not one would be allowed to use the water in the first place. As much as I would like to have one installed I really can not convince myself that it is worth the money. I have decided to simply begin praying for rain

[sls76]

We paid $4k plus the cost of the second water meter for a seven zone system. For us it was worth it because we had sod that was never going to turn into an established lawn without water and we didn't want to drag the hose around the yard. Plus, the best time to water is middle of the night / very early morning when it's not so hot and we're not up then. I can tell you our yard is one of the greenest on the street. To us, that's important (not that it's the greenest, but that it's green and there still is grass). That being said, it is very expensive in this area to have healthy grass.

[MrsBTA]

Originally Posted by jkmeca11

As you will see in the threads MrsBTA provided it is pretty costly to have a system installed. I have a 3/4 lot and about 15,000 sq. ft. of it is lawn and was quoted from $5k up to $7k. Then there is the cost of the water and whether or not one would be allowed to use the water in the first place. As much as I would like to have one installed I really can not convince myself that it is worth the money. I have decided to simply begin praying for rain

This is true about the upfront cost - it can be costly. However, if you have an efficient, well designed system that uses water from a sewer-exempt meter, then the cost of water can actually be less than the cost of water used if you manually water it.

[jkmeca11]

Originally Posted by MrsBTA

This is true about the upfront cost - it can be costly. However, if you have an efficient, well designed system that uses water from a sewer-exempt meter, then the cost of water can actually be less than the cost of water used if you manually water it.

I have a private septic system so the cost of water for me is the same regardless of its use, but an excellent point for those who pay for the water on the way in and on the way out

[MrsBTA]

Originally Posted by jkmeca11

I have a private septic system so the cost of water for me is the same regardless of its use, but an excellent point for those who pay for the water on the way in and on the way out

hehe - ok, fine But an irrigation system can still be more efficient than manual watering, thereby using less water, and still costing less. So there (It would take longer to recoup that upfront cost though)

[sls76]

I know our neighbor had a well dug for irrigation because water is very expensive in Cary. It cost $6000. I'd be afraid the well would dry up before you broke even (I think it would take about 10 years to recoup your costs).

[jkmeca11]

Originally Posted by MrsBTA

hehe - ok, fine But an irrigation system can still be more efficient than manual watering, thereby using less water, and still costing less. So there (It would take longer to recoup that upfront cost though)

I agree I would imagine a well planned out system has to be more efficient than me running around with a hose all day.

I may consider installing one myself one day down the road and understand Rain Bird will help you design it if you send them a sketch of the yard and where you would like the main components located. This would take about 1/2 to 2/3 of the initial cost out.

What about those rain collection units, think thay would help with the water cost, assuming we got some rain now and then

[BrentwoodBoy]

Putting in a sprinkler system is actually quite easy to do, especially before the sod goes in. The hardest part is digging the trenches for the pipe - which if rocky can be difficult. Go to Lowes or Home Depot - they will tell you exactly what you need and how to do it. Depending on the size of the yard, you could do it under a grand easily...you just need to do the labor or find someone to do it for you. PM me if you have questions....