SprinklerInstall.ca

DIY sprinkler system vs professional installation

Plenty of handy homeowners install their own sprinkler systems. It can save money, but the savings disappear quickly if zones are undersized, the backflow is wrong or lines freeze. Here's a straight comparison.

DIY makes sense if…

  • The lawn is small and simple (one or two zones)
  • You're comfortable measuring pressure and flow and doing zone math
  • You can rent a trencher or pipe puller and do the work over a weekend or two
  • You understand local backflow and plumbing requirements

Hire a pro if…

  • You have multiple lawn areas, beds and side yards
  • Driveways or walkways need to be crossed
  • You want a warranty on parts and workmanship
  • You'd rather not own a compressor for fall blowouts

Where DIY systems usually go wrong

  • Too many heads per zone for the available flow — weak coverage
  • Mixing spray and rotor heads on one zone — uneven watering
  • Shallow or unsloped lines that hold water over winter
  • No record of where valves and wires are buried

Common questions

How much can I save doing it myself?
Mainly labour. Parts, equipment rental and your time still add up, and mistakes are expensive to dig up.
Will you service a DIY system?
Yes. We repair, start up and winterize systems regardless of who installed them.
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