 Frequently
Asked Questions
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General Questions
Why
S. A. Rainmaker?
What kind of warranty does the sprinkler have?
Should I wait until summer to buy my system?
How dependable are automatic sprinkler timers?
How much maintenance will be involved in caring for my sprinkler system?
When should I water my lawn?
How much water does my lawn need?
How can I determine my lawn sprinkler's water usage?
Why is our price higher or lower than others?
Why did my neighbor get a better price from you than I did?
Installation Questions
How do you dig the trenches?
How wide are the trenches?
How much Damage will you do to my lawn?
How do you replace the grass?
What kind of pipe do you use?
Why not copper pipe?
Will the pipes freeze?
How deep is the pipe placed?
Aren’t plastic pipe/heads inferior?
Aren’t heads always getting damaged by lawn mowers?
I’ve heard that sprinkler timers are not dependable?
Will I have water running down the street?
How do you get under the sidewalk?
Will water get on my windows?
How do you get the pipe under the driveway?
Why do you have so many sprinkler heads?
Why are the heads placed so close together?
How long will it take to install my sprinkler?
What kind of wire do you use, and is it in conduit?
Do I get an as-built?
Repair Questions
General Troubleshooting
Where
can I get more information on sprinkler parts?
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General
Questions |
Why
S. A. Rainmaker? [top]
SA Rainmaker is a company that is devoted to customer satisfaction. We strive
to meet all of your needs. We have over 100 years of combined experience in our
industry. We install a quality product and we stand behind it.
What kind of warranty does the
sprinkler have? [top]
Our systems come with a real warranty. It is stated in writing on the contract
at the time of sale. Many companies offer a warranty but very seldom honor it.
This is not the policy of SA Rainmaker; we honor all expressed warranties.
Should I wait until summer to buy my system? [top]
No. We will Install it whenever you want, our prices are usually better in
the winter because the demand is lower.
How dependable are automatic
sprinkler timers? [top]
Today's technology has brought more sophisticated controllers to the industry
than ever. Most controllers come with a battery backup and pre-programmed default
settings. These timers will not leave you high and dry.
How much maintenance
will be involved in caring for my sprinkler system? [top]
It is highly recommended that the homeowner check the sprinkler for proper operation
at least twice a year. We like to visit customers at least once a year. A check
up is always good if dry spots or flooding appears in the lawn. Texas A&M
recently did a study that revealed an average life span of 10 years for a sprinkler
system. The very first sprinkler ever installed by SA Rainmaker is 27 years old
and still works like a charm. (Well over 10 years)
When should I water my lawn? [top]
We recommend watering in the morning hours. Don’t
set the sprinkler to water during your morning shower; the sprinkler will steal
most of the water pressure. Don’t water at night because the water that
does not get absorbed will stand in the yard potentially causing mildew. Always
observe
your water purveyor's guideline's.
BexarMet
Water District
San
Antonio Water System
How much water does my lawn
need? [top]
Its best to water your lawn thoroughly each time, to encourage deep root growth.
Don't forget to factor in any rainfall. Upon advice of the Master Gardner with
the Bexar County
Agricultrual Extension Serivce, the only grass variety that will
perish completely without precipitation, is St. Augustine. Buffalo, Bermuda,
and Zoysia grass types will simply go dormant and turn brown without precipitation.
The Master Gardner recommends a precipitation rate ranging from 1" - 1 1/2" per
week, depending on soil conditions, to keep all grass varieties vibrant and green.
An S. A. Rainmaker irrigation system will automatically water your yard efficiently,
conserve water, and save money. Contact Us for
a free installation estimate and start saving water and money today!
How
can I determine my lawn sprinkler's water usage? [top]
The
average system uses approximately 15 - 16 gallons per
minute, per station.
Here is an easy formula to help you calculate the approximate amount of water
you are using each month.
If your system has six stations, you water two times per week, and each station
is set to run for 15 minutes.
Number
of Minutes x Number of Stations = Total Minutes
Total Minutes x 16 Gallons per minute = Total gallons used per watering day.
Total gallons per day x Number of days per month you water = Total gallons
of water used per month.
Therefore...
15
Minutes x 6 Stations = 90 Total Minutes.
90 Total Minutes x 16 Gallons per minute = 1,920 Total gallons used per watering
day.
1,440 Gallons per day x 8 Days per month = 11,520 Total gallons of water
used per month.
Why is our price higher or lower than others? [top]
SA Rainmaker has a very consistent method for bidding jobs. We feel that our
prices are fair and accurate. It is recommended that anyone shopping for a sprinkler
get bids from three different companies.
Why did my neighbor get a better price from you than I did? [top]
There are many factors that affect the price of a sprinkler system. Every sprinkler
is different therefore every price is different.
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Installation
Questions |
How do you dig the trenches? [top]
Trenches are typically dug with a walk behind trenching machine.
This machine is very efficient and when used properly, will not damage the
existing lawn.
Ditches in flower beds are dug by hand, along with smaller trenches
that a machine can’t dig.
How wide are the trenches? [top]
Typically, Irrigation trenches are four inches wide.
How much Damage will you do to my lawn? [top]
The damage to a lawn is kept at a minimum. All dirt that is pulled out of
a ditch will be put back in. If the ditch sinks, SA Rainmaker will bring
out dirt to top of the trench. We provide this service free of charge, one
time only. It is recommended that the homeowner wait a period of four months
before ordering this service.
How do you replace the grass? [top]
Grass is not usually replaced after an irrigation installation. Sod will
generally grow back in 1-3 months. If replacement sod is requested, we will
gladly install it at an additional cost.
What kind of pipe do you use? [top]
We use schedule 40 and schedule 20 rigid pvc.
Why not copper pipe? [top]
Copper pipe is far too expensive to use, aside from that there are virtually
no benefits to using copper.
Will the pipes freeze? [top]
The freeze line in San Antonio
is approximately three inches deep. Any pipe below three inches should be
safe. We can’t guarantee that the pipes
won’t freeze, but it is highly unlikely.
How deep is the pipe placed? [top]
Generally pipes are buried in a ditch that is 6-8 inches deep. These numbers
vary depending on city code. The city of Shertz requires a depth of 12 inches.
Aren’t plastic pipe/heads inferior? [top]
Not at all, manufacturing has become very advanced over the past 20 years.
The tolerances on plastic components are closer than that of brass components.
Beware of companies that try to sell brass nozzles. We feel that this is
a gimmick and is not worth the extra money.
Aren’t heads always getting damaged by lawn mowers? [top]
Heads that are installed properly
will not be damaged. Heads should be placed at ground level. SA Rainmaker
offers a one year warranty on broken heads.
We feel that if a heads gets chopped up by a mower in its first
year, it‘s
because we didn’t install it right. We will fix it free of charge
the first year only.
I’ve heard that sprinkler timers are not dependable? [top]
This notion is far from true.
Today’s technology has brought more
sophisticated controllers than ever. Most controllers come with
a battery back up and pre-programmed default settings. These timers will
not leave
you high and dry.
Will I have water running down the street? [top]
Our sprinkler systems are professionally designed to keep water off of the
street and sidewalks. There are many adjustments that can be made after
the installation to ensure that water will not run down the street. In windy
conditions, it is possible for water to be thrown in the street. We recommend
watering early in the morning when the wind is calm.
How do you get under the sidewalk? [top]
Our employees are very familiar with this procedure. We drive a large metal
pipe under the sidewalk with a sledge hammer. When we remove the pipe there
is a tunnel just large enough to insert a 1 inch PVC pipe. There are other
ways to accomplish this, but they tend to weaken the concrete and crack
the sidewalk over time.
Will water get on my windows? [top]
No, water should not get on your windows. Please let us know if it does.
How do you get the pipe under the driveway? [top]
We would rather go around the house than under the driveway. If going under
is not avoidable we use the same method as going under a sidewalk.
Why do you have so many sprinkler heads? [top]
SA Rainmaker has a 100% coverage guarantee. We call this head to head coverage.
This cuts down your watering time and saves you money.
Why are the heads placed so close together? [top]
Heads must throw into the adjacent heads otherwise you will be
left with dry areas.
How long will it take to install my sprinkler? [top]
Installation times vary; ask your sales rep. for an estimated time of completion.
What kind of wire do you use, and is it in conduit? [top]
We use 16 gauge direct burial wires. These wires are not required to be
in conduit.
Do I get an as-built? [top]
An as-built is a final plan of the sprinkler. Yes, the field supervisor
drafts the as-built and our secretary will mail it to you. We also keep
a copy on file if you ever misplace it.
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Repair
Questions |
General Troubleshooting [top]
I. Is your controller operating?
A. If
there is no display then it is not getting power.
1. Check
the outlet with something small like a hair dyer.
2. If the outlet has no power:
a. Check
to see of your breaker has tripped to 'off'.
b. Reset your breaker and then check the outlet once more.
1. If the outlet has power and there is still
no display,
call our
office for service.
2. If the outlet has no power, please call a professional electrician.
II. Is your system being supplied with water?
A. Check your backflow device.
1. The backflow device is the main cut-off valve for
your sprinkler system.
2. Every S. A. Rainmaker lawn sprinkler system is installed with a backflow
device, as required by state and city ordinances.
B. Locating your backflow device.
1. If S. A. Rainmaker installed your system the backflow
should be within a few feet of your main water meter.
2. The water meter is generally oval in shape and has a heavy metal lid.
3. Your backflow will be rectangular in shape and have a green non-metallic
lid.
a. The
following image is an example to assist you in
locating your backflow.
b. Keep in mind every yard is unique
and the image provided is merely an example of a
typical installation.
c.If your backflow has been covered with grass or landscaping
it may not be visible.
1. Keep
in mind, if the backflow is covered it is highly
unlikely that you'll find the valve has been
turned off.
2. Using a screwdriver gently
probe the soil until you locate the buried
valve box.
3. Once you've located it you'll have to uncover
the area to remove the lid and check the handle positions.
4. It is handy to note that this can serve as
an emergency cut-off should the need arise and will not hinder
the main water supply inside your home.
Notes:
If you are unable to turn your sprinkler system on after
checking these items please contact our office to arrange
for service.
Where can I get more
information on sprinkler parts? [top]
S. A. Rainmaker's suppliers offer
a wealth of information on all the parts we use for your sprinkler installation
and repair.
Conbraco product
literature.
Febco product
brochures and flyers.
Hunter product
literature.
Irritrol instruction
manuals and product literature.
KRain product
literature.
Rainbird FAQ
Rainbird interactive
guide to determine watering run times.
Rainbird instruction
manuals on your timer.
Rainbird instruction
manuals on your rotar heads.
Rainbird instruction
manuals on your spray heads.
Rainbird instruction
manuals on your station valves.
Rainbird - Water Conservation and Yard Care Pod
Cast.
Toro Operator's Manual request
form.
Watts product
literature.
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11031
Wye Drive, Suite 101 - San Antonio, Texas 78217 - San Antonio:
210-599-0012 - Austin: 512-280-4114 - Fax: 210-599-0732
Irrigation in Texas is regulated by Texas Commission on Environmental
Quality
P O Box 13089, Austin, Texas 78711-3089
512-239-1000
Copyright © 2011 SA Rainmaker, LLC. All Rights Reserved. |
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