Automatic Lawn Sprinkler System FAQ's

Choosing a landscape irrigation contractor can be a difficult process. We provide these answers to our most frequently asked questions to assist you with making an informative decision.

Q: Is Your Company Insured?
A: YES. When hiring any contractor insist on getting a certificate of insurance. The following insurance policies are a home owner's critical protection:
1. Worker's Compensation Insurance Policy - This insurance is the most important and often overlooked by home owner's: this protects you from potential liability if one of the contractor's workers is hurt on your property while on the job. Your homeowners policy does not cover people you hire to work on your property.
2. Liability Insurance Policy - This insurance helps protect you in case of unforeseen damage caused by the contractor's work.
3. Equipment Insurance - This provides another element of liability protection in case the contractor's vehicle or equipment is involved in an accident on your property.
• Vaisey Irrigation Inc is fully insured: certificate of insurance available upon request.

Q: Is Your Company Licensed?
Licensed: NO. Massachusetts does not license irrigation contractors. *
Certified: YES. Erik Vaisey, CIC - is an IA Certified Irrigation Contractor.
* Massachusetts Legislation S.220, will soon require all irrigation contractors to obtain a license accompanied by IA CIC.

Q: Why Hire An EPA WaterSense Partner?
A: Much like Energy Star, WaterSense is a partnership program sponsored by The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to promote water efficient products and practices. This program helps consumers improve water efficiency and reduce their costs by promoting efficient landscape irrigation technologies. Erik Vaisey, CIC is an EPA WaterSense Irrigation Partner. Visit the following links to confirm his credentials:
• EPA WaterSense Program & Partners
• EPA WaterSense Irrigation Certification

Q: Why Hire An IA Certified Contractor?
A: The Irrigation Association (IA) and its local chapter The Irrigation Association of New England (IANE) promote efficient products, practices and water management, but not all members are certified. IA Certification is a valuable consumer tool...

Irrigation Association Certified Irrigation Contractor (IA CIC) - The Massachusetts legislature and U.S. EPA recognize CIC as the professional leader. The IA CIC identifies qualified and competent irrigation professionals who have experience, training, passed a comprehensive exam, and adhere to a code of ethics. To maintain active certification, yearly classes to continue irrigation education are required. Erik Vaisey, CIC is an IA Certified Irrigation Contractor. Visit the following link to confirm his credentials:
• IA Certified Irrigation Contractors

Q: Do Automatic Lawn Sprinkler Systems Waste Water?
A: NO. In fact, it will conserve water. Did you know, over 30% of water can be lost to evaporation when hand watering? Where as, a professionally designed and installed irrigation system conserves water by applying a precise amount, at the optimum time: your lawn is efficiently watered before you awake. It is precisely timed not to over-water, or ever forget to shut off the garden hose. A Rain Sensor is included with all of our installations. This device will automatically override the system settings to prevent unnecessary watering when it rains.

In addition, the new Smart Water Application Technologies "SWAT" or “Smart” sprinkler controllers reduce outdoor water use by monitoring and using information about site conditions (such as soil moisture, rain, wind, slope, soil, plant type, and more) to apply the right amount of water based on those factors. Visit the following link for more info:
• “Smart” Irrigation Technologies

Q: Does Installation Cause Damage?
A: Installation of an automatic lawn sprinkler system requires pipe-pulling via the assistance of our "Ditch Witch" equipment. This machine is designed to install the pipe with minimal lawn damage. Plus, our machine provides horizontal drilling under driveways and paths, resulting in zero damage to your paved, concrete, and brick areas. Upon completion the sprinkler lines are barely visible and quickly disappear as your lawn grows.

Q: Do You Provide Estimates?
A: YES. All legitimate contractors provide both:
1. Free Estimate - Our free written estimates include warranty information and manufacturers brochures describing the products chosen for your specific landscape.
2. Site Visit - To provide an honest and accurate estimate a contractor must view your property. Since no two landscapes are the same, an on-site visit of your property is required. To request an estimate: contact us by phone 781.837.1115 or email
• Request Service

Q: How Do I Evaluate or Compare Estimates?
A: Simply stated, allow for comparison of "apples to apples". Compare contractors: warranty, brands, parts quantity, service history and experience.
1. Request a Written Estimate. This will state the parts & labor warranty, seasonal service fees and the estimated quantity of parts: such as sprinklers, valves, controllers, back flow preventer and rain sensor.
2. Confirm the Facts. Request a certificate of insurance with all 3 policies. Verify all credentials: IA Certified, EPA WaterSense, and references.
3. Service and Maintenance. Professional installation is your key to a warranty, after-sale service and long-term reliability. Will your contractor provide prompt and reliable service tomorrow and for many years to follow?
4. Be Wary of Contractor Short-cuts, commonly used cost-cutting techniques:
• Rain Sensor not included.
• Backflow Preventer and installation by a licensed plumber not included.
• Cutting corners to stretch a low bid, sprinklers installed too far apart, will result in future expense to correct the design flaws.
• "Rain Bird Select Contractor" and "Hunter Preferred Contractor" are manufacturer sales incentive programs, not to be confused with IA Certified Contractors.

Q: What Is A Backflow Preventer ?
Installation of a backflow preventer is required and must meet local codes to protect your household drinking water supply. This device prevents outdoor water that can be contaminated by landscape fertilizers and chemicals from syphoning back into your home water supply. The backflow preventer and installation by our licensed plumber is included with our estimates.
• FEBCO Backflow Prevention

Q: Do You Repair or Service Existing Sprinkler Systems ?
A: YES. We repair, upgrade, service and maintain Hunter, Rain Bird, and all leading brands of existing or previously installed lawn irrigation systems. Including prompt and dependable opening and closing service. New customers can request our services by calling 781.837.1115 or visit the following link:
• Request Service

Q: Do I Need Spring Start-Up & Fall Winterization Service ?
A: Yes. A well maintained system, is an efficient system. Seasonal maintenance and inspections will ensure peak water efficiency.
Spring Opening Service (startup) - ensures your entire system is professionally inspected, precisely timed and all the components are properly adjusted to operate for peak water efficiency before the warm Summer months begin.
Fall Closing Service (blow-out / winterizing) - ensures your system is clear of any water that will freeze and crack components, and is properly prepared to survive the Winter months without costly need of repairs.
To request seasonal service call 781.837.1115 or visit the following link:
• Request Service

Q: Seasonal Service Reminders ?
A: NEW email reminders. Spring and Fall, our customers receive email service reminders. Our emails contain no spam/junk/ads, just important reminders, seasonal service info, and savings coupons conveniently delivered to your desktop. To update your new email address OR join our email reminder list, visit the following link and √ the "VI Email Seasonal Service Reminder" box:
• Request Service

Q: How Does A Second Water Meter Save Money ?
A: A substantial amount of money is saved on your water bill when not having to pay for the sewage portion of outdoor water use: not just lawn sprinklers, but ALL of your outdoor water useage. Second water meters can be connected to new and previously installed systems. Call your local Water Dept and ask if a second water meter is permitted. Our licensed plumber can provide proper installation.

Q: Do You Service My Town?
A: We install systems and provide lawn irrigation service from South of Boston Massachusetts, throughout The South Shore, and parts of Cape Cod.
• Our Service Area Map

Q: Do You Provide References?
A: YES. Our references are available upon request. In some instances we may protect the privacy of our clients by asking them to call you. Stopping by a completed project or job-in-progress can be informative too.

Q: Do You Have a Portfolio of Work?
A: YES. ALL of the photos in this web site are of actual Vaisey Irrigation job sites.
All images © Vaisey Irrigation, All rights reserved. Visit the following link to view multi-image slideshows of our work:
• Photos

Q: I Lost My Timer Manual / I Need Product Info?
A: Most irrigation manufacturers websites provide Manual and Product info downloads. For a list of irrigation products that we install and recommend, visit the following link:
• Links

Q: Payment Options ?
A: We accept checks, cash, Visa, and MasterCard.
Call our Office 781.837.1115 to pay by credit card.


Fact:
A professionally designed and installed lawn irrigation system is one of the best investments you can make in your home or business. Just ask anybody who has one. There's no easier or more cost-effective way to beautify your property, increase its value and curb appeal, and save yourself lots of time and hassle.

Fact:
Water use and management are important issues. IA Certified Irrigation Contractor and EPA WaterSense Partner are credentials that provide experience, knowledge, and commitment to water efficient landscape irrigation technology and techniques. Large or small lawns, commercial or residential, rest assured Erik Vaisey CIC installs systems that apply water Wisely and Efficiently.

Didn't find your answer?
Still concerned if an automatic lawn sprinkler system is right for you?
Your questions are always welcome. Feel free to contact us by phone or email:
781.837.1115   • Request Service

• Information courtesy of: Hunter, Rain Bird, EPA, and The Irrigation Association.