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Specializing In All Irrigation Repairs and Installation For Over 25 Years!

We also professionally install

Outdoor Lighting

To start your free estimate, send us a message or call (602) 828-1420 or (602) 434-3098

What We Offer

For the last 25 years we have served our customers offering sprinkler repair, sprinkler installation, complete irrigation system design, irrigation system installation, and maintenance. We have also designed, planned, and installed many drip systems. We offer full service landscaping services such as planting trees, sod, and yard beautification.

Areas served:

Your go-to outdoor lighting company that can take care of all of your lighting needs in one stop, we can install your irrigation and lighting at the same time in a quick and efficient manner that saves you money.

For our Outdoor lighting services check out our Lighting department page.

Who We Are

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About

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Phoenix, AZ Irrigation Specialists, The Sprinkler Fixer founder, Bill, is proud to serve the Phoenix communities as the go-to irrigation company that can take care of all of your irrigation needs in one stop, in a quick and efficient manner that saves you money.

Experience

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With over 20 years experience we know the industry and can take care of your problem. We know that using the best quality products will leave the best quality results. We will not waste time in getting your issue resolved, because we work efficiently and know how to deal with most any issue. We are there for you, from the rare deep freeze pipe bursting to the more frequent sprinkler head replacement. We've got you covered.

Our Goal

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TheSprinklerFixer goal is customer satisfaction. Our business has been built on repeat and referral business. We know the value of keeping our customers happy and keeping them for the long run.

What Our Customers Say

5-star-rating

Bill built my entire sprinkler system and my grass has never looked better! I would highly recommend the Bill for any sprinkler job.

-Jeremy B

Bill and his team were excellent. They replaced our old irrigation system in a single day and communicated before, during and after really well. Install was spotless and he even came back two days later to double check everything. And price was super competitive.

- Jeff

Extreme high quality install. We had the opportunity to use Bill twice now for complete install. So comfortable to know his standards for materials and install are so high. Happy in Peoria

-Jim

I usually never give reviews, but I was so impressed with every aspect of my encounter with this company from my initial phone call until handing over the payment. Thank you Bill and Billy for my experience with your company!!

-Patti

Very professional, knowledgeable, hard working company. I would recommend hiring them. You won't be disappointed!

-Richard

We had a serious leak in our irrigation control valve. Bill came out same day. Very professional, on time, efficient, and helpful in setting up a plumber for an additional issue that occurred. Would definitely recommend him to anyone.

-Kimberly
5-star-rating

Learning

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Best Practices in Irrigation System Design

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Introduction

Efficient irrigation is crucial for sustainable water management, especially in arid regions where water resources are scarce. Properly designed irrigation systems can significantly reduce water waste, enhance plant health, and promote environmental conservation. In this article, we’ll explore key best practices for designing effective irrigation systems.

1. Site Assessment and Planning

Before diving into the design process, conduct a thorough site assessment:

Evaluate Soil Types: Understand soil composition, drainage, and water-holding capacity. Assess Topography: Identify slopes, elevation changes, and potential runoff areas. Consider Plant Types: Different plants have varying water requirements. Account for Microclimates: Recognize areas with more or less sun exposure.

2. Hydrozone Design

Divide your landscape into hydrozones based on water needs: High-Water-Use Zones: Lawns, flower beds, and vegetable gardens. Moderate-Water-Use Zones: Shrubs and ornamental plants. Low-Water-Use Zones: Xeriscaped areas or native plants.

3. Drip Irrigation for Precision

Drip irrigation minimizes water loss by delivering water directly to the plant root zone. Consider the following: Emitters: Choose appropriate emitters based on plant type and water requirements. Pressure Regulation: Maintain consistent pressure to ensure uniform water distribution. Filter Systems: Install filters to prevent clogging.

4. Sprinkler System Design

When using sprinklers, follow these guidelines: Head-to-Head Coverage: Overlap sprinkler heads to avoid dry spots. Matched Precipitation Rates: Use sprinklers with similar precipitation rates. Zoning: Group plants with similar water needs together.

5. Smart Controllers and Sensors

Invest in smart irrigation controllers and sensors: Weather-Based Controllers: Adjust watering schedules based on local weather conditions. Soil Moisture Sensors: Monitor soil moisture levels to prevent overwatering. Rain Sensors: Disable irrigation during rainfall.

6. Proper Scheduling

Set irrigation schedules based on plant requirements and climate: Morning Watering: Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation. Avoid Midday Watering: High temperatures lead to water loss. Evening Watering: Watering in the evening can promote fungal growth.

7. Regular Maintenance

Maintain your irrigation system for optimal performance: Inspect Regularly: Check for leaks, clogs, and damaged components. Adjust Seasonally: Modify watering schedules based on changing weather. Winterization: Prepare the system for winter to prevent freezing damage.

Conclusion

By implementing these best practices, you’ll create an efficient and sustainable irrigation system that conserves water, supports healthy landscapes, and minimizes environmental impact. Remember that every landscape is unique, so adapt these principles to your specific needs and local conditions.

Lawn Height and Water Conservation

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Water conservation is a critical issue in many regions around the world, and one area where it plays a significant role is in lawn care. The height at which you maintain your lawn can have a profound effect on water conservation. Here's how:

**Understanding Evapotranspiration**

Evapotranspiration is the process by which water is transferred from the land to the atmosphere by evaporation from the soil and other surfaces and by transpiration from plants. In simple terms, it's how much water your lawn loses. The rate of evapotranspiration is influenced by several factors, including temperature, humidity, wind speed, and, importantly, the height of your grass.

**The Role of Grass Height**

Taller grass shades the soil, reducing evaporation from the soil surface. It also has a larger root system, which allows it to access water deeper in the soil. This means that a lawn with taller grass requires less frequent watering, contributing to water conservation.

**Optimal Grass Height**

The optimal height for your lawn depends on the type of grass you have. For example, cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue typically do well at heights of 3 to 4 inches, while warm-season grasses like Bermuda and Zoysia grass are often kept at a height of 1 to 2 inches. Keeping your grass at its optimal height can help to reduce water usage.

**Mowing Practices**

How you mow also matters. It's recommended to only remove one-third of the grass blade at a time. This practice, known as the "one-third rule," helps to maintain the health of the grass and its ability to conserve water. Additionally, leaving the clippings on the lawn can help to return moisture and nutrients back to the soil.

**Conclusion**

While maintaining a lush, green lawn is a goal for many homeowners, it's essential to balance this with the need for water conservation. By understanding the relationship between lawn height and water usage, you can make informed decisions about your lawn care practices that contribute to water conservation efforts.

Common Mistakes in Irrigation System Design

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Designing an irrigation system requires careful planning and consideration. However, even with the best intentions, mistakes can occur. Here are some common errors that often arise in irrigation system design:

1. **Inadequate Water Pressure**:

One of the most common mistakes is not accounting for water pressure. If the pressure is too low, the system may not distribute water evenly, leading to dry spots. Conversely, high pressure can cause water wastage and damage to the system.

2. **Improper Sprinkler Spacing**:

Sprinklers should be spaced so that each one's spray reaches the adjacent sprinkler, ensuring uniform water distribution. This concept, known as "head-to-head" coverage, is often overlooked, leading to dry patches.

3. **Ignoring Soil Type**:

Different soil types absorb water at different rates. Ignoring soil type can lead to overwatering or underwatering. For instance, sandy soil drains quickly and may require more frequent watering, while clay soil retains water longer.

4. **Lack of Zoning**:

Different plants have different water needs. Designing a system without considering plant water requirements can lead to overwatering or underwatering. It's essential to group plants with similar water needs together and create separate watering zones.

5. **Overlooking Maintenance Needs**:

All irrigation systems require regular maintenance to function effectively. Failing to consider maintenance needs during the design phase can lead to costly repairs down the line.

6. **Ignoring Local Regulations**:

Many areas have regulations governing water usage and irrigation systems. Overlooking these can lead to fines and penalties.

7. **Not Planning for Expansion**:

If you plan to expand your garden or landscape in the future, your irrigation system should be designed to accommodate this. Failing to do so can lead to a need for costly system redesigns later on. Avoiding these common mistakes can help ensure your irrigation system is efficient, effective, and sustainable. Remember, a well-designed irrigation system not only conserves water but also promotes healthy plant growth.

Fun Facts

The History of Sprinklers

And Irrigation

Let’s delve into the fascinating history of sprinkler systems:

Leonardo da Vinci’s Calamity (15th Century):

Leonardo da Vinci, renowned for his artwork, also invented one of the first sprinkler systems. His design featured a conveyor belt system to transport food from his newly designed oven. Unfortunately, the system had its flaws: the belt ran too slowly, then too quickly, leading to burnt food. The oven caused a small fire, activating da Vinci’s sprinkler system, which worked perfectly but left the remaining food damp and the kitchen flooded1.

Ambrose Godfrey and Gunpowder (1723):

Ambrose Godfrey, a chemist, created an automated sprinkler system using gunpowder. When a fire occurred, fuses connected to gunpowder triggered an explosion, releasing water to extinguish the flames. Interestingly, Godfrey’s method later influenced the development of fire extinguishers1.

Sir William Congreve’s Theatre Sprinkler (1812):

Architect Sir William Congreve installed the first practical fire sprinkler system in London’s Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. His system consisted of pierced pipes connected to a large water container, which would release water in case of a fire2.

Frederick Grinnell’s Contribution (1850):

Frederick Grinnell established the first company to develop and manufacture sprinklers. His “Grinnell Sprinkler” became the first practical automated sprinkler system, laying the foundation for modern fire protection1.

Sprinkler systems have come a long way, evolving from da Vinci’s mishap to today’s efficient designs that protect lives and property. 🌟🔥

Let’s explore the fascinating history of irrigation systems:

Earliest Known Systems (6000 BC):

The origins of irrigation date back at least 8,000 years. In ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia around 6000 BC, people pioneered irrigation techniques. Facing seasonal flooding from the Nile, they diverted excess floodwaters to nearby crop fields, ensuring successful cultivation.

Middle East and Egypt (3100 BC):

Archeological evidence suggests that irrigation was practiced in the Middle East’s Jordan Valley around 6000 BC. Egypt also embraced irrigation during this period, with the earliest pictorial representation dating back to around 3100 BC.

Advancements Over Time:

Throughout history, civilizations refined irrigation methods. Channels, ditches, and canals were constructed to distribute water efficiently. Innovations like the shaduf (a manual water-lifting device) and qanats (underground channels) improved water access.

Modern Irrigation:

Today, we have sophisticated systems, including drip irrigation, center pivots, and sprinklers. These advancements allow precise water delivery, conserving resources and maximizing crop yields.

In summary, irrigation has played a crucial role in shaping agriculture and sustaining civilizations across millennia! 🌾💧

To start your free estimate, send us a message or call (602) 828-1420 or (602) 434-3098

The Sprinkler Fixer

Phoenix, Arizona

602-828-1420

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