Frequently asked questions about sprinkler installation and repair.
Insured, licensed and qualified.
A1 Sprinklers is licensed through the Utah DOPL, Department of Professional Licensing. In order to maintain our license through the State of Utah, all contractors must be insured. We are uniquely qualified in the installation, repair, and maintenance of sprinkler systems; the general manager has been in this business since 1979. We have had the phone # 801-266-2511 since 1984. Call us or text, we answer our phone.
When I turned off my main valve the tube fills with water, what’s wrong?
The stop-and-waste valve prevents new water from entering the system and acts as a drain for the water in the sprinkler system. Some water leakage is normal, but if the water continues to run, check the following:
- Ensure the valve is fully turned off (all the way to the right). If the valve is partially closed, it may allow new water to enter the system, which can flow out through the drain hole.
- Does the water stop running when you turn the valve back on?
- If you're able to check your water meter, see if there's any movement.
- Can you hear the water running inside the home?
If the issue persists, it's possible the valve is faulty and needs to be replaced. Before proceeding with a replacement, call us to have it inspected. It’s also possible that the main line is leaking.
What is a backflow device and why do I need to have it tested?
A backflow device is a safety mechanism that prevents contaminated water from flowing back into the clean water supply. Backflow laws have been in place for many years, but enforcement in the Utah area has become stricter in recent years. If you have a sprinkler system, you will likely need to have a backflow device installed soon. Your local water supplier is required by the EPA to implement a program that ensures all customers are properly protected.
How Often Should I Water the Grass?
During a typical spring, you may not need to water your lawn until mid-May. After that, watering once or twice a week is usually sufficient. As the heat of summer sets in, it's common to water established landscapes about three times a week. However, small or newly planted areas may require more frequent watering.
Why do I need to winterize my sprinkler system?
- Shallow Pipes
Are Vulnerable: Sprinklers Here’s why winterization is essential:ystem pipes
are typically buried less than a foot deep, while winter frost in the Salt Lake Valley can penetrate much deeper. - Frozen Water
Causes Breaks: Any water left in the system can freeze and expand, cracking pipes and valves. - Hidden Damage
May Go Unnoticed: Many breaks occur in January,
but the damage isn’t always visible until late February or when you turn the system back on in spring. - Above-Ground
Components Freeze Faster: Sprinkler heads, valves, and backflow preventers exposed to the air freeze much sooner than underground pipes, making them especially at risk.
Protect Your System Before It’s Too Late
Winterizing your sprinkler system prevents costly repairs and potential flooding when the system thaws. Don’t wait—schedule your sprinkler blowout before freezing temperatures set in!
Can I winterize the system myself?
In many cases, homeowners can turn off and drain their sprinkler systems on their own. However, it's important to understand how your specific system works before attempting it.
If you have an A1 Sprinklers system, winterization is simple. We’ll show you exactly how to take care of it, even if you prefer not to do it yourself.
If your system was installed by others, we can inspect it and teach you the proper steps to winterize it. Visit our How to Winterize page for general instructions.
If your system requires a blowout, it's usually more efficient and cost-effective to hire us. Our team ensures a complete and professional winterization to prevent costly damage. Not sure what your system needs? Contact us today, and we’ll be happy to help!
How do you charge for your services?
We charge for repairs by the hour plus parts. Our first hour starts when we get to your door. No travel time is charged, $130.00 for the first half hour (Min.) and $130.00 per hour after that. Example: If we are at your home for one hour, you would be billed for the first half hour at $130.00 and then $65.00 the next half hour for a total of $195.00 plus any parts we use.
For the Main Valve replacement, it is a flat $1,695.00 up to 4 feet deep unless quoted differently by our staff. We give a 3-year warranty on stop and waste valve replacements.
Do you give free estimates?
Yes, for new installs. We do not give free estimates on repairs. It is easy to give a price on a complete install because most things are known. On repairs, it is sometimes impossible to know what is wrong until you have dug up or completely repaired what is wrong.
Can you help me over the phone?
Often, if you can give us enough information. We know sprinkler systems very well but sometimes the picture you paint over the phone may not be the same as the picture we get. Your answer may also be found in our training videos.
How long does it take to get a repairman to me?
In most cases, we can have someone there the same day or the next. Depending on business volumes and the time of year it may be longer.
Can I set a Time?
Yes, the first appointments of the day can be set. We can set an arrival time of 9:30 A.M. We can also arrange to call 30 minutes before we send our repairman to your location. We do respect your time and do everything in our power to get there at a workable time to you. Our office staff works hard to accommodate your schedule.