Do you have any certifications?

YES, WE DO. MORE THAN ANY OTHER COMPANY IN THE MONTREAL AREA

We have employees who have received certification from the following organizations and companies

  • Irrigation Association, “Certified Irrigation Contractor

  • RainBird, “Authorized Service Center Technicians

  • RainBird, “Select Contractor

  • Hunter, “Preferred Contractor

  • Toro University, “Service and Installation

Are irrigation contractors required to have certification?

NO, IT IS COMPLETELY VOLUNTARY.

WE CERTAINLY DO!

You could buy a truck tomorrow and start installing systems or you may have been in business for 20 years and never learned the fundamentals.

Unfortunately, there is no protection in place for the consumer.

There are other organizations, but they either require no testing or very limited testing for their certifications.

What are your qualifications?

WE HAVE BEEN IN BUSINESS FOR OVER 25 YEARS.

The following information is specific to Johnson Irrigation and is provided to help you in making your decision:

CERTIFICATION

  • The Irrigation Association – Certified Irrigation Contractor
  • Rain Bird – Authorized Service Center Technician
  • Rain Bird – Select Contractors
  • Hunter – Preferred Contractors

 INSURANCE

  • Injury $5,000,000.00
  • Property $5,000,000.00

GUARANTEE

  • 2-year warranty
  • 5-year extended warranty

 REFERENCES

  • Provided at any time
Will having a sprinkler system really save me time?

YES

You won’t have to spend another minute of your time watering the lawn or garden.

Your new system will do all the watering for you – even when you’re away from home.

Will my water bill increase with a sprinkler system?

IT DEPENDS on HOW WERE YOU WATERING BEFORE?

Any system will cut down on “Brown and Soak” watering where a homeowner will wait until damage has been done and then water to the point of soaking the soil. This type of watering not only is harmful to planting but also defeats the purpose of water conservation!

As far as water is concerned, a properly designed and managed irrigation system will actually save money in water bills because it is set to water differently based on the various needs of your property. (see: Irrigation Scheduling) Considerations such as sunlight/shade, type of soil, types of plants, the location of plants on the property, wind, and grading are all factors in a proper design.

When we design a sprinkler system, we try to simulate an even distribution of water. Although 100% (DU) distribution uniformity (see: Benefits of High-Quality Irrigation Systems) cannot be achieved, our systems approach 70-80%. A budget or lower quality system will reach about 20-30% DU.

Depending on how you manage the controller, whether it be manually adjusting the programming for seasonal changes or have an “ET” system installed. (see: Smart Controller) We always try to make the most efficient use of water while still keeping your property healthy.

What should I expect during the estimate?

WE ARE GOING TO PROVIDE YOU WITH ALL THE INFORMATION YOU NEED TO MAKE AN INFORMED CHOICE.

We will ask you questions about what you want watered, how much time you have to water and your expectations of the system.

We will design and present a formal estimate detailing what we plan to do and the total price for materials and installation.

Along with the estimate, we will clearly explain how all the components and the project would come together.

The entire process usually takes about an hour and you will receive a written quote at the end.

Is there a warranty on your systems?

ALL OUR WORK IS GUARANTEED

We have one and two-year standard warranties as well as a five-year extended warranty. (see: Residential Warranty, Commercial Warranty, Extended Warranty)

The material we use is generally guaranteed for five years, electronics are usually guaranteed for three and some components carrying a longer warranty. (see: Material we use)

Is after-sale service provided?

OF COURSE, FOR US SERVICE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN NEW INSTALLATIONS

Taking care of our existing customers has always been our top priority!

From starting your system in the spring to closing it in the winter, we take care of that and everything else in between.

Will the installation damage my lawn or shrubbery?

NO, NOT NORMALLY

A few weeks following your installation, the only signs that anything has been installed will be your healthier plants and lawn.

We use vibratory plows to perform our installation. Pipe is “pulled” underground through a small slit in the earth; therefore, little is visible once the installation is complete.

IN GENERAL, THE NICER THE LAWN TO BEGIN WITH, THE LESS DAMAGE THERE IS.

All the piping is underground and all the heads are designed to pop up while watering and recess when the system is not watering.

Are there different types of systems to choose from?

YES. YOUR SYSTEM SHOULD BE PROPERLY DESIGNED AND USE HIGH-QUALITY COMPONENTS

Although every system should be tailored to meet your individual needs, a typical system will be comprised of at least:

  • a controller (conventional or smart, see: Smart Controller),
  • valves (which open and close to release and stop the flow of water to underground pipes) and
  • sprinklers (which actually distribute the water to a given area).

Where the differences come into play, is what type of sprinkler is used to distribute the water. Whether your system is designed with micro-irrigation, drip irrigation, rotors or spray heads, they all have strengths and weaknesses depending on the conditions and design.

Ultimately, we suggest anyone interested in having us quote a system to read this article: Benefits of High-Quality Irrigation Systems, and Why choose us? so they can better understand the differences between quotes.

How can I be sure I will get a good system?

EDUCATE YOURSELF

A good lawn sprinkler system is one flexible enough for both your current and future watering needs: it will put the right amount of water in each area and it will keep operating year after year with minimal maintenance.

Each system is rated by evaluating the efficiency of the system to deliver useful water to your plants. An average system is typically 40-60% efficient; ours are 60-80%. Your satisfaction with the system will ultimately depend on;

  • The design of the system and its efficiency
  • The quality of the installation
  • The quality the of the system components

REMEMBER, YOU ARE YOUR BEST PROTECTION.

The more research you do on the subject the better. Many contractors throw around irrigation terms in an attempt to assure you they know what they are doing. They can do this because most people will never verify their assertions and as a result, it is usually an empty statement.

If you have enough knowledge to ask the right questions, you will find them, and be able to weed them out.

What type of product should I use and why?

THAT IS NOT A QUESTION WE CAN ANSWER WITHOUT HAVING SEEN THE PROPERTY.

There are just too many variables.

During the estimate, we will explain to you what type of controller, valves, and rotors or spray heads we believe are best for your landscape.

We are not bound to any one manufacturer, so we choose which component is best for your landscape.

You do want to ensure you are getting professional grade components from reputable companies like Rain Bird, Hunter or Toro.

The cost for similar products from any of these manufacturers is within pennies of one another so it is not a major concern.

Do you only install 'smart systems'?

NO, HOWEVER, IT NOW REPRESENTS ABOUT 80% OF ALL THE NEW SYSTEMS WE INSTALL

A “Smart” controller is only a couple hundred dollars more than a conventional controller and well worth the cost.

However, if you use a “Smart” controller your system must be designed properly or it will not operate properly or efficiently.

What is the difference between an 'et' and a 'smart' controller?

ALL “ET” CONTROLLERS ARE “SMART” CONTROLLERS, BUT NOT ALL “SMART” CONTROLLERS ARE “ET” CONTROLLERS

As a general rule, an “ET” controller will measure and take into account the rain when it calculates it watering requirements. Whereas a “Smart” controller does not.

What is a backflow device, and do I need one on my sprinkler system?

YES, IT PROTECTS THE WATER SUPPLY

A backflow device is generally a brass assembly that will prevent any water from the sprinkler system from getting into the drinking water supply. It is mandated by law and must be installed.

There are 3 different types usually used by irrigation companies and are show to an approximate scale:

DUAL CHECK (ILLEGAL)

Backflow Dual Check

DOUBLE CHECK (LEGAL / ILLEGAL DEPENDING ON MUNICIPALITY)

Backflow Double Check

DOUBLE CHECK RPZ (LEGAL)

Backflow Reduced Pressure

For more information about your municipality, visit this page: Municipal watering restrictions.

How much will a good quality sprinkler system cost?

YOU WILL GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR

The cost of a system will vary depending upon many factors such as;

  • property size
  • type of landscaping
  • the physical shape of lawn area
  • the level of automation
  • the number of gardens

Every irrigation system we install is individually designed and tailored to your property, with an average cost of about $2,500 – $4,000.

If you have mostly open spaces your system will be less complex. A sprinkler system that is less complex will cost less per square foot.

In other words, the more walkways, pools, patios or sheds you have, the more obstacles we have to avoid. This will increase the complexity of the sprinkler system and the amount of sprinklers and zones required to properly water the property.

Keep in mind, a properly designed, fully automated irrigation system can pay for itself in water conservation as well as the continual health and growth of your lawn and plants.

What are the annual operation costs?

IN OUR CLIMATE, IRRIGATION SYSTEMS NEED TO BE SHUT DOWN IN WINTER AND RESTARTED IN SPRING

The winterization or Closing is done by attaching an air compressor to your sprinkler system and blowing all of the water out of the lines.

In the spring, we perform the Opening and the system is restarted and proper operation of all the components is verified.

The costs of these services vary depending on the size of your system and are bundled in our Service Contracts, but on average would cost about $160 a year.

When should I schedule an estimate?

IF IT IS FOR A NEW HOUSE CONSTRUCTION:

  • Before you finish any drywall in the basement AND as soon as you have you landscaping plans finalized.
  • Plumbing in the basement will need to be done, so don’t forget about the sprinkler system before you finish the basement.
  • Make sure the landscaping plan won’t change anymore. Little changes to the landscape can make a big difference to the sprinkler system. Some modifications we can absorb, but some may require a change in price.

IF IT IS A NEW LANDSCAPING PROJECT:

  • As soon as you have you landscaping plans finalized.
  • Make sure the landscaping plan won’t change anymore. Little changes to the landscape can make a big difference to the sprinkler system. Some modifications we can absorb, but some may require a change in price.

IF IT IS FOR AN EXISTING LAWN:

  • Anytime. As long as it is not covered with snow and we can see what has to be watered.

If you are ready now, you may Request an estimate for irrigation

How long before you can start?

IT VARIES, WHEN WE PRESENT YOU WITH OUR ESTIMATE WE CAN TELL YOU HOW LONG THE CURRENT WAIT IS AT THAT POINT IN TIME

Please keep in mind that we do not set aside time for your project until you sign a contract with us. If you make your decision 2 weeks after we present you our estimate, that estimated date we gave you will have to be revised.

On average we are usually booked for one month in advance.

How do you install the pipe?

Vibratory plow

When installing pipe in areas of grass, we use a vibratory plow.

We have three different sized machines, each one suited for a certain sized pipe and lawn. This specialized machinery allows us to install pipe at a constant depth without having to dig.

The time it takes us to install your system is greatly reduced and the damage can be almost undetectable.

 

How deep do you install the pipe?

Same depth as the sprinklers

We always install the pipe about 8-10″ deep to allow the pipe to stay horizontal in the ground.

This is the approximate height the pipe has to be to make a connection to a sprinkler without bending the pipe.

If your pipe is not set at the proper depth, it has a tendency to return straight over time and then your sprinklers will start going crooked.

What type of pipe do you use?

Medium density

We use what is called “medium density” polyethylene pipe.

It is more expensive, but better able to withstand movement, splitting and freezing.

The most difficult component in a sprinkler system to have to replace is the pipe.

It is the last place you want to try and save money.

What if something goes wrong with my pipe?

Big problems

We have had to change all the pipe on almost 50 systems that were installed by other contractors.

While we are able to reuse the sprinklers, valves and controllers, it is a lot of work to replace or reconfigure all the pipes.

You could expect the amount of labor to be about 10-20 hrs with 2 men and machinery. There is the cost of the new pipe as well to consider. It is almost as expensive as installing a new system.

You never want to compromise on the design of the system or the quality of the pipes.

Will you damage my lawn?

No

A picture is worth a thousand words.

Please watch these videos to get an idea of how a vibratory plow operates and how we install the pipes.

DitchWitch: 255SX pulling 1″ pipe into the ground

DitchWitch: 410SX pulling 1.25″ pipe and conduit into the ground

DitchWitch: 410SX pulling 1″ pipe into the ground
Will you damage my garden?

We hope not

There is no special machinery we can use in a garden.

We always do our best to try and not do any damage to your existing vegetation.

How do you ensure the sprinklers won't move?

All our sprinklers are installed with swing pipe

No other companies do this. Ask them !

That means that the sprinkler is isolated from the pipe that delivers the water. If one moves or heaves because of frost, the other is not affected.

This cuts down the maintenance and repairs required on your system.

What happens if they do go crooked?

You have to reinstall them, properly

There are so many poorly installed systems in the Montreal area that we have a technician dedicated almost exclusively to repairing other contractors systems.

As an example, when sprinklers start going crooked, we have no choice but to dig them up and reinstall them.

Assuming a typical system has about 30 sprinklers and it takes about 20 minutes per sprinkler to fix these problems, that is 600 billable minutes or 10 hrs.

On average the cost of these type of repairs far exceed the amount of money the client saved going with a cheaper contractor.