New Regulations

St-Lazare has updated its by-laws concerning sprinkler systems to require the following 4 items.

These regulations are only applicable to systems that use municipal water. If you supply your own water via a well or another water source you are exempt from these regulations.

  • A rain sensor or humidity sensor
  • A backflow device
  • A manual valve located outside
  • An electric valve to control watering

A reference to by-law number 667 can be found here

Please know that we will continue to service you and your irrigation system regardless of whether you are in compliance with these regulations.

Rain/Humidity sensor

A device that can prevent watering when a preset amount of rain or level of moisture is detected and will prevent further watering.

Installation

If your controller is located in a garage or in the basement, we recommend using a wireless rain sensor. This will greatly reduce the installation time of installing a wire from the sensor to the controller. The only drawback to a wireless device is that it will require battery changes.

If your controller is installed outside or in a shed, a wired rain sensor would be a better choice since installing a wire would be relatively simple and the need for battery changes is eliminated.

Pricing

The wireless option starts at $380 for parts and labor.

The wired option starts at $200 but can easily approach or exceed the cost of a wireless system depending on the location of the sensor and the distance and material the wire has to pass through.

Backflow device

Backflow Double Check

A backflow device is not the same as a check valve. These devices need to be installed in a location and manner that will allow for future testing and certification. They need to be installed prior to any point of contamination, such as a tap or valve box.

The purpose of a backflow device is to prevent contamination of the municipal water supply.

More information on backflow devices can be found here on our FAQ page.

Installation

If your basement is finished and the plumbing is not easily accessible, an installation outdoors may be the most practical. However, if installed outdoors, the device will have to be removed each winter to prevent freezing damage.

If you are able to install the device indoors, you will need a minimum of 24″ of pipe length that is straight and unobstructed ( cannot pass through wood ) before the waterline exits the building. In addition, this will need to remain accessible and cannot be covered with drywall.

Pricing

The installation of a backflow device should be arranged with a plumber.

Manual valve

The intention is to have a valve located outside of the building that will allow the system to be turned off in an emergency. The valve can be above ground or below ground in a valve box.

Pricing

The simplest installation on an above-ground plastic pipe starts at $90 for parts and labor. If the pipe is copper you should contact a plumber.

A below-ground installation in a valve box starts at $150.

Electric valve

If your system is automatic and is operated by a computer you are in compliance with this regulation.

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