[mixsonci]

I contracted with a well-known company here (this is not a judgement on their work) for my sprinkler system. The contract calls for service every 3 months, well it hasn't even been two months and they serviced my sprinklers again today for the full amount, which I will be calling them about tomorrow. But, my question is:

Can they check the sprinkler system from outside if it is "shut off" from the garage panel? I know they can turn it on without coming inside, but can they do that if it is shut off from the main panel?

I shut my system off 2 weeks ago or more and have not turned it back on, I was not home all afternoon when they came by and claim that they did all kinds of things to my sprinklers, including replacing two broken heads, adjusting nozzles, etc., how can they do this is the system is off?

[photo1902]

Originally Posted by mixsonci

I contracted with a well-known company here (this is not a judgement on their work) for my sprinkler system. The contract calls for service every 3 months, well it hasn't even been two months and they serviced my sprinklers again today for the full amount, which I will be calling them about tomorrow. But, my question is:

Can they check the sprinkler system from outside if it is "shut off" from the garage panel? I know they can turn it on without coming inside, but can they do that if it is shut off from the main panel?

I shut my system off 2 weeks ago or more and have not turned it back on, I was not home all afternoon when they came by and claim that they did all kinds of things to my sprinklers, including replacing two broken heads, adjusting nozzles, etc., how can they do this is the system is off?

Each zone can be run by turning on each solenoid, manually, from the valve box located in your yard, close to the house. That way each head can be checked for proper operation. There is no need for them to access your irrigation controller in your garage to accomplish this. The valves can be operated manually, from outside, regardless if your controller box is set to the OFF position

Hope this helps, and if you need any further assistance, let me know.

[bagboy]

Someone more knowledgeable than I can jump in here, but the water shutoff in the garage wall is for potable water inside, and there is an irrigation shutoff valve in the inground purple irrigation box. So yes, they can turn on irrigation water, twist each zone solenoid, and have at it. Not saying they did or didn't.

[Joeint]

Why do you think it's necessary to have your sprinklers serviced every three months? I would think once a year is enough.

[Papa_lecki]

Ive had sprinkler systems for 30 years - only ever had them do an inspection at turn on. Doesn’t mean once in a while there’s a service call - every 3 months is a scam

[photo1902]

Originally Posted by Papa_lecki

Ive had sprinkler systems for 30 years - only ever had them do an inspection at turn on. Doesn’t mean once in a while there’s a service call - every 3 months is a scam

As someone who does a LOT of irrigation repairs, I recommend each homeowner know how to turn on their system in the manual mode, and check the heads. I cannot tell you how many broken pop-up's I've replaced.

The vast majority of times the irrigation system starts in the early morning hours, and has completed all the zones before the homeowners wake up.

Typically the only time a homeowner realizes there is a broken head is when Community Watch, or a passing neighbor leaves them a note. It's easy to spot the geyser from the street. Couple this with snowbirds, who have no idea there is a problem until they get a crazy water bill.

Bottom line is that irrigation systems should be routinely inspected. I'm not selling a service, as I encourage every one of my customers to know how to run their system to check for broken and misdirected heads.

[retiredguy123]

Yes, as another poster said, they can operate the system from the outside and replace broken sprinkler heads, if needed. A 3 month schedule is pretty typical, which means 4 times per year. It may be that they have a set time frame for your neighborhood. If you paid them in advance for an annual contract, I think that was a mistake. I have Massey for several services, but I only pay them when they actually perform a service. One advantage to having a regular service is that they should come out immediately and replace one or two broken sprinkler heads when they break for no additional cost. Otherwise, you will be running around trying to get someone to come and replace a sprinkler head with no pre-established price. When a sprinkler head breaks, you have a geyser that needs immediate attention. Also, it is a good idea to learn how to check the system yourself so you only need to call the service when you really need it. But, if you don't trust the company you hired, you should get another company.

[TandHSTAR@AOL.com]

Do you have a cintact number.

[Rsenholzi]

I don’t know why you are paying for service every 3 months. I am a woman and I check my own and my neighbors monthly . It’s not hard to check. Look at your box set to manually and use the arrows to change zones. You can tell if suddenly your water bill shoots up and you haven’t changed the settings. If I have a problem , I them call someone in to check the system. You basically have been scammed into paying for an extra bill if you aren’t checking them yourself

[mydavid]

I'm here all year, I run my system manually, visually check operation and fix any problems.

[Garwood1]

Replacing heads is super easy , I do mine , my neighbor lady does her own

[richs631]

Originally Posted by mixsonci

I contracted with a well-known company here (this is not a judgement on their work) for my sprinkler system. The contract calls for service every 3 months, well it hasn't even been two months and they serviced my sprinklers again today for the full amount, which I will be calling them about tomorrow. But, my question is:

Can they check the sprinkler system from outside if it is "shut off" from the garage panel? I know they can turn it on without coming inside, but can they do that if it is shut off from the main panel?

I shut my system off 2 weeks ago or more and have not turned it back on, I was not home all afternoon when they came by and claim that they did all kinds of things to my sprinklers, including replacing two broken heads, adjusting nozzles, etc., how can they do this is the system is off?

Well known does not mean reputable

[J1ceasar]

Why?

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by Garwood1

Replacing heads is super easy , I do mine , my neighbor lady does her own

It's not so easy if the leak is underground or if the sprinkler needs to be raised.

[Rzepecki]

IMO, in addition to checking your sprinkler heads, servicing your sprinkler system should also include making sure each zone is running for the appropriate amount of time and, importantly, that your rain sensor is operating properly. This can’t be done from outside when you’re not home.