I've been in the Landscape/Lawn Care business for about 4 years but haven't done any irrigation. I would like to maybe try one or two and see how they go. Does any one know of a book or website that outlines an install from start to finish. More of a diagram style (I learn better from Pictures). Don't want to learn from another company due to competition and what not. Any way if anyone has some learning material that I might look up at some point let me know thanks.
Best intructional reading for Irrigation install
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Hutch, you post a message that asks for "best instructional reading for irrigation install" and when presented with a site that offers one of the most comprehensive tutorials you shrug it off as having to much to read.
That site is one of the best out there, sure it has a lot of reading, but if you learn these priniples it will save you a lot of headaches when it comes to your actual install. How much is it worth to you not to have to return to a lawn and tear it up to replace something you missed because you didn't use a basic principle of hydraulics? Learn it righ the first time and make your installs the ones that work right and do their job completely.
Remember the seven P's....Proper Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance.
Just my opion....
That site is one of the best out there, sure it has a lot of reading, but if you learn these priniples it will save you a lot of headaches when it comes to your actual install. How much is it worth to you not to have to return to a lawn and tear it up to replace something you missed because you didn't use a basic principle of hydraulics? Learn it righ the first time and make your installs the ones that work right and do their job completely.
Remember the seven P's....Proper Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance.
Just my opion....
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You can get basic knowledge from a book, but you really need to help somebody do a few or possibly do one for a friend or even your own......There is alot more to it than just reading a book....i am not saying that you can't do one....just be careful and know what you are doing before you attempt this.....
Yes, thanks for the info. I have put one in with my dad but I know he cut corners and didn't do it right. Even though I was trying to get him to do it right. Any way I wouldn't do it with out practicing on one first like my own (or redoing my parents it's not working right now go figure). It's just something I've been toying with and haven't decided wheather or not to do it. I have the basic knowledge but need to know the legal and codes for the area and I think I can find those at my supplier.
Basic knowledge is fine for working on your parents system. However, if your going to be installing systems for $, you need to know what you are doing. The first several systems I installed were designed by someone else. After doing a few, you get an understanding of how to place heads and what a well performing systems "looks" like. Without the knowledge of flow, pressure loss, etc. your really asking for trouble. The link that was given to you is great. Read it, design a system for your first project (own yard, family member etc) then have someone else do the design. Century Rain Aid, (now, John Deere Landscapes) may still do free designs if you purchase your supplies there. The head placement may need tweaking, but the pressure, flow, etc will produce a working system. Compare the difference and ask questions.
My first install was at my house. 14 zones. This was seven years ago and the only fixes have been nozzles, 1 diaphragm on a valve and a couple of spray heads that I hit with the aerator. Since installing that system I now do things a little differently and have learned trick to save time and money. However, the system works great. General knowledge may not produce the same results.
For Example: I've been asked to help friends troubleshoot their systems. Seemingly small problems, (like not enough coverage in one area), are usually bad design issues and not easily fixed. Bad systems are most likely the result of someone trying to save $ or lack of knowledge. Since you already do lawn maintenance, etc. take your time and learn how to install and design the right way. Provide great customer service and then don't compete solely on price. OR, don't take anyone's advice, make mistakes along the way, and have a questionable or non existent reference list.
My first install was at my house. 14 zones. This was seven years ago and the only fixes have been nozzles, 1 diaphragm on a valve and a couple of spray heads that I hit with the aerator. Since installing that system I now do things a little differently and have learned trick to save time and money. However, the system works great. General knowledge may not produce the same results.
For Example: I've been asked to help friends troubleshoot their systems. Seemingly small problems, (like not enough coverage in one area), are usually bad design issues and not easily fixed. Bad systems are most likely the result of someone trying to save $ or lack of knowledge. Since you already do lawn maintenance, etc. take your time and learn how to install and design the right way. Provide great customer service and then don't compete solely on price. OR, don't take anyone's advice, make mistakes along the way, and have a questionable or non existent reference list.
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JT, What I did was get lucky. I found a man who was an Irrigation installer who turned plumber. while he is still in plumbing school we contract him to help us with our irrigations. You might just put a ad in paper looking for irriation person part-time. then when you have the jobs you can charge enough to cover him/or her then they can teach you what they know. I pay joe well and he has taught us alot.
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i am not cheap...but i know ALOT...
Well, so far I'm just subcontracting out the irrigation work however the guy I got has not retured my call in 3 weeks and the shop drawing and pressure loss calculations were supposed to be in last week grrrrrr. I think I'm going to have to find a new irrigation comany if I don't hear anything soon. And for those of you saying I'm lazy for not ready the web site suggested. I had already read it before asking the question but it doesn't do a lot of good in the field. I was looking for more of a referece guide when I had a question while working in the "trenches." I agree that is a great site just a lot of information to digest in one sitting.
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Irrigation is not at all about looking at the pictures and then mimicking what you saw. Its totally about reading and understanding what you read and then the actual construction begins......
If you dont have the time to read the materials ....Dont think for a minute you can install systems.
If you dont have the time to take the classes that are offered mostly in the winter months.... you will be doing your customers a disservice, and you will be the one that will face the embarrasment of a cob job.....
can anyone mow lawns, Heck No !!!
Irrigation is no different.
When you do read all there is to read then you will appreciate this proffession for what it really is, and all the Science, Engineering, Agronomics, that are involved.
There are no short cuts.........
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