Before the crew arrives
Before any digging, underground utilities must be located. Calling 811 is a free service in Tennessee that has utility owners mark their lines. We handle this call and schedule around the marking window.
You can help by moving vehicles, toys and furniture, and by telling us about private lines, such as electric dog fences or landscape lighting wire.
Layout and marking
The crew starts by marking the plan on the lawn with flags and paint: head positions, valve locations and pipe routes. You are welcome to walk the layout and ask for changes before any trench is dug.
This is the easiest time to move a head or add a zone.
Trenching and pipe
Depending on the site, we use a trencher or a pipe puller. Sod is lifted where needed and soil is kept clean so it can be replaced. Pipe is laid, connected and tested in sections.
Mainlines, laterals and valves are installed in order, with fittings cleaned and joined properly.
Valves, heads and wiring
Valves go in boxes, wire is run and spliced with waterproof connectors, and heads are set at the right height. The system is flushed to clear dirt before heads are installed.
Backflow devices are placed where rules and access require.
Start-up and adjustment
We fill the system, run every zone and adjust heads and arcs. The controller is programmed for your plants and soil, and sensors are tested.
Where lawn was disturbed, we replace sod and soil and explain how to water the repaired lines.
Final walk-through
We walk the yard with you, show the controller and shut-off valve and explain watering, winterizing and care. You receive a layout record and the controller settings.
A follow-up visit a few weeks later lets us adjust anything that has settled.
Walk the layout before we dig, ask questions during the walk-through and keep your layout record.
