How to Choose the Best Sprinkler System Contractor

In the Cincinnati TriState, there are many options for maintaining and repairing your lawn sprinkler system. How do you know which contractors will do a great job for you and your irrigation system?

One easy criteria is to look for irrigation certifications through the Irrigation Association, like these:

Why Irrigation Certifications Matter

The Irrigation Association offers a thorough curriculum for each of its certifications. To become and remain a Certified Irrigation Contractor, you must:

Have three years of irrigation-related field experience.
Pass the 3.5-hour exam, which includes 150 questions on irrigation design, irrigation installation, irrigation scheduling, water management and conservation, maintenance and repair, federal laws and codes, and general business management.
Comply with the organization’s code of ethics.
Complete 20 continuing education units every two years.

Hiring a Certified Irrigation Contractor means:

Your sprinkler service provider has knowledge and experience of the latest irrigation technology
Your irrigation contractor is concerned about the industry and their reputation, so they take special care of your sprinkler system and lawn
You can expect sprinkler repairs to be done correctly and professionally

At TriState Water Works, we strive to have all of our technicians become certified. Their first certification level is a Certified Irrigation Technician. At this level, a technician needs to:

Have 1,000 hours or six months of irrigation-related field experience.
Pass a 3-hour exam of 100 questions on basic irrigation principles, basic electrical principles and basic hydraulics.
Comply with the organization’s code of ethics.
Complete 20 continuing education units every two years.

As you can see, certifications represent having a large base of knowledge and experience. Irrigations systems are complex, so the more experience and education your contractor has, the better for your lawn and garden.