(1) What is the lowest water pressure needed to run a CIDC irrigation system? Answer - Every landscape is unique so the irrigation system must be designed to match the its water requirements. CIDC chooses the right combination of sprinklers from many different brands and types of sprinklers to match your landscape needs. This is a long way of saying that there is no specific minimum pressure for a CIDC system. The following list describes the average pressure ranges that various sprinkler types require to run efficiently.
Drip: 10 - 20 PSI
Spray: 30 - 40 PSI
Rotor (residential): 30 - 60 PSI
Rotor (light commercial): 30 - 70 PSI
Rotor (commercial): 40 - 100 PSI
(2) What is the cost of a CIDC system? Answer - CIDC designs each irrigation system to match our client's needs. The cost will vary depending several factors which will influence the complexity of the irrigation system. Send us a copy of your landscape plan for a free, no obligation quote.
(3) When is the best time to run my irrigation system? Answer - The water from the irrigation system should not stay on the plant material overnight as it may cause damage to leaves and blossoms. You should run your irrigation system in the very early morning so that it finishes about sunrise.
(4) Can I install my irrigation system myself? Answer - Some people choose to install their irrigation system themselves and are successful. Others start the installation but discover that it is more difficult and time consuming that they anticipated. CIDC suggests that anyone considering installing their own irrigation system should first invest in a 'Do It Yourself' installation course such as the one that will soon be offered by CIDC before making their final decision.
(5) Does and automatic irrigation system really save water? Answer - If the the irrigation system is properly designed, installed and maintained, then yes it will save water and improve the quality of the plants and turf in your landscape.
(6) How much electricity does an irrigation system use? Answer - A typical irrigation system uses electricity to power the controller (timer) which turns the valves on and off. Some systems also use electricty to power a pump but we won't talk about those systems here.
A 100 watt light bulb that is turned on 8 hours a day uses 0.8 Kwh of electricity. A typical residential controller uses about 0.5 Kwh a day and a large commercial controller will use about 1.2 Kwh a day. So an irrigation system uses very little electricity.
