Sprinkler & Irrigation FAQ — Metro Detroit
Find answers to the most common questions about sprinkler repair, installation, winterization, spring start-up, and water conservation in Metro Detroit. If you don't see your question here, call us at (586) 498-6112.
General Questions
What areas do you serve?
We serve 23 Metro Detroit communities including Berkley, Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms, Birmingham, Clawson, Ferndale, Hazel Park, Huntington Woods, Madison Heights, Novi, Oak Park, Pleasant Ridge, Rochester, Royal Oak, Troy, Chesterfield Township, Fraser, Shelby Township, Sterling Heights, St. Clair Shores, Utica, and Washington Township. View our full service area map on the Service Areas page.
Are you locally owned and operated?
Yes. Elite Sprinkler Systems is a locally owned and operated business based in Metro Detroit. We've been proudly serving Oakland County, Macomb County, and surrounding communities since 2014.
What are your business hours?
We're available Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. We also offer emergency repair appointments outside of regular hours for urgent situations like major leaks or flooding.
How do I schedule a service?
You can schedule online using our quote form, call us directly at (586) 498-6112, or email us at [email protected]. Most appointments are available within 24–48 hours.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes — we offer free, no-pressure estimates for all new installations. Repair diagnostics may carry a service call fee that is applied toward the cost of the repair if you proceed.
Sprinkler Repair Questions
How quickly can you respond to a sprinkler emergency?
We prioritize urgent repair calls and typically book non-emergency service within 24–48 hours across our service area. For major leaks or flooding situations, we prioritize emergency dispatch to minimize water damage and waste.
Do you repair all sprinkler brands?
Yes. Our technicians are trained to repair all major irrigation brands including Hunter, Rain Bird, Toro, Orbit, and more. We stock common parts on our trucks to complete most repairs in a single visit.
How much does a typical sprinkler repair cost?
Repair costs vary based on the issue. Simple head replacements start around $75–100, while valve repairs or pipe leaks may range from $150–300+. We always provide upfront, transparent pricing before any work begins.
Can you repair a system installed by another company?
Absolutely. We repair all irrigation systems regardless of who originally installed them. Our technicians will diagnose the issue and recommend the most cost-effective solution.
My sprinkler system has low water pressure — can you fix that?
Yes. Low pressure is one of the most common irrigation issues we diagnose. Causes range from clogged nozzles and pressure regulator failures to underground leaks and valve problems. We'll identify the root cause and fix it.
Installation Questions
How long does a new sprinkler system installation take?
Most residential installations are completed in one day. Larger properties or commercial projects may require 2–3 days. We'll give you a clear timeline during your free estimate.
Will the installation damage my lawn?
We use modern pipe-pulling equipment and careful trenching techniques to minimize disruption to your lawn. Most lawns recover within 2–4 weeks and you won't notice a difference once the grass fills back in.
What type of sprinkler system do you recommend?
It depends on your lawn size, plant types, and water pressure. We design custom zone layouts using a mix of rotary heads, fixed spray heads, and drip irrigation as needed. Smart controllers are recommended for maximum efficiency and water savings.
Do new systems come with a warranty?
Yes. All new irrigation installations include a 2-year parts and labor warranty. If anything fails due to workmanship within that period, we'll fix it at no charge.
Winterization & Spring Start-Up Questions
When should I winterize my sprinkler system?
In Metro Detroit, we recommend winterizing before the first hard freeze — typically between mid-October and mid-November. Waiting too long risks cracked pipes, broken heads, and costly spring repairs.
What does winterization involve?
We blow out all water from the irrigation lines using a commercial air compressor. This removes standing water from every zone, valve, and head to prevent freeze damage. The process typically takes 30–60 minutes depending on system size.
What is spring start-up and do I need it?
Spring start-up is a full system check performed at the start of the irrigation season. We re-pressurize the system, inspect every zone and head, adjust spray patterns, and set your controller schedule. It's the best way to catch any winter damage before it wastes water all summer.
Can I winterize my own system?
Technically yes, but it requires the right compressor (typically 20–50 CFM at low PSI) and knowledge of each zone's blow-out sequence. Improper winterization is one of the top causes of costly spring repairs. Professional winterization is affordable and worth it.
Water Conservation Questions
Can you help reduce my water bill?
Yes. We install smart controllers, high-efficiency nozzles, drip irrigation, and pressure regulators that significantly reduce water waste. Our water audits have helped customers save over $200/month on water bills.
What is a water audit?
A water audit measures how much water each zone of your irrigation system is actually delivering, checks for inefficiencies like runoff and overspray, and identifies opportunities to save water. It's a data-driven way to optimize your system without sacrificing lawn health.
What is a smart irrigation controller?
Smart controllers connect to local weather data and soil sensors to automatically adjust watering schedules based on real conditions — skipping watering on rainy days, reducing output during cool spells, and increasing during heat waves. They're EPA WaterSense certified and can reduce irrigation water use by up to 50%.
Commercial Services Questions
Do you service commercial properties?
Yes. We provide full-service irrigation installation, repair, winterization, and spring start-up for commercial properties throughout Metro Detroit including office parks, retail centers, HOAs, and municipal properties.
Can you handle large commercial irrigation systems?
Absolutely. Our team is experienced with multi-zone commercial systems, large-format rotors, central control systems, and high-volume drip irrigation for commercial landscaping.
Do you offer maintenance contracts for commercial clients?
Yes. We offer seasonal maintenance agreements that cover spring start-up, mid-season inspections, and fall winterization — keeping your commercial irrigation system running efficiently year-round.