Interview: Robert Sullivan from Richmond Hill Sprinklers

Ian
Last year we had one of the wettest summers on record in the Province of Ontario, considering we are now approaching spring in a new year. How can homeowners make allowances for the excess rainfall or drought conditions when running their home irrigation systems as the summer season approaches?
Rob
The biggest factor in most cases is the cost of water. We have now picked up speed with getting with technology and regularly communicating with the customer through email. Our policy starting this season is to leave all systems off after the spring inspection and contact every client a day or two before the need for watering arises. This date will of course vary with contributing factors of precipitation, temperature, and of course sunlight. On a season like the rainy summer of 2008, this open communication combined with a properly placed, functioning rain sensor will save big dollars and help prevent flooded yards.

Ian
Everyday we here about land preservation, wildlife conservation and now we hear a great deal about water conservation. What special practice do you employ to conserve water when installing an irrigation system?
Rob
Aside from proper programming of the irrigation controller and installing a rain sensor, the greatest challenge to providing the customer with a well built, water conserving irrigation system is definitely balance. Balance does not mean an even amount of water applied throughout the property as many people think. There are several mini climates (if you will) on most properties, each requiring varying amounts of water. This is largely due to sun/shade differences but often drainage variances and individual plant transpiration as well. Evapotranspiration (ET) is the key factor in determining water requirements for any landscape. This is why we talk about 'area specific coverage'. Often the sides of a house require very little water verses the wide open areas. To combat this difference we build these areas as separate stations or size the nozzles correctly with a low volume output. It takes a sound knowledge and years of experience to master this balancing technique. The result will be a sizable reduction in water usage.

Ian
Every time we turn on the News we hear about the economic downturn. How can your company Richmond Hill Sprinklers save new and existing clients money on the installation and maintenance in respect to their irrigation system?
Rob
From a service perspective, fall winterizing and a professional sprinkler tune up in the spring will keep the system problem free and running at peak efficiency. Our trucks our over stuffed with parts so that the correct fix for any imbalance is readily available.