Does anyone know what the rules are for owner installed irrigation systems? I seem to remember that raleigh changed the rules to make it difficult for owners to install, but I was having a hard time finding it on the raleigh web site.

5/15/2008 3:09:04 PM

are you on well water? I just couldn't imagine a reason to put one in with this drough if otherwise.




i assume you are. just saying

[Edited on May 15, 2008 at 3:49 PM. Reason : add]

5/15/2008 3:49:12 PM

Raleigh isnt really in a drought anymore (i guess technically we are by a sliver, but we are almost out). It will not be on a well. City water. I am debating ways to improve my yard/home, and this is one of the top 3. I have already installed a drip irrigation system for my flower beds and window boxes.

Obviously it wont be used when the city is in drought conditions, but I wont apologize for using water when we have it.

[Edited on May 15, 2008 at 3:59 PM. Reason : .]

5/15/2008 3:58:24 PM

^^ that's the exact reason to get one installed now.

the water restrictions have a direct effect on demand, and the increased supply drives down prices.

^ Ryan, it may even be worth it to pay one of the companies that does this, business is really slow, and a lot of installers have cut prices on installed systems in half

5/15/2008 3:58:25 PM

Yeah, I had thought I would do this. The prices were sky high not too long ago. I hate wasting their time though. I am not going to give someone $4000+ to do something I can do for under $1000. I could easily give them $2500, but I dont think anyone would be interested. Who knows, though. My yard is only .17 acres.

A vendor had it done about 1.5 years ago. Didnt even do the back yard. 6 zones and $7000. That was apparently the cheapest quote. He was quoted over 20k by one firm.

And I know their install is going to be much better than my install. However, sometimes you have to choose what you will have done professionally, and just settle with an amateur install for other things.

[Edited on May 15, 2008 at 4:02 PM. Reason : .]

5/15/2008 4:01:05 PM

I imagine you could definitely get it done for $2500 or less right now.

One company that gets recommended a lot at work is Water Works Unlimited.

919.570.7808

I haven't used them personally, so can't speak for them one way or the other.

5/15/2008 4:06:53 PM

yeah, I just called a guy that could do it for $500 a zone. fucking raleigh is requiring a seperate meter now, so that adds $1000. Apparently that just happened a few months ago. Going to have him come get an estimate. I might call your guy after that if Im not satisfied with his quote.


[Edited on May 15, 2008 at 4:19 PM. Reason : .]

5/15/2008 4:12:57 PM

^ Pass his info to me after you see his pricing if you don't mind.

5/15/2008 5:17:33 PM

you want a separate meter so you don't have to pay sewage on your irrigation water

5/15/2008 6:38:16 PM

Yeah, I didnt think it amounted to much. But if I read my bill correctly, sewer is half thr bill. Well, I assume that I wont be paying recycle and solid waste fee twice.

5/15/2008 8:57:26 PM

You can install a nice system over a weekend. I did it at my last house. I know there is a opportunity cost, but if you have the time, I'd recommend it. I was inspired by an episode of this old house. It was crazy simple. I used a 4 zone system that wirelessly connected to a weather service and didn't turn on if rain was expected, etc... How I miss it.

5/16/2008 3:11:43 PM

did you install a separate meter as well?

or did you do it before that was a requirement?

5/16/2008 3:14:54 PM

before it was required.

now that it's required, $1000? wtf. i'll drill a well if necessary (even though it'll be about the same price).

5/16/2008 3:40:00 PM

who is going to drill you a well for $1000?

5/16/2008 5:10:30 PM

a guy with a truck and a big dewalt drill.

5/16/2008 5:35:50 PM

well, the install is going to cost $3000. The meter is $1000. My house is on a big hill. Because of the hill, getting coverage is difficult, and with my small lot size, creates a lot of difficulty. 6 zones total System includes water budgeting and a rain sensor.

The seperate meter is a no brainer. Save half on the water bill for irrigation. Should pay for itself within 2-3 years.

[Edited on May 19, 2008 at 6:59 AM. Reason : .]

5/19/2008 6:52:18 AM

Quote :

"a guy with a truck and a big dewalt drill."

a friend of mine just had his well dry up and had to have a knew one drilled - it was in the 5-6k range - good luck on your $1,000 well

5/19/2008 8:55:26 AM

he overpaid

you can get them drilled for $1500 and everything else done for another $1500ish.. 5-6K is ridiculous

my neighbor owns a well drilling business.

[Edited on May 19, 2008 at 9:53 AM. Reason : and that might be why mine was that cheap.. but still, 5-6k is too high]

5/19/2008 9:53:05 AM

^^ ah ha!

[Edited on May 19, 2008 at 10:57 AM. Reason : eh]

5/19/2008 10:56:52 AM