Frequently Asked Questions

Glad you asked! First off, we generally have a 1 hour window for our appointment. So we may be there right at, it may be a few minutes later, especially if your appointment isn't first thing in the morning. Please be patient with us as sometimes, hidden aspects of a repair cause us to go over time. 

Second, We are respectful of your property. We want to know any special requests you have of us when we get there. Please don't hesitate to inform us of anything first off! We live on a farm so farm rules apply for us. If a gate is closed, it gets closed back. Shoes will be clean or removed to enter your home if need be and we will wear a mask if you desire! We are also happy to have to follow along and watch us while we work! Reed is a talker and loves conversation and questions! 

Third, we will always confirm any work with you before it is done. You will have an estimate before so you have an idea of what the cost will be. It is not always possible to give an exact price, even while on the property due to the nature of buried systems. However, we usually are very close, but the estimate may swing one way or the other. And yes, we do come in under estimate at times! Reed will go over your expectations, your concerns and help you to understand exactly what is needed and why it is needed. 

Fourth, if it's not broke, we wont fix it! We are not in the habit of replacing just to replace. Many years of experience in the field has given Reed the ability to repair components rather than just automatically replace them. This is often more cost effective for you, the homeowner. You can be assured, we will not just add things to the ticket just because. Reed will inform you of any future problems you may face and give you an idea of what it would be to fix, but there will be no pressure to go with it.

Irrigation is a swiftly changing market. As technology expands in home automation and computers are rapidly changing, the same is true for Irrigation. This primarily is true for the controllers on the market today, however, in the last 10 years we have seen some drastic improvements on other components as well. We are dedicated to keeping up with these changes and staying on top of the most efficient, toughest products on the market. As such, we are not loyal to one brand or another, but rather choose to keep up with the progress made in the industry. What does this mean for you? Well, it means we are doing the research for you and spending the time finding the best product that fits your budget and your needs.

We charge a $200 service fee for repairs. If we only provide an estimate or need to reschedule the repairs, the service fee still applies but will be credited toward the final invoice once the work is completed. We do not charge for estimates on installations.

This service fee covers our travel expenses, time, and resources used to diagnose your system. It helps us maintain a fully stocked truck with all the necessary tools and equipment, including specialized tracking gear for wires and valves. The fee also ensures we can spend an hour addressing your concerns. If you accept the estimate, the service fee is credited toward the final cost.

This is an awesome question! We love getting asked this! There are actually some very easy steps you can take. Lets break your system down into 3 main sections: 1. Your controller. 2. Your valves and 3. Your individual heads. 

What can you do to your controller? If your controller is in a garage, keeping the area around it free and clear for easy access allows you to monitor and service it. Service it? Yes, there are batteries inside the controller! Generally, you'll see a CR2032 or 9v battery, but there will be a battery of some sort behind or under the faceplate of your controller. This battery is there to keep the programming stored in the event of a power outage. It will not power the controller to run the sprinklers but it will prevent you from having to program it again when power is restored. Replace this battery once a year and you'll be right! 

Now for the valves. To maintain the valves, it is a great idea to keep grass trimmed around the valve boxes if they are in the yard and bed cover from over the lids if they are in the flower beds. One of the more costly aspects of irrigation repair is locating valves that have been neglected over the years and are in unknown locations. Keep them free and clear of debris and also, make sure to keep inside the box clear as well. Remove any debris and dirt that has fallen in to keep the area around the valves open. These are tasks that we would have to do for repair or service and that we would have to charge for, so a little bit of maintenance now can go a long way to offsetting the cost of repairs in the future!

Now, finally, the heads! The maintenance on the heads is very similar to the valves. Generally, keeping grass from growing over the heads in the yard, or dirt and debris from covering the heads in flower beds will for the most part, extend the life of your components in the field. If you look at the top of your heads, you'll see a white line, either thin or thick, around the center part of your head. This is the seal of the riser. As dirt, debris and grass constantly gets pulled into this seal by the rising and collapsing of the riser, it wears away this seal and causes the head to leak, wasting water. By keeping these things from around the head, your seals will thank you!

Unfortunately, it isn't that easy... The only thing this accomplishes is keeping the controller from sending signals to your electronic valves to begin watering.  You need a physical way to prevent water from flowing. This would be in the form of a ball valve somewhere in the mainline for your system. If one was not installed, you will unfortunately need to turn off the water at your meter. We do offer services to install a valve for you, and we can come turn your water off and see about making a fast repair!

Do you have water flowing that you cannot stop? Is it creating a dangerous or damaging situation? This is an emergency...

Thankfully, no, you do not! We do not spend enough time below freezing to need this service. That being said, if you are in North Central Alabama, the plumbing codes do require an above ground backflow preventer or vacuum breaker. If this is the case with your yard, it is necessary to drain these devices and insulate and cover them. If its possible, it may be better to remove them and reinstall them in the spring. If your device is not setup for removal, and you would prefer this, we can easily retrofit your device.

Well, its difficult to answer that question. It would be awesome if we could see into the ground and know exactly what's happening, but, yeah... So, we have come up with a flat rate pricing matrix that we use to price most of our general services. Some examples of that can be found here, on our pricing page! 

We are DIY people ourselves so we totally understand the drive and desire to fix it yourself! But, sometimes you just need an experienced person. My father likes to say "The best tool in your toolbox is the phone number of someone smarter than yourself!" (Which coincidentally, is why he's on our speed dial!) Have no fear, there is no extra charge if you have attempted to fix it yourself! At Outback, we are all about education and providing service to our customers, so we can come fix the issue and even show you some things to help you out next time! 

That's not an issue at all! If its a non emergency call and we have to meet during abnormal working hours for an estimate, well, that's just what we have to do to work with you on your schedule, and we are happy to do so! 

Well, that depends... Usually we would want you to be there for the initial visit to your property so we can meet you and develop a relationship with you. We want you to know us and trust us. If all the equipment is on the exterior of your home, allowing us access to water connections and controller, we technically do not need you to be present.

For repairs, as long as we have access outside to the controller for testing, we would be good. However, if the controller and/or water connection are inside, we really would want an individual there. We prefer not to have open access to your garage if you are not there. 

All we need is access to your controller and water connections. If these are inside the garage or another room of the home, than yes, we will need access to them. We will be respectful of your home, making sure our boots are clean or removed and any debris or trash from our work is removed.  If you prefer that we wear a mask inside your home, we are happy to do so!

This is not an issue at all. Generally, due to our flat rate pricing, it really won't effect the cost of the repair. However, if the previous company/individual removed equipment, there may be some extra costs involved.

Absolutely! We do not mind at all! This is your property and your system so watch away! Questions are welcomed and appreciated. We love educating customers about their system and how it works and why we do things the way we do. 

One note to be aware of, Reed walks super fast... So he will be buzzing here and there! Off to the truck for this or that, off to the controller to test, off to the next area of the yard, he moves fast! He does not mind you watching and hanging out, but he will be moving through the work. So if he's working over a hole and jumps up to grab something, he'll be right back!