FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What type of pipe do we use?
All of our systems are installed with PVC class 200. We only use sch 40 or sch 80 when dealing with a brass valve or a solenoid valve.
How do we connect our underground plumbing.
All of our piping and fittings are solvent weld, unless they are threaded fittings such as valves. We use solvent weld up to 3” PVC but depending upon the system, we may use gasketed pipe for 3” as well. Anything over 3” is gasketed pipe with all fittings being ductile iron gasketed. More expensive, but we have never had a blow out!
Why do we use commercial grade products?
We are a professional company. We want our work to last. We never price any of our work to be low end. If you hire us, you are getting premium work and products. Sometimes it only takes a few more dollars to install a commercial grade sprinkler head or solenoid valve which lasts many years over the cheaper grades.
How deep do we install our piping?
In the Upstate of South Carolina, it is not necessary to install pipe more than 8”-10” deep. On a typical residential system that is perfect, and it makes servicing much easier. An irrigation pipe 18” deep is so much more difficult to service and completely unnecessary. However, for large turf systems with main lines of 3” and above and on all of our athletic systems, we typically will install from 16”-18” deep.
What kind of heads do we use?
We prefer Hunter and Toro heads, both for res/com and for athletic systems.
What solenoid valves do we use?
We use valves from Hunter, Toro and Rain Bird depending upon the application. Most are plastic but on large sites with heavy flow, we will use Toro brass valves.
How were we trained in landscape lighting?
In the mid-eighties, we had the privilege of attending a lighting seminar given by the founder of low voltage landscape lighting in America; the late Mr. Bill Locklin. Of course, we learned the technical aspects of electrical basics, voltage drop, wire sizing etc., but the most important thing that he taught us was the importance of making our lighting a work of art. We learned that it is not just about knowing what to light, but it is just as important to know what NOT to light! AND above all else, do not over install fixtures as we are not looking to be seen from outer space.
What type of fixtures do we use?
All of our fixtures are professional grade with excellent manufacturers’ warranties. We use Vista, Kichler and mostly WAC products. ALL of our fixtures have LED lamps which we are able to choose the wattage, color temperature and path or beam spread. We use 12V stainless steel transformers and utilize astronomic timers which are “set them and forget them.” There is no more need for photocells, either!
What sets us apart from our competitors?
First, after our excellent training, is our commitment to service. Next, we are very discreet with our lighting and as much as possible we try to highlight the effects of the light but not the light source. Also, we are not “product pushers!” We have seen many of the competitions’ work and they many times will install three times as many fixtures on a site than we will. Mr. Locklin specifically despised that!
