Questions to ask before an irrigation installation

An irrigation specialist who asks the right questions before you start is one who'll design a system that actually fits your garden, your water source, and your budget. The installer who dives straight into shoveling trenches without understanding what you're trying to achieve is the one you'll regret hiring.

Your role is to ask questions too. A good back-and-forth conversation early on separates someone thinking through your needs from someone running through a script. Here are the questions that matter, why they reveal professionalism, and what to listen for in the answers.

Understand what they'll assess on site

Ask: "What will you inspect and measure when you visit the garden?"

A thoughtful answer includes soil type (because sandy soil drains differently from clay), slope and contours, existing water infrastructure, shade patterns from trees or buildings, and access for digging and maintenance. They should mention mapping out where they'll run pipes, where valve boxes will go, and how they'll account for water pressure.

If they say "I'll just have a look around" or start talking about their standard system, that's a warning. Every garden is different. Someone rushing past the survey stage often hasn't thought through why your garden isn't like the last job.

Ask them: "How long do you usually spend surveying a garden like mine?" A site visit of 30–45 minutes is reasonable for most residential work. Anything much shorter suggests they're not measuring or thinking carefully.

Dig into water source and local restrictions

Ask: "What's your experience with my water source—mains supply, borehole, or rainwater tank?"

This matters because mains-fed systems are simpler, but boreholes need pump selection and tank-fed systems need gravity or pressure checks. An installer who's worked only on mains supply and is vague about borehole water pressure or tank placement is signaling they'll figure it out as they go, not before they design.

Then ask: "Are you aware of any irrigation restrictions in my area right now?" Water-shedding rules shift by season and municipality. A pro who says "Let me check your local rules with you" shows they're not guessing. Someone who brushes it off hasn't stayed current.

Ask whether they'll design the system to work during permitted watering days and times, or whether you'll need to adjust manually.

Questions about design, materials, and what happens after

Ask: "Walk me through the different options for how you'd water each part of my garden. Why would you choose each one?"

A confident installer will explain zones (sprinklers for lawn, drip for borders, micro-spray for pots—whatever fits), why they'd use particular nozzle types, and what they'd avoid. If they describe a single-system-fits-all approach, they're not problem-solving.

Ask: "What maintenance will I need to do, and how often?"

Good answers mention:

• Checking nozzles for clogs or misalignment monthly
• Seasonal pressure checks
• Winterising or flushing lines if you're in a frost area
• Filter cleaning if you have a borehole or tank

Someone who says "maintenance is minimal" or "just turn it on and forget it" is either selling you false confidence or doesn't think about longevity.

Ask: "What's your warranty on the install, and what happens if something fails in the first year?"

Get their answer in writing. Dodging the question or offering vague reassurances suggests they're not standing behind their work.

The follow-up that saves mistakes

Before you commit, ask: "Can you show me photos or details of similar systems you've installed in gardens like mine?"

Not just portfolio shots—ask about *comparable* setups: same soil type, similar-sized area, same water source. Someone who can do that is tracking their work and learning from it.

A genuine professional will welcome these questions. They know they're vetting you as much as you're vetting them. Someone who rushes, deflects, or makes promises without understanding your site is not the hire. Take time with your conversation now, and you'll avoid the frustration of a system that doesn't work the way you expected. On Strove, you can read verified installer reviews and send multiple quotes to compare their answers side by side—that clarity often makes the difference between a garden that thrives and one that wastes water or fails midseason.