Red Flags to Watch for When Hiring an Irrigation Company

Introduction

Hiring an irrigation company looks simple on the surface. Pipes go underground, sprinklers pop up, and water flows. The real failures, however, don’t happen above ground. They happen silently, under pressure, and often directly next to your home’s foundation.

According to the EPA Water Sense program, a single undetected irrigation leak can waste more than 6,300 gallons of water per month. Beyond water loss, improper irrigation design causes soil saturation, foundation stress, and long-term liability issues. Spotting red flags early is the only reliable defense.

Below are the expert-level warning signs homeowners should never ignore.

No Dynamic Pressure or Flow Testing Before Design

Professional irrigation engineering always starts with numbers, not guesses.

A major red flag appears when a contractor skips dynamic pressure testing. Static pressure readings tell you very little. What matters is PSI and GPM while water is actively flowing through the system. Without this data, pipe sizing and zone design become speculation.

Consequences of skipping this step include:

• Inadequate dynamic pressure across zones
• Uneven coverage and brown patches
• Excessive run times that inflate water bills
• Chronic low-head drainage issues

A serious contractor will measure pressure at the source and account for friction loss before proposing a layout.

No Discussion of Head-to-Head Coverage or Matched Precipitation Rates

If a contractor talks only about “where heads go,” that’s a red flag.

Professionals design systems using head-to-head coverage, meaning every spray pattern overlaps 100%. This prevents dry spots and water waste. They also match precipitation rates so every sprinkler in a zone applies water evenly.

Warning signs include:

• Mixed spray heads and rotors in one zone
• No mention of matched precipitation rates
• Visible dry or flooded areas after installation

Poor coverage isn’t cosmetic. It signals weak irrigation engineering.

Poor Zoning and No Use of Hydrozones

Irrigation systems should mirror plant biology, not convenience.

A red flag contractor zones systems by pipe distance instead of plant needs. This leads to turf grass, shrubs, and drip lines sharing the same schedule. Over time, roots weaken, disease increases, and water use spikes.

Professionals use hydrozones, grouping plants with similar water requirements. This approach protects landscaping investment and improves system efficiency year after year.

Weak or Missing Backflow Prevention Knowledge

Backflow protection is not optional. It is a legal and public health requirement.

Every irrigation system connects to the potable water supply. Without proper protection, contaminated water can siphon backward during pressure loss. Municipalities enforce Cross-Connection Control programs for this reason.

Critical red flags include:

• Contractor cannot explain the difference between a PVB and an RPZ assembly
• No mention of local code requirements
• Treating backflow devices as upgrades instead of mandates

Installing the wrong assembly can fail inspection and create a documented code violation tied to your property.

Missing or Inadequate Workers’ Compensation Coverage

This is a hidden Your Money or Your Life (YMYL) risk many homeowners overlook.

In many U.S. states, if a contractor lacks Workers’ Compensation, the homeowner becomes the de facto employer. If a worker is injured in a trench on your property, your homeowner’s insurance may deny the claim.

Professional firms provide:

• A valid Certificate of Insurance (COI)
• Proof of Workers’ Comp coverage
• Clear policy dates and limits

Anything less exposes you to serious financial liability.

Misuse of the Handyman Exemption

The “handyman trap” catches homeowners every year.

States like California, Nevada, and Florida enforce strict statutory limits. Projects exceeding $500 or $1,000, including labor and materials, legally require a state-licensed contractor.

Red flags include:

• Claims that licensing is unnecessary
• Splitting jobs to stay under limits
• Verbal agreements with no license number

Unlicensed work can void contracts and eliminate legal protections if the system fails.

No Master Valve Installed on the Main Line

A missing master valve is a silent but dangerous warning sign.

Without it, the main irrigation line remains under constant pressure. A small crack can leak thousands of gallons into the soil before any surface signs appear. This leads to foundation footer saturation and long-term structural movement.

Professionals install master valves as standard practice. Contractors who dismiss them are prioritizing speed over safety.

Use of Retail-Grade Instead of Commercial-Grade Components

Not all irrigation parts are built for long-term service.

Many red flag contractors substitute big-box retail components instead of commercial-grade equipment. Retail parts fail earlier, handle lower duty cycles, and often void manufacturer warranties.

A professional contractor will:

• Specify brands like Hunter, Rain Bird, or Toro
• Provide a parts list or submittal sheet
• Explain why commercial controllers and valves last longer

Refusing transparency here usually means corner-cutting.

No Written Contract or Scope of Work

Verbal agreements are another major warning sign.

A professional irrigation contract clearly outlines:

• Zone layout and equipment brands
• Warranty on parts and labor
• Completion timeline
• Permit responsibility

If the contractor avoids documentation, accountability disappears the moment problems arise.

No Service Plan, Winterization, or Long-Term Support

Irrigation systems require ongoing care.

In colder climates, winterization prevents freeze damage. Spring startups recalibrate pressure and check valves. Contractors who offer no service plan are often one-and-done installers.

Professionals support systems for their full lifecycle, not just installation day.

Commercial vs Retail Components Comparison

Final Verdict

Most irrigation disasters start during contractor selection, not installation. Poor design, missing safeguards, and legal shortcuts always surface later, usually when repairs are far more expensive.

Professional irrigation protects water, property value, and peace of mind. Contractors who welcome scrutiny are the ones worth hiring—so take a closer look before you commit.