Sprinklers Only

I’m not sure what the status is at Sprinklers Only Inc AKA Grass Thatchers… we signed a contract and paid in full to have our sprinkler system maintained (winterized and re-​activated in the spring). I have made many attempts to contact them (email/​phone calls). Either the business is out of business or they are ignoring my attempts to find out what is going on to get our system winterized as per contract. If any perspective customers are reading this, you might want to think twice on using this company as they are definitely not showing (living up to the paid contract), the proof is in the work…

Tried calling them today, got a message that they’ve disconnected the phone. Probably because they can’t do their job correctly & no one wants to pay for bad service.
I had a leak at one of our systems (we have 3systems). So not only did he not fix it, he made more stations in that 1 system go berserk.
I have to do that one manually now, because the maintenance guy (nice guy, but I have to keep calling back) didn’t fix it or program the thing properly.
I had them come out a total of 3 times. Each time, the problem was only fixed temporarily. It just got worse — now, I have 2 leak2 — at the original station & another station, same system.
I need to find a new company & start over.

I would not use this company again, nor would I recommend them.
If you choose to, be sure to pay close, very close attention to details. Make sure it’s an all inclusive estimate, get all product manuals, warranties, check with local utilities about inspections and don’t make full payment until you’re sure all is clear. Require a system schematic, they’re designing it, so you should get the plan!
Summer of 2012: Got the estimate and details for a complete lawn sprinkler system design and installation. I discussed with the foreman where to put the controller as power was readily available where I indicated and would be secure and protected inside the garage, easily accessible to us.
Problem: They then located the controller in a completely different location. The location was not secure, outside, on the exterior side at the end of the house. It’s accessible to anyone. Worse, they engaged an electrician who had to add an new outlet and who WE had to pay directly, separate from the system??? Now, if you spec and bid a sprinkler system, it should be a complete bid, all inclusive. We didn’t hire the electrician, they did and it should be included in the scope of the project.
Problem: The electrician added this circuit, a GFCI. By code that requires a permit and electrical inspection which they did not do.
The controller, in my opinion, is a low-​end model.
Problem: No one demonstrated to us how to program it and no manual was provided. We struggled to make sense out of the controls. Thought we had it, then not. Tried again, unsuccessful. Called the company to ask for the manual and was promised to get it, but did not.
In addition, we had a pressure pump installed due to very low overall pressure to the property. They assured us they «do this all the time». This pump was also to serve the house as well as the irrigation system.
Problem: No manual or warranty information was given for the pump either. This pump was, at first, simply placed on the surface of the ground. Promise of a special «landscape boulder» to cover it was made but never happened. Instead, they came out, and installed it in the ground, inside a large irrigation control box, which is okay. Still no manual or warranty info.
So after the system is up and running, as can often happen, you discover relatively minor issues. The pump location, the control still not working and now a sprinkler head installed a few feet into the lawn (rather than the perimeter like all the others) and sitting too low.
Problem: This sprinkler head would cause a large mud puddle that after watering, the mud would recess and cover the sprinkler head and just leave a mud/​dirt spot. It was simply dug down and installed too low.
While asking for the manuals, I also asked for a schematic of the system they installed.
Problem: No schematic/​plan exists! There are 9+ zones, multiple valve boxes around the yard and no schematic. I would think that would be provided automatically.
We called and emailed regularly about: getting a control manual, pump manual and warranty information, instructions/​training on the controller, and the sprinkler head raised. Assurances they were working on paperwork. I spoke directly with the office manager who apologized for everything, So when I asked about the pump information, she asked me if I knew what kind of pump it was? Uh, shouldn’t they have that in our file?
A couple more calls and emails. Still no results. I eventually told them that I’d be contacting the Better Biz Bureau and even Wash. State Consumer’s Affairs office if they didn’t take care of this. This, easily after 4 months of emails and calls. (I hv the emails) Finally, Larry shows up one day, no call or warning, but we were there and he gives us the pump paperwork.
They had also sent a technician come out to program the controller, provide a demo and correct the one sprinkler head.
Problem: We get a $ 92 bill for a ‘service call’ for that!!! After contesting it, they voided the invoice.
Problem: Summer of 2013: The supply tube under the bathroom sink bursts. After plumber inspection and repair, turns out the house pressure is WAY too high, ranging 90 — 105psi! (normal is 50−60psi, allowable max is 80−85psi). So, the pressure pump is working for sure, but now a serious problem for the house pressure.
We had to have «pressure reducing valve» (PRV) installed to regulate the pressure to the house. Estimates to install = $ 700 to $ 1000! (You can buy one at Home Depot for $ 65 and do it yourself if you know how) But, I would think Sprinklers Only would at least advise the customer about this potential issue.
Problem: Summer 2014 follow-​up: Just this week, the pressure pump stopped working. 2 years after install. Warranty is for 2 years from date of install. Figures.
I finally just had to put a review online. People need reviews to help themselves and for the businesses to help improve and/​or maintain reputations. Good Luck!

We haven’t had the chance to work with them for sprinkler-​related work, but I wanted to write a review based on their integrity. A couple of months ago one of their trucks lost a rock on the freeway that chipped our windshield leaving a crack several inches long. We got the company name off the side of the truck and gave them a call right away. They took accountability and made sure that we had a new windshield professionally installed within 2 weeks. I think most companies would have dismissed our call to avoid having to pay for the windshield. Their honesty and service were OUTSTANDING. If we should ever have sprinkler needs in the future we will absolutely deal with this company. Their owner and the receptionist that we dealt with really made a lasting positive impression on us and we would not hesitate to recommend them based on their morals alone. Thank you!