Commissioning irrigation maintenance and repairs
Maintenance checks the condition of a system. Repair addresses a particular fault. Winter preparation and recommissioning have their own scope. Separating these services helps you receive suitable offers and understand what should be completed after the visit.
Which service do you need?
A visit may cover individual components or the entire installation. Start with the reason and the type of irrigation. Drip systems and pop-up sprinklers have different parts to inspect; a combined installation requires both to be considered.
A seasonal service does not automatically include parts, every repair or additional visits. The offer should clearly identify the work included.
| Reason | Scope to agree |
|---|---|
| Maintenance | Inspect condition, filters, water distribution, controls and problem areas. |
| Spring start-up | Restart the system, test circuits and check settings. |
| Winter preparation | Prepare frost-vulnerable pipes and parts according to their design. |
| Repair | Identify the fault, agree the repair and test the result. |
| Adjustments | Adapt programmes, sensors or operation to current needs. |
Describe observations rather than diagnosing parts
Explain what happens: no water, dry spots, a leak or a zone that will not stop. Also indicate whether one circuit, several areas or the entire system is affected.
A blank display, an error message and a running display without water are different clues. You can give the contractor the exact message later. You do not need to open a valve or inspect wiring for the initial enquiry.
If water escapes uncontrollably, switching off the controller may not stop it. Close the known, safely accessible irrigation water supply if you can do so without risk, and have the cause investigated.
Winter preparation depends on the system
Residual water can damage components exposed to frost. Depending on the design, manual drainage, automatic drainage or professional air purging may be used. No single method suits every installation; switching off a controller alone does not make it frostproof.
Agree which pipes, pumps, filters, valves and removable devices will be covered. The contractor should follow the system design and manufacturer’s instructions. A universal pressure setting or fixed date would not suit every system and altitude.
Clarify where removed components will be stored and who will refit them in spring. Winter preparation and restarting are separate services unless the offer expressly includes both.
Test every area when restarting
Recommissioning involves more than opening the water supply. Agree a functional test of existing circuits and checks for visible leaks and uneven distribution. Damaged or dirty parts should be identified and necessary work explained.
Plants grow, sprinklers can become obscured and redesigned borders may need different settings. Have run times and programmes checked against current requirements. Last year’s settings may no longer be suitable.
- Observe distribution. Use a test run to identify dry spots and paths being watered unnecessarily.
- Understand the controls. Ask for start times, rain pauses and sensor functions to be explained.
- Keep a record. Document components serviced, outstanding faults and changed settings.
How much does irrigation servicing cost?
The reason for the visit, number of circuits, equipment and accessibility determine the cost. Repairs can add fault-finding time and replacement parts. Garden area alone is not an adequate pricing basis.
A package with two seasonal visits cannot be compared directly with a one-off repair. The offers reviewed do not establish a sufficiently defined single Swiss rate. An itemised quote should distinguish the following.
- Separate diagnosis and repair. Paying for fault finding does not necessarily include every replacement part.
- Agree additional work. Define which minor repairs may be carried out immediately.
- Compare the same visits. Check whether spring start-up and winter preparation are priced together or separately.
| Item | Clarify before commissioning |
|---|---|
| Travel and minimum charge | Call-out fee, hourly rate and minimum billing unit. |
| Inspection or diagnosis | What will be examined and whether a report is included. |
| Repair labour | Working time and agreement for substantial additional work. |
| Materials | Replacement parts, small supplies and any sourcing charges. |
| Seasonal package | Number of visits, included work, VAT and exclusions. |
Prepare for the visit without unnecessary effort
The controller make and model, available plans and known valve and shut-off locations are helpful. If these are unavailable, the contractor can inspect the installation on site. Unfamiliar equipment should not prevent an enquiry.
Provide access to the agreed parts of the system. Do not include passwords in a public enquiry. If an app needs setting up, access can be arranged with the chosen contractor as appropriate to the system.
For older installations or those fitted by another firm, clarify parts availability and relevant expertise. A whole-system replacement is not automatically necessary: condition, repair options and the function you need should guide the decision.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to know the make and model?
No. Existing information helps preparation but is not essential for an initial enquiry. The system can be identified during a visit.
Are replacement parts included in maintenance?
Only if the offer expressly includes them. Distinguish inspections, labour and materials, and clarify additional repairs beforehand.
Does every system need compressed-air purging?
No. Suitable winter preparation depends on the design. Some systems provide drainage, while others require further measures. The contractor should assess this using the manufacturer’s instructions.
How does servicing differ from a watering service?
Servicing concerns the equipment: inspection, adjustment or repair. A watering service means someone comes to water the plants. These are different tasks.
Can another firm service an existing installation?
That depends on system knowledge and available parts. Provide known component details and ask the contractor to confirm the work it can undertake.
