Frequently asked questions

Raintech caters to all of your irrigation need: installation, service, shop sales, backflow testing, blowout and DIY packages. With over 35 years in business, we pride ourselves on being punctual, efficient and consistent. Customer satisfaction is our number one priority.

This is very easy! You can:

Email – info@raintech.ca
Call – 403.279.5678
From our website – Service Request

Our knowledgeable and friendly staff will be happy to assist you with any questions concerning this appointment and schedule the most convenient time for you.

By installing an automatic irrigation system you will be saving time and money. When you water by hand more than 50% of the water is wasted in runoff and evaporation.

An automatic irrigation systems can be programmed to run at night when the evaporation is low, and in times of water restrictions.

A sprinkler system adds value to a home because it offers time-saving and energy-efficient lawn maintenance and it indirectly increases a home’s market value by enhancing the home’s overall curb appeal.

We have a shop with all the parts and brands that you may need for your irrigation system. On top of that, we have an online store and we do deliver parts across the city.

Our knowledgeable staff will be able to provide any solutions for any changes you may require. You just need to tell us your irrigation vision and we will fulfil it.

Yes, if you have our reliable WIFI controller. You can use your cell phone as long as you have a WIFI connection, and perform any changes remotely, from anywhere.

Yes, unless you have a rain sensor device or a WIFI controller. These devices receive a remote signal that there is precipitation in the area and will inhibit the system from coming on.

Yes, however when dealing with any major water line in your home, after a long winter it’s important that a professional goes through all the necessary steps as we know not only what looks right but what to listen for.

In the case of an emergency, we need access to the water shut off valve in your basement.

We also find that communications with the technician on site and a homeowner make for a smooth appointment and a system functioning exactly as you would prefer for the season.

We prefer that you be home as each irrigation system is different and throughout the start-up process, we may need access more than once to the interior system.

We plan irrigation system start-ups with the predicted forecast in the area. Factors that come into play are the amount of sun your main line gets daily, which direction your property faces as well as the area of the city you are located in.

Our well-trained technicians have techniques to thaw out an irrigation system. If while on site, we feel your system needs more time before activation, we will schedule a follow up appointment with you.

Our local winter weather is harsh and can cause damage with ice & snow buildup on parts of the system throughout the lawn. This is regular wear and tear and is fixed during the start-up for an efficiently run system.

During the booking process, we will try and get as much information from the homeowner as possible in order to give you an idea of how long your system repair may take. Once our technician is on site for the assessment, they will be able to communicate with you on a timeline.

In the case of an emergency, we need access to the main irrigation water shut off valve in your basement. We also find that communications with the technician on site and a homeowner make for a smooth appointment and a system functioning exactly as you envision.

Our service fee is a flat rate with no driving or booking fee, the time starts with our technician on site and the parts are at an additional cost.

As your system is running a few days a week, we recommend having your system inspected by a professional for both coverage efficiency of your property and to ensure that all parts are in working order.

Leaks at the base of heads or breaks in the line happen with regular usage of your irrigation system. Our professional technicians can do a full system walkthrough, diagnose and repair the issue to resolve the water usage problem.

Different types of vegetation require different running times, our professional technicians can walk-through your controller and system with you to make the necessary changes and additions to ensure maximum coverage.

Our technicians can do an on-site visit to determine what part of the system will need to be moved, repaired, increased/decreased depending on the construction plan you have.

Our technicians have training and parts to be able to securely protect the irrigation line if it is assessed that it is unable to be moved out of the way of the concrete. When booking an appointment, let our office staff know you’ll be working with concrete and we will make sure to book adequate time and the necessary parts.

Our technicians can assess the pressure of your existing system to see if it’s possible to tie into that zone or we may need to install a new zone for these boxes. This assessment is done on site and all pricing is discussed with the homeowner before any work begins.

On average an irrigation system can cost from $4,000.00-$6,000.00 but is mostly dependent on the number of zones needed. Once you’ve had a full walkthrough for an estimate, we can provide you with a specific quote.

The time it takes for the installation will depend on the size and type of system. We estimate 1-2 days for most average systems.

Raintech offers a comprehensive two-year warranty on workmanship and parts. The first spring startup, blowout and DCVA testing after installation are included in our warranty package.

We use Hunter, Rainbrid, Irritrol and Toro as these are leading brands in the industry. We will use a combination of brands during an installation, so you get the best parts installed for functionality and service.

Upon completion of the installation, the site foreman will perform a controller walkthrough with you in order to show you how to run your system as well as to give you information on the brand’s customer service number.

New products such as rain sensors or Wi-Fi enable controllers can be added to your system for optimal watering efficiency.

The backflow DCVA device is installed onto the main water line in order to assure that the water going out to your irrigation system cannot flow backwards into the main line contaminating the home water source. This is a device required by the City of Calgary.

We always recommend having an irrigation system installed before sod is placed as your system lies underneath the grass. If new sod will be added to only a part of the yard, then during the on-site walkthrough the installation procedure will be determined on site.

Yes we can. We use a vibrating plow, it cuts a groove into the ground while pulling the irrigation pipe underground.

The groove is very narrow, it does little damage to the grass surface, and does not require backfilling. However, some specific areas will require digging trenches.

Nothing! Raintech can do all the maintenance needed for you. We can start the system in the spring, maintain it during the summer and winterize it before winter freeze.

No. However, if the new system requires a designated line for irrigation, you will need a permit for those changes. Raintech will assist you with the permit process as part of installation package.

On average an irrigation system can cost from $800.00-$2,000.00 as it is size dependent. Once we have all documents for an estimate, we can get you a specific quote.

The time it takes to install a DIY system will depend on the size and type of system.
We estimate 1-3 days depending on the size and how many people you have assisting you.

We always recommend having an irrigation system installed before sod is in place. (Can be viewed case by case).

We use Hunter, Rainbird, Irritrol & Toro as these are leading brands in the industry. We will use a combination of brands during an installation, so you get the best part installed for functionality

During the one-on-one information session, we cover a controller walkthrough with you
to show you how to run your system as well as give you information on the brand’s customer care number.

New products such as rain sensors or wifi adaptors can be added to your system for watering efficiency.

The DCVA device is a permitted device added onto the main water line to monitor and control the water going out to your irrigation system cannot flow backwards into the main line contaminating the water source. This is a device required by the City.

Raintech offers a comprehensive two-year warranty on parts only (some conditions apply).

Winterizing your irrigation system is the most important service for your system annually in order to ensure the longevity and optimal function of the system. When water is left in the lines, it will freeze and expand causing cracks and leaks in the lines, valves, manifold and the heads.

We are open for booking appointments in advance and recommend booking in August. For the appointment itself, because our weather is unpredictable, an appointment in mid/late September to early October is the safest before a drastic temperature drop.

Yes, we can still do the blowout, the snow won’t stop the heads from popping up with the pressure of the compressor. You may not be able to see the normal stream of water leaving the sprinklers, but they are draining.

Yes, you will need an irrigation blowout. Using your system once is enough require an irrigation blowout. There will always be water in the line until you have it blown out with a compressor.

No, we do not add antifreeze or any chemicals in the lines when winterizing your system. Adding these chemicals can cause damage to your lawn, plants and can seriously harm pets and wildlife. We do not recommend using any chemicals when blowing out an irrigation system.

We book all of our appointments with a specific date and a 2-hour arrival window for your convenience. The time of the service itself can range from 30 minutes to over an hour depending on the size of your system.

The winterization service cost depends on the number of zones your irrigation system has. Speak with our office staff to get a quote and available appointment options today.

Our professional technicians have methods of thawing out the main line. The blowout appointment will take longer than normal and will need you home for the whole duration.

The Cross Connection Control program has become a city bylaw in 2015. If their system was put in before the BYLAW # 40M2006 was put in place, their system is grandfathered in.

Generally, this is a copper device located on your main line in your basement. If you are still unsure, we have technicians that are able to speak with you and discuss what you can look for at home.

We will book a specific day and a two-hour arrival window for the appointment, once our technician is on site for the testing it will be done in a timely manner in less than 30 minutes.

We do need someone home for the appointment as your device is located inside the home by the main water shut off. Our technician will need a signature from the homeowner as the device is registered to your address.

Contact our office for the cost of the service. As there are different valve sizes to be tested, we want to ensure we get you the correct quote and this information can be found on your letter from the City.

The cost of a greenhouse is size and accessory dependent. Once you provide us with the type you want, we can get you a specific quote.

The time it takes to install a greenhouse is size and accessory dependent, this is a DIY project that would probably take a day to assemble.

There are various types of controllers to choose from, you can see them in our shop and we can explain their specifications.

We use Hunter, Rainbird, Irritrol & Toro as these are leading brands in the industry.

There is a five-year warranty period on the greenhouses (some conditions apply).