When your sprinkler system stops working right in the middle of Houston's dry season, it's easy to just call the first company that picks up and schedule an appointment. But a few questions upfront can save you money, headaches, and keep your lawn from turning brown. I've seen plenty of homeowners and property managers get stuck with repair bills that could have been avoided, or worse, have the same problem happen again two weeks later because the real issue wasn't diagnosed correctly.
Know What System You Actually Have
Before you call anyone, take a walk around your property and look at your controller and valve boxes. Is your system a standard in-ground setup with zone valves, or do you have drip irrigation, a combination of both, or something custom? Some companies specialize in one type and will either overcharge you or do mediocre work on another. Ask the repair company directly if they regularly service the exact kind of system you have. A company that does mostly residential spray head systems might not be the best fit if you've got a drip-heavy landscape. In Houston's heat and clay soil, we see a lot of hybrid systems, and you want someone who knows that setup inside and out.
Ask About Diagnostics and Transparency
Here's a key one: does the company charge for the initial diagnostic visit, or is it free? And more importantly, will they explain what they found before they start charging you for repairs. I always want to know if a company will walk me through the problem, show me the broken part, and explain why it failed. If someone just says "you need a new valve" without explaining whether it's actually failed or just needs adjustment, that's a red flag. Ask them to give you an estimate in writing before they start work. In Houston especially, where we've got mineral-heavy water, solenoid valves fail regularly, but sometimes it's just a clogged filter or a bad wire connection. You should know the difference.
Check Their Response Time and Emergency Service
Houston summers mean that when your irrigation goes down, you can't wait a week. Ask the company what their typical wait time is for non-emergency calls. Also ask if they offer same-day or emergency service if your system fails during a heat wave. Some companies have a service window of "sometime between 8 AM and 6 PM" which doesn't help much. Find out if they can give you a narrower window or if they charge extra for faster response. Also ask if they service their own work. If something breaks again within 30 days, will they come back without charging another service call fee.
Understand Their Pricing Structure
Don't just ask for a price. Ask how they charge. Is it an hourly rate, a flat fee per repair, or a combination? What's included in the service call fee, and what costs extra. Some companies charge extra for valve replacements, controller reprogramming, or travel time. Others include it. In a place like Houston where properties can be spread across several neighborhoods, ask if there's a travel charge or if your service area is covered. Get at least two quotes and actually compare what's included, not just the bottom number.
Ask About System Winterization and Maintenance
This matters for Houston even though we don't get hard freezes often. Ask if the company offers seasonal maintenance, like blowout service before the rare cold snap or system checks before summer. Regular maintenance catches problems early. A company that only does emergency repairs is costing you more money long term. Ask what a basic maintenance visit includes, how much it costs, and how often they recommend it. Many issues I see could have been prevented with a simple inspection.
Get References and Check Their Track Record
Ask for references from customers in your area who had similar work done. Call at least one. Ask that reference if the repair held up, if the company was professional, and if they'd call them again. Also ask the repair company how long they've been in business and if they're licensed and insured. In Texas, irrigation contractors should carry liability insurance. Don't skip this. If something goes wrong during the repair and damages your property, you want to know they're covered.
JB Irrigation & Services has been serving the Houston area for years, and we're happy to answer any of these questions before you hire us or anyone else. The goal is to get your system running right and keep it that way. Give us a call if you want to talk through what's happening with your sprinklers.
