The Disadvantages Of Underground Lawn Irrigation
Before we look at the disadvantages of underground lawn irrigation systems, let's look at their big advantage - they usually work in getting you a lovely lawn. If you live in the more northern climates that get a significant amount of rainfall and a winter, then this might be the only feasible irrigation system if you crave a lush green lawn. Now, let's look at the disadvantages.
Cost
Installing and maintaining an underground lawn irrigation system costs a small fortune in not only the equipment, but in the cost of the water you need for your greedy lawn. Since lawns have shallow roots, they cannot store water like other plants or trees do. This is why they need watering so frequently, unless you get a lot of rain naturally (which doesn't happen anymore in most areas of the world).
You Can't Do It Yourself
Unless you have extensive gardening or plumbing experience, you need to hire a professional to install an underground lawn irrigation system. According to Bob Villa's website, the biggest problem with underground lawn irrigation systems (besides the cost) is that people try to install it themselves. This usually winds up with the underground lawn irrigation system not being deep enough to help your lawn out any.
When frost comes, the ground thickens up. If your underground lawn irrigation system hasn't been installed deep enough into the ground, soon you will trip over the pipes come the end of winter. The ice literally pushes the pipes to the surface. The pipes need to be at least eight inches deep for a home and ten inches deep for a business or huge piece of property like a college campus or golf course.
It Needs Constant Fiddling With
An underground lawn irrigation system can be automatic or controlled with a complicated piece of equipment called a controller board. Just that piece of equipment alone will set you back nearly $1000 (US). You just can't set it and forget it. You need someone to check to see that the settings are the right settings. If you suddenly get a monsoon, the settings need to turn the whole system off.
Many states and towns have laws that require underground lawn irrigation systems (or even sprinkler systems) to be inspected once a year. The main concern is with backflow, where the water in your pipes goes backwards into the public water supply. This might not sound so bad, but the water takes chemicals you don't want to drink with it.
