I am wondering if anyone has any personal experience regarding Vanacek's Irrigation? We were looking at having him possibly install an irrigation system in our yard and wanted to get some feedback about the business.

Thanks!

100+ views and nothing.

Last call! :-)

I glanced briefly - is it owned/operated by Pete Vanacek? I couldn't locate that information. The only web presence was the yellowpages type info which isn't very thorough to say the least.

If Pete's involved, I would highly recommend them but I have had no personal experience with them.

I could note a few that I would not use, but that's not one of them.

Hope that helps!

I know you can look up licensed irrigator's - maybe egret can chime in with where that info is.

Basically the same. I know and like Pete, but I've not used his business as I'm a DIYer. I would trust Pete to do a good job.

Being I only do repair work I would recommend Texas Landscape Creations, IDC irrigation, or Aaron Stuart. Make sure whomever you choose is licensed, insured, and has the proper permit. The 3 guys mentioned above are great guys and do good work. They do it the right way.

Be certain that your irrigation guy provides a schematic that shows where everything will be located, emphasis on the valves!

Second, pay a little more and get schedule 40 pvc.


Schedule 20 breaks easily and you will be hiring someone to fix it every now and then.

Make sure the guy shows you how to prep for winter.

Great advice OT. I'd add, put the schematic and other info in a permanent place where it won't get lost and can be easily found. And, pass it on to the next owners of your house.

Yes, it is owned and operated by Pete. Thanks for the responses and feedback. It is sincerely appreciated!!

Question, Original Texan, would you wait until after Winter to get a system put in or would it be okay to do it now?

[This message has been edited by ommama (edited 11/2/2011 3:37p).]

Off peak!

Why wait? If your budget allows, get a few quotes now and proceed. I think you might see better response time, and perhaps better quality of work.

Here is the link to check on irrigator licensing: http://www5.tceq.state.tx.us/lic_dpa/ (Vanecek is licensed)

This page has general information about landscape irrigation and licensing: http://www.tceq.texas.gov/licensing/irrigation/landscape.html

Note that on that second link, there is information at the top of the page noting that it is a Class C Misdemeanor to install irrigation systems without the proper licensing. This is to protect the integrity of the public water system

The schematic that OT mentioned is now required by state law, so you should get it w/o asking, but ask if you don't get it.

Do get quotes now - don't wait until spring!

quote:

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Second, pay a little more and get schedule 40 pvc.

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The PVC manufacturers just LOVE when ignorance like this rules the day. Using schedule 40 requires a much larger diameter pipe to deliver the same amount of water. It is much heavier and harder to cut. AND, it is totally unnecessary as our pressure in B/CS is never anywhere near 200 PSI which is what class 200 is rated for. For the record, schedule 40 will freeze and break just as easily as class 200 which is about the only other way any pipe may break once installed.

Man, I wish I could have run into more people who wanted massive overdesign back when I was installing systems!! I would have bought stock in PVC and made millions!!

Pete Vanecek is a full-time employee of the city of College Station and therefore only installs irrigation systems part-time and on weekends. He is, however an honest and knowledgeable professional and he does posses the proper licensing.

Thanks for everyone that came on here and gave feedback! We had Pete and his crew install an irrigation system at our house. Him and his wife are wonderful, honest people. They all did an excellent job. I don't think using him is a decision we will ever regret.

A+ experience.