Through Johannesburg's long dry winters, an automated irrigation system is the difference between a green garden and a dust bowl — and done right, it actually saves water. Here is what to plan before you install one.
How it connects
Irrigation taps into your water supply on a dedicated line with its own isolation valve and — crucially — a backflow preventer, so garden water can never siphon back into your drinking supply. It can run off municipal water, a backup tank, or a borehole.
Tank or borehole-fed
Running irrigation from a backup tank or borehole saves municipal water and keeps the garden alive during water cuts. The key is a correctly sized pump delivering consistent pressure to the sprinklers — undersize it and zones run weakly.
Why the backflow preventer matters
Irrigation water can carry fertiliser and soil contaminants. A backflow preventer stops it being drawn back into household drinking water if pressure drops — it is essential, and a compliant installation always includes one.
Get the plumbing right
The water connection, pump sizing, pressure and backflow protection are all plumbing work that determines whether the system is reliable and safe. We handle that side so your irrigation runs well and protects your supply. Plan your system with us, or pair it with backup water.