Sprinkler System Upgrade · Delmar, MD
An upgrade that fixes an outdated or inefficient system, without a full replacement. Elzey retrofits older systems and adds zones as your landscaping changes.
If your system is outdated, running inefficiently, or just not covering your yard the way it should, an upgrade can fix it without a full replacement.
Elzey retrofits older systems and renovates zones as your landscaping changes, so your irrigation keeps up with your property instead of working against it.
Older systems run on a fixed schedule no matter what the weather's doing, which means you're often watering right before or during a rainstorm. A smart controller upgrade adjusts automatically based on real weather data, so your system stops running on days it doesn't need to, and your water bill stops climbing for no reason.
Walking outside to manually adjust a timer dial is how older systems are designed to work, but it's not how they have to keep working. Elzey upgrades outdated controllers to modern systems you can adjust from your phone, so changing a schedule doesn't mean a trip outside every time the weather shifts.
New plantings, beds, or a redesigned yard often need different coverage than what an existing system was built for, and dead zones show up when irrigation doesn't get updated alongside the landscaping. Elzey renovates and adds zones as your yard evolves, so new areas actually get covered instead of being left to fend for themselves.
An older clock-based system can't tell the difference between a dry week and a downpour, which means you're paying to water a lawn that's already soaked. A rain-sensing upgrade lets your system skip scheduled watering automatically when it's not needed, so you're not running sprinklers in the middle of a storm.
Cracked heads and uneven coverage are common in older systems, especially after a few winters of freeze and thaw. Elzey inspects your full system, replaces damaged heads, and adjusts coverage where it's fallen out of alignment, so water actually reaches where your lawn needs it instead of missing sections entirely.
The EPA's WaterSense program estimates that replacing a standard clock-based controller with a certified smart controller can save an average home up to 15,000 gallons of water a year. Weather-based controllers automatically skip watering when it's rained recently or rain is expected, instead of running on a fixed schedule regardless of conditions.
In most cases, yes. Upgrading typically means swapping the controller, replacing worn sprinkler heads, and adjusting or adding zones as needed, without digging up the underground pipes and valves that are still functioning properly. Elzey evaluates what's actually failing in your system before recommending anything more extensive than that.
No, most upgrades work with your existing irrigation infrastructure. A full system replacement is usually only necessary if the underlying pipes or valves have failed, which is uncommon compared to controller and sprinkler head issues. Elzey assesses your current system first to determine what actually needs to change.
If certain areas of your yard are consistently dry or oversaturated compared to the rest, especially after landscaping changes, that's usually a sign the zone layout hasn't kept up with how your yard is actually laid out now. Elzey walks the property to identify where coverage has fallen behind and adjusts zones accordingly, rather than assuming the whole system needs replacing.
For most systems, yes. A controller upgrade alone often pays for itself in water savings over a relatively short time, and addressing cracked heads or uneven coverage prevents bigger problems down the line. Elzey can evaluate your specific system and let you know honestly whether an upgrade makes sense or if your system is running fine as is.
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"We live in a community where many of us got together to hire one irrigation company to winterize our irrigation for most of our neighborhood. We contacted five or six to inquire about a group rate and Elzey Services provided the lowest price for a high-quality service. We were also pleased to discover that it's a family run local business. Always good to support these types of businesses."
Mike & Mary Ziegler
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"Reliable service and great communication. Otis showed up for appointments as promised, and texted and called with updates from the first estimate and throughout multiple service dates. Elzey had a competitive price for the job, their work was professionally executed."
Candice Ridlon
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"Otis and family did a great job setting up both my lawn irrigation and outdoor lighting. They are very nice, quick and reasonable! I will have them back in the Spring for more outdoor lighting projects!"
Paul Montemuro
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"I would give 10 stars if I could. Very honest, professional and reliable! Highly recommend!"
Mohammad M Choudhry MD
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"Elzey Services has provided servicing for the irrigation system for several years. They have consistently done an excellent job with the servicing & communications to keep me informed. I highly recommend Otis Elzey!"
Marlene Kruelle
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"Elzey Services came out to look at my irrigation system. They were very professional and friendly. He discovered the issues and fixed them. They showed me how to use the system. I intend on using their services again. Thank you."
Nyoka Mills
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