What to Know Before Installing an Irrigation System in Henderson County

What to Know Before Installing an Irrigation System in Henderson County

Thinking about installing an irrigation system for your yard, garden, or property in Henderson County, TX? Whether you're in Mabank, Eustace, or rural acreage near Athens, irrigation is one of the smartest investments you can make for a healthy, low-maintenance landscape.

But before you dig or start pricing sprinkler heads, it’s important to understand what goes into a proper irrigation system—especially in our region's unique soil, climate, and property layouts.

At Jerami Kennamer Services, we’ve been installing irrigation systems across East Texas for over 20 years. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key things to consider before installation, so your system performs reliably and efficiently for years to come.

Why an Irrigation System Makes Sense in Henderson County

East Texas weather can be tough on lawns and gardens. With long, dry summers followed by occasional heavy downpours, managing moisture is both a science and a strategy.

A professionally installed irrigation system can:

• Save time compared to manual watering
  
  
• Distribute water evenly to plants and turf
  
  
• Reduce water waste
  
  
• Increase property value and curb appeal
  
  
• Protect your investment in sod and landscaping
  
  

Keep your property looking its best all year

Key Considerations Before Installation

1. Your Water Source

Your system will need a reliable and legal water source. Common options in Henderson County include:

• City or municipal water (available in many neighborhoods)
  
  
• Private water wells
  
  
• Rainwater catchment systems (optional secondary source)
  
  

We’ll test water pressure and flow rate to determine how many sprinkler zones your system can handle. Low pressure? No problem—we can install pressure regulators or booster pumps when needed.

2. Soil Type and Drainage

Henderson County is known for clay-heavy soils, which don’t drain as quickly as sandy or loamy soils. That means:

• Overwatering can cause soggy lawns or root rot
  
  
• Poor drainage can lead to erosion or fungal problems
  
  
• Deep watering is needed to establish strong roots
  
  

Our team designs irrigation systems that match your soil conditions, using slow-release emitters and zone timing to avoid runoff and oversaturation.

3. Yard Size and Layout

The shape and slope of your property will influence system design. For example:

• A rectangular lawn may only need 2–3 zones
  
  
• A large, sloped yard may require split zones to account for elevation changes
  
  
• Flower beds, trees, and garden zones often use drip irrigation instead of spray
  
  

We create custom irrigation maps that divide your landscape into efficient, water-saving zones.

4. Smart vs. Manual Controls

Smart irrigation controllers are increasingly popular in East Texas. They adjust watering schedules based on:

• Real-time weather data
  
  
• Soil moisture levels
  
  
• Seasonal temperature changes
  
  

Smart systems save homeowners 20 to 30 percent on water bills and reduce the need to manually adjust schedules during storms or drought.

Prefer something simpler? We also install programmable manual controllers for those who want basic functionality without the tech.

5. Local Permits and Backflow Prevention

Henderson County and its municipalities may require:

• A permit for connecting irrigation to public water
  
  
• Backflow prevention devices to protect water supplies
  
  
• Inspections for systems that cross utility lines or service easements
  
  

We handle all permitting and ensure your system complies with local and state regulations.

Types of Irrigation Systems We Install

We offer tailored irrigation solutions for all property sizes and uses:

Spray Irrigation

• Great for turf and lawns
  
  
• Pop-up sprinkler heads cover large areas
  
  
• Adjustable patterns and pressure settings
  
  

Drip Irrigation

• Ideal for flower beds, shrubs, and gardens
  
  
• Delivers water directly to root zones
  
  
• Saves water and reduces weed growth
  
  

Rotary Systems

• For large open lawns or commercial properties
  
  
• Long-distance heads that rotate in wide arcs
  
  
• Efficient and cost-effective for big yards
  
  

We often combine spray and drip irrigation in one system to handle all zones properly.

Installation Timeline and Process

Most residential irrigation systems take 2 to 4 days to install, depending on:

• Lot size
  
  
• Number of zones
  
  
• Soil and terrain
  
  
• Weather
  
  

Our Process:

1. Site visit and evaluation
   
   
2. Custom system design and quote
   
   
3. Permitting (if required)
   
   
4. Installation of lines, heads, valves, controller
   
   
5. Testing, zoning, and final walkthrough
   
   

We can also follow up with grading or sod installation to complete your outdoor upgrade.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Underestimating Water Flow

Installing too many sprinkler heads per zone causes low pressure and poor performance.

Overwatering

Running a system too frequently can drown plants or cause standing water—especially in clay soil.

Skipping Drainage

Water must go somewhere. Without proper yard grading or drainage planning, even the best irrigation system can cause more harm than good.



We design your system with runoff, soil saturation, and plant needs in mind—so you get healthy results without the headaches.

FAQs About Irrigation Systems in Henderson County

Do I need a permit for my irrigation system?

Possibly. If you’re connecting to city water, most local municipalities require a permit and backflow device. We handle this as part of our service.

Can I add irrigation to an existing lawn?

Yes. We install systems for both new builds and existing landscapes. We'll trench carefully and patch sod as needed.

What’s the average cost?

Most residential irrigation systems in Henderson County range from $2,500 to $6,500, depending on size, terrain, and features.

How long do systems last?

With proper installation and occasional maintenance, systems typically last 15–20 years or more.



Do you offer seasonal adjustments or repairs?

Yes. We offer inspection, repair, and zone optimization services for existing systems.

Serving Henderson County and Beyond

Jerami Kennamer Services proudly provides irrigation system installation across the region, including:

• Mabank
  
  
• Eustace
  
  
• Athens
  
  
• Payne Springs
  
  
• Gun Barrel City
  
  
• Seven Points
  
  
• Rural acreage throughout Henderson County
  
  

We also offer grading, trenching, drainage, and sod installation, making us your all-in-one contractor for complete outdoor improvements.

Get a Free Irrigation Quote Today

A custom irrigation system can make your landscape healthier, greener, and easier to manage. If you're located in Henderson County or nearby, Jerami Kennamer Services is ready to help with expert installation, smart designs, and honest pricing.

Call (903) 288-8883
Fully licensed. Locally owned. Over 20 years of experience.