About
Greg Tanzer Sprinklers in New York, NY describes their work as water-saving setups, winter shutdowns and spring startups, and backflow testing on their website. Listed services include Sprinkler Repair, Water conservation, Winterization, and Backflow testing. Worth noting: LGBTQ+ friendly and Identifies as women-owned. Before booking, call to confirm pricing, what areas they cover, and whether anything on this page is out of date.
What these services actually involve
A quick walk-through of the irrigation work this listing surfaces, in plain language. Use it to compare quotes or to know what to expect on a first visit.
What general sprinkler repair usually involves
It can mean anything from a head that won't pop up to a zone that won't turn on. A solid first visit usually walks the system zone by zone, checks pressure, listens for valves clicking, and spots wiring issues before any parts get swapped.
What winterization (system blowout) covers
Before the first hard freeze, an air compressor pushes standing water out of every zone in stages. Skipping this in a freeze region can crack lateral lines underground; the repair afterward usually costs more than several years of winterization put together.
What a backflow test is and why cities require it
The test confirms that irrigation water can't siphon back into your drinking-water supply if pressure drops. Many cities require it annually by a certified tester, and the tester usually files the paperwork directly with your water department.
What water-saving sprinkler upgrades involve
These usually mean a weather-based or soil-moisture controller, properly sized nozzles, and a watering schedule tuned to your soil and plant mix. Done right, summer water bills can drop 20–40% without browning your lawn.
What they cover
Topics with a filled dot showed up on the company's own website or in their Google Maps category. Empty dots mean we didn't find anything either way — call to ask.
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Sprinkler repair
● Mentioned
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Winter shutdowns & spring startups
● On their website
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Backflow testing
● On their website
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Smart / water-saving watering
● On their website
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Controller / timer fixes
○ Not sure — ask
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Broken or misaligned heads
○ Not sure — ask
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Valve repair
○ Not sure — ask
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Leak finding
○ Not sure — ask
From their website
Short excerpts pulled from the company's own site. Use them to ask more specific questions when you call.
"Maintenance Outdoor Lighting Design & Installation Outdoor Lighting Service & Maintenance Backflow Testing Ice Melt COMMERCIAL Services Get an estimate Irrigation Installation& Service Outdoor LightingInstallation &"
From their site
DIY vs. when to call a sprinkler company
Not every irrigation problem needs a service call. A rough split before you book a visit:
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DIY-friendly
Replace a single broken pop-up head, swap a worn nozzle, or adjust spray arc. Most of these fixes are a $5–$15 part and a screwdriver.
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Sometimes DIY
Reprogram a controller or remount it. If you have the manual and your zones are clearly labeled, it's doable; if you've inherited an unlabeled system, a pro saves time.
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Call a pro
Hidden leaks, buried-valve work, new zone wiring, or main-line repairs. Diagnosing these without the right tools usually means digging in the wrong spot.
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Pro-only by law
Backflow testing in most cities — only a certified tester can legally file the paperwork your water department needs.
Sprinkler care in NY
In NY, the high-stakes part of the sprinkler year is winterization. Hard freezes can show up as early as October in some zones, and a system that wasn't blown out before the first sustained freeze can crack lateral lines underground. The repair after a freeze typically costs more than several seasons of winterization combined, so most homeowners book the shutdown visit by mid-fall and the spring startup once nighttime temperatures stay above freezing.
Common questions about sprinkler service
How do I know if a sprinkler company is reputable?
Look for visible licensing where your state requires it, current backflow certification (in cities that mandate testing), and clear written estimates. Public reviews help, but also confirm the company is currently in business — irrigation is a small-business space and listings can go stale.
What's the difference between sprinkler repair and irrigation repair?
In day-to-day use they mean the same thing. "Irrigation" is the broader trade term and can include drip and microspray; "sprinkler" usually refers to pop-up spray and rotor heads. Most companies handle both and don't draw a hard line.
How often should a sprinkler system be serviced?
At minimum twice a year in freeze regions: a spring startup and a fall winterization. A mid-summer tune-up to check pressure, coverage, and run times is also common — and usually the cheapest visit of the year.
What does a sprinkler blowout cost?
It varies by zone count and region, but a typical small residential system runs roughly $50–$150. Always confirm whether the price is flat or per-zone, and whether re-attaching the air line is included.
When should I replace a controller instead of repairing it?
If your controller is older than about ten years, isn't compatible with smart features, or has had repeated board failures, replacement usually beats another repair. Newer weather-based models can also pay back the install cost in a season or two through water savings.
Do I need a backflow test every year?
Many cities require annual testing by a certified backflow tester for any home with an in-ground system. Check with your water department — fines for skipping it can run several hundred dollars, and some districts will shut off irrigation service until paperwork is filed.
Does Greg Tanzer Sprinklers do sprinkler winterization?
Winterization shows up on this profile, so it's part of what they cover. Pricing and timing windows aren't in the public data — call to confirm before the first freeze in your area.
Can Greg Tanzer Sprinklers handle backflow testing?
Backflow testing appears on this profile. Confirm directly that the tester is currently certified for your city or water district, and that they file the paperwork on your behalf.