Irrigation system

[VirginiaBlue]

I'm getting a few estimates for having a sprinkler system installed. I've never had one before. Anybody have any words of wisdom, recommendations, advice? Any horror stories?
We live in Virginia, so of course I'm not looking for reviews of local contractors. Thinking more about the technical side.
The contractor we are leaning toward wants to install a combination Hunter and Toro system. He says he likes parts by both, i.e. Hunter control box and valves, and Toro heads.

[surveyor]

I'm getting a few estimates for having a sprinkler system installed. I've never had one before. Anybody have any words of wisdom, recommendations, advice? Any horror stories?
We live in Virginia, so of course I'm not looking for reviews of local contractors. Thinking more about the technical side.
The contractor we are leaning toward wants to install a combination Hunter and Toro system. He says he likes parts by both, i.e. Hunter control box and valves, and Toro heads.

I've never owned one, but know of people who have. Living in colder climates means that each year around late summer or early fall (definitely prior to a hard freeze) the lines will have to be drained, manually or automatically, depending on the installation options of the system.
White pvc pipe is more rigid, so freezing of residual water will likely result in damage at the connections, where as black poly pipe is more flexible. However, poly will split if residual water is left behind and it freezes. Poly is usually preferred in colder climates.

Compressed air cleanout is another option, but should be performed by someone experienced/qualified as too much pressure (above the rating of the pipe) could cause damage.

I'm considering one for my front yard as we have clay based soil that needs watering if it hasn't rained in a while.