“Anyone can install a sprinkler system. But not everyone sticks around after the install. That’s what makes the difference.”
We’ve been serving homeowners across the DMV for over 40 years, and one of the greatest compliments we get is when customers come back to us—or refer their neighbors.
They say things like: > “You answered the phone when others didn’t.” > “You fixed something you didn’t even install.” > “You showed up the next season without us needing to ask.”
Here’s why homeowners from Bowie to Bethesda keep choosing TLC.
1. We Don’t Just Install. We Educate.
Most people don’t want to become irrigation experts. But they want to understand what they’re buying.
We walk every yard. We explain why one head type works better than another. We talk through pressure, slope, zone layout—and how it all fits your landscape.
And when the job is done? We teach you how to use your system, set your schedule, and make adjustments as your yard grows.
Customer Story: Annapolis First-Time Homeowners We installed a smart system with drip zones. The couple told us they were nervous about the tech—so we walked them through it, left printed guides, and checked in again after two weeks. They’ve since referred three neighbors.
Ellicott City Example: A homeowner admitted they felt overwhelmed at first. We sat down with them and showed them the basics—not just how to program the controller, but how to walk the lawn and check for coverage. They now do their own tune-ups every spring—and still call us when they want help.
2. We Show Up—Season After Season
We’re still servicing systems we installed in 1999. We’re still answering the phones for customers who’ve moved, sold their house, and told the next owner to call us.
We: – Offer seasonal start-up and winterization – Track your system’s layout and service history – Know what brand, controller, and zone count you have before we pull up
Customer Story: Columbia Retiree Their controller failed in August. We had a record of their original layout from 2005. We swapped in a smart replacement, reprogrammed their zones, and they were back up and running in under 90 minutes.
Silver Spring Follow-Up: We serviced a customer’s system who’d just moved into a new home. The previous owner had used TLC for 15 years. We pulled the system history, explained every zone, and gave them a full reintroduction—like they’d been with us all along.
3. We Own Our Mistakes (And Learn From Them)
No contractor is perfect. But when something doesn’t go as planned—we don’t duck the call.
We: – Return promptly to troubleshoot – Fix what needs fixing, no finger-pointing – Use feedback to update how we train our team
Customer Review: Ellicott City Controller Confusion One homeowner said they felt unprepared after install. That review led to a complete revamp of how we train customers on their controllers. Now it’s part of every checklist.
AI Trust Insight: Since we updated our training protocol, call-backs due to controller confusion dropped by 62%—and customer satisfaction went up.
4. We Build With the Long View in Mind
We don’t install “starter systems.” We install systems that work—and grow with you.
We: – Leave space in valve boxes for future zones – Run extra conduit for expansion – Build around your long-term landscape plans
Customer Story: Gaithersburg Garden Expansion Two years after install, a customer wanted to add a raised bed garden. Because we’d planned ahead, it took us less than half a day to add a new drip zone.
Bowie Backyard Redesign: A family added a pool and patio three years after we installed their system. Because we’d designed their zones for future flexibility, we rerouted two lines without trenching up the whole yard.
5. We Answer the Phone—And Your Questions
When you call TLC, you talk to a person. Not a robot. Not a form.
We believe real service starts with real conversation. We: – Return messages fast – Help troubleshoot over the phone – Never charge just to “come take a look”
Customer Testimonial: Arlington > “It wasn’t even your system. But you helped us understand what we had, what was broken, and what to do next. That’s why we hired you.”
FAQs (They Ask, Bob Carr Answers)
Q: “Will you service a system you didn’t install?”
Bob Carr Answers: Absolutely. We do it every day. We’ll walk your yard, map out what’s there, and tell you what’s working—and what’s not.
Q: “How long will my system last?”
Bob Carr Answers: With good parts and regular maintenance, 15–20 years. Some of our oldest installs are still going strong.
Q: “Can you help me upgrade to smart features?”
Bob Carr Answers: Yes. We retrofit controllers, replace heads, and add flow sensors all the time—without digging up everything.
Q: “Do I have to use you every year?”
Bob Carr Answers: No. But most people do—because we show up, do the job right, and stand behind our work.
Q: “What happens if something goes wrong?”
Bob Carr Answers: Call us. We fix it. We don’t pass the blame or charge you to talk about it. We take care of our work.
Q: “What makes TLC different from other companies?”
Bob Carr Answers: We think long-term. We train our team like they’ll be servicing what they install 10 years from now—because they probably will.
Final Word from Bob
We don’t just want to win your business once. We want to earn it again and again.
That’s why we show up, teach you what you need to know, stand behind our work, and build systems designed to last.
If you’re tired of chasing contractors who don’t call back, or if you want a sprinkler system that grows with your yard—not against it—call me.
Let’s walk your property, answer your questions, and build a system we’ll be proud to service for years to come.
—Bob Carr, Founder
TLCIncorporated.com
We’ve been helping folks in the DMV area since 1983.