Q. Why should I use Waterwell?
A. Waterwell has been at the forefront of domestic gardens in the UK for almost 20 years and has developed an enviable reputation with clients, designers and architects. We are, first and foremost, a service business with your interests at heart. We also come from a horticultural background and so we care about and understand your garden and we offer a complete package; design, installation & aftercare. Waterwell are not the cheapest option but like most things in life, you get what you pay for.

Q. How much do lighting systems cost?
A. There is no limit to how much you could spend on garden lighting, but there is a limit to how much most people want to spend. The design of a garden lighting system is entirely subjective; you can spend as much as you would like. When we visit you to assess the garden we discuss your budget, your wishes for the lighting and the different options available. Once we have that information we can soon provide you with options, costings and budgets that suit your pocket and your expectations.

Q. Will it be safe?
A. A Waterwell lighting system is always protected by the installation of a use of an MCB/RCD breaker which will protect the garden lighting system, the power supply from the house and any persons if the garden lighting system is damaged in any way. All outdoor electrical systems must be protected either with an MCB/RCD outside or back at the main board in the house (if appropriate). Waterwell employs qualified electricians to ensure the system is correctly wired back into the house.

Q. Will it still be safe in the rain and in my pond?
A. The product that Waterwell installs is designed for the job. It is waterproof, safe, high quality and robust. For example, the mains (240v) power that runs around the garden is, steel wire armoured cable, which is extremely durable and tough. Unfortunately though, the downside of quality is cost; good quality components cost more money but they will last for years. A lot of our competitors offer clients lighting systems very inexpensively but be warned, it is a false economy. Cheap lighting systems do not last; we regularly get asked to upgrade systems, often no more than a year old, that have failed due to the use of inferior components.

Q. Are you qualified to connect my lighting to the mains?
A. Yes, Waterwell employs electricians who are qualified to carry out the work to the required standards. The electricians are also qualified to test electrical systems, fault find and resolve electrical issues. We are also a NAPIT approved contractor. NAPIT is a trade organisation (similar to Corgi, but for electrics) that ensures the regulatory standards are met and maintained. All outdoor electrical work now has to be certificated (by law) and it is essential that you only employ a qualified electrician for that purpose.

Q. How long will my lighting system last?
A. Your lighting system should last indefinitely if a) you invest in the (admittedly dull) infrastructure i.e. the armoured cable, junction boxes & transformers that run around the perimeter of your garden b) you install good quality light fittings, lots of light fittings look very similar but vary in price, quality and longevity enormously and c) you have the system checked and maintained periodically. Basically, you get what you pay for, if you invest in your lighting system at outset then you will have a quality lighting system that will last and provide you with pleasure for years to come.

Q. How will I switch it on and off?
A. There are lots of options for switching your garden lighting system including simple switches, dimmers, remote control or run the system via a house automation system.

Q. Should I use LED lights or halogen?
A. Different lamps (bulbs) achieve different results, it is not a case of either/or it is much more about what is the best solution. Each lamp, and there are many more than just LED and halogen, will have its benefit and drawbacks. The skill of the lighting designer is to select the right lamp, for the right fitting to create the best effect for you. For example, the benefits of LED lamps are that they are cool to touch and they have extraordinary lamp life but, they are not dimmable and the beam angle is not very versatile. Again, with halogen lamps, there is a huge choice of beam angle and lamp wattages but, the fittings will get very hot and should not be used where people may touch them. It is a case of horses for courses.

Q. How do I choose which light fittings to use?
A. I know what you mean, there is an endless range of light fittings on the market today, a lot of which look similar but vary enormously in price. The answer is that quality equals longevity – good quality fittings will last a lifetime, poor quality fittings may only last a matter of weeks or months. Once you have invested in the costs of a solid infrastructure, then spend as much as you are prepared to afford on each fitting. Remember, it makes more financial sense to have fewer good quality light fittings that many more poor fittings. If you are in any doubt, call us and we will help guide you.

Q. Are there lots of regulations to worry about?
A. Clearly, with outdoor lighting, safety is paramount. At Waterwell we employ qualified electricians, we are NAPIT approved contractors, we fit an MCB/RCD breaker to every system, and we install top quality components and the best light fittings. There isn’t much more you can do, but also, this is the minimum that should be done. Don’t skimp on safety, it doesn’t pay.

Q. Will you damage my existing garden when you install the system?
A. No. we have been installing lighting and irrigation systems in domestic gardens for nearly 20 years and we are used to it. We are able to dig trenches, run cable, fit junction boxes, transformers, lights etc without damaging your plants.

Q. Do you guarantee your systems?
A. Yes, we pass on the manufacturers warrantees (usually 12 months) and we guarantee our workmanship for that period. We are an honest and reasonable company; we want our clients not only to be happy now, but to be happy for years to come so it is in our interests to do all we can to provide customer satisfaction.

Q. Do you charge for your initial visit?
A. No, we are happy to come and meet you and look at your garden. We will discuss your requirements, measure your garden, take some photographs and then advise you about the options available. We then return to the office and prepare an estimate for the work involved. You only have to pay, if you have a system installed.

Q. I am having my garden redesigned, how will this work?
A. We spend around 50% of our time working on gardens that are being built and so we are used to liaising with garden designers, architects and other trades. Waterwell are usually called in to provide an expert service because landscapers do not necessarily have the right skills and experience at installing lighting systems. Waterwell can provide the advice, design skills, installation experience, the correct product, qualified electricians and ongoing maintenance.