Sprinkler System Cost

National average

$2,500-$3,500

(standard professionally installed system)

Low: $1,000-$1,500

(DIY)

High: $4,500-$5,500

(premium sprinkler materials in a larger lawn)

Cost to install a sprinkler system varies greatly by region (and even by zip code).
Get free estimates from sprinklers and irrigation professionals in your city.

How much does it cost to install a sprinkler system¹?

Depending on your climate, an automated sprinkler system¹ can be a must-have for your lawn. Regardless, it is always a great convenience and can help conserve water. For this example, we’ll look at the cost of installing a sprinkler system¹ in a standard 8000 landscaped square foot lawn, which averages $2500-$3500. Although it is possible to install a sprinkler system¹ on your own, hiring a professional is recommended.

Cost breakdown

Materials: a standard pop-up sprinkler head² averages $2-$4; most lawns use 10-15 sprinkler heads. Standard PVC pipe averages $0.25 per linear foot. A standard project requires around $400-$600 in PVC pipes. If installing the sprinkler system¹ on your own, you’ll need to rent a trenching machine for $150-$170 a day. Lawn repair after the trench has been dug will cost another $500-$1000.
Labor: landscapers typically charge $45-$75 per hour and can install a sprinkler system¹ in three to four days (24-32 labor hours) for a total labor cost of $1080-$2400. The highest rates depend on whether it is needed to restore sod and plantings or not.

Enhancement and improvement costs

Adding an automatic timer adds $200-$300 to your total.
Sprinkler valves³ can be added to each head to better control the water pressure. They average $15 each.

Additional considerations and costs

In many places, installing a sprinkler system¹ and digging into the ground requires permits and approval; check with your contractor for information specific to your area.
Although standard sprinkler heads work well in most areas of landscaping, you can also get bubble sprinkler heads⁴ or other specialized heads for watering flowers or trees. Your landscaper should be able to provide recommendations based on your climate and landscaping. Installing a sprinkler system¹ designed for trees will increase the price around 45%, whereas sprinklers designed for flower beds are 15% less expensive than the standard sprinkler system¹.
Some landscapers may offer discounts if you install the sprinkler system¹ on bare dirt and combine it with other landscaping or sod installation services.
If your home has a working irrigation system¹, connecting your sprinkler system¹ shouldn’t be a problem. If there isn’t an irrigation system¹, it can add $500-$1000 to your costs.
Lawns that have hills and a unique shape may be more difficult to install a sprinkler system¹, which may increase your project total and the time required around 20% more.

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Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

Definitions in laymen's terms, cost considerations, pictures and things you need to know.
See full cheat sheet.

¹ Irrigation system: (Also known as Sprinkler system) Set of equipment used to irrigate lawns

² Pop-up sprinkler head: The outlet valve of a water-spraying device, used to provide a continuous stream of water to a small area

³ Sprinkler valves: Device used to deliver pressured water to the sprinkler heads when watering a lawn

⁴ Bubble sprinkler heads: A sprinkler nozzle that releases water slowly in a single place, rather than spraying it over a wide area. They are placed near the base of trees and shrubs and in flower beds, and soak the ground around them, allowing water to penetrate into the soil

How much does it cost to install a sprinkler system in my city?

Cost to install a sprinkler system varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.