With modern automation systems zeroing in on the ideal watering time and precise water usage, sprinklers offer more than convenience. Initial sprinkler system 1 installation cost may seem pricey, but the rewards are consistent: water conservation, long-term utility savings, and increased home resale value.
The average cost to install a sprinkler system ranges from $4,000-$7,000, with the average homeowner spending around $5,500 on a professionally installed inground system with average controller for ½ acre.
Sprinkler System Installation Costs | |
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National average cost | $5,500 |
Average range | $4,000-$7,000 |
Minimum cost | $2,200 |
Maximum cost | $11,000 |
Depending on your location, the climate, the slope of your yard, and the variety of landscaping, lawn sprinkler system costs can vary significantly. The following chart offers average price ranges based on acreage.
Lawn size | Cost Range |
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Cost of sprinkler system for ¼ acre | $2,180 - $3,380 |
Cost of sprinkler system for ½ acre | $4,360 - $6,750 |
Cost of sprinkler system for ¾ acre | $6,530 - $10,130 |
Cost of sprinkler system for 1 acre | $8,710 - $13,500 |
Different types of grass and foliage have different water requirements. Separating your yard into several irrigation zones allows you to program the system so that each zone supplies an adequate water supply to the lawn and plants within that area. A zone is simply one section of your sprinkler system 1 in which the same valve controls all of the heads. The following are the national average costs per additional zone:
Number of Zones | Cost |
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1 zone | $650 |
2 zones | $1,300 |
3 zones | $1,950 |
4 zones | $2,600 |
5 zones | $3,250 |
6 zones | $3,900 |
7 zones | $4,550 |
In some instances, it may be necessary to add a zone to a sprinkler system 1. If a certain area isn’t getting enough water or the existing heads or sprayers are not far-reaching enough, a homeowner may decide to add an additional zone. The cost per zone is $500-$650.
Sprinkler systems 1 can be classified into two categories: above-ground and inground. The first one rests on the ground, while the second is hidden in the subsurface. Choosing one or the other depends on your needs and budget:
Type of sprinkler system | Cost |
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Drip Irrigation | $2,150 per acre |
Inground | $11,108 per acre |
There are several options for above-ground sprinkler systems 1, one of them being a drip irrigation system 1. Resting on the ground, a drip irrigation system provides a designated amount of water to plants in a small area, directly into the soil. The most significant benefit of these types of lines is that there is less water lost to evaporation. While the inconvenience of having the lines exposed to mowers and trimmers, making trimming and pruning in the area more labor-intensive,is an admitted downside, the lower cost and water conservation benefits are a big influence for some homeowners. One of the most common types of above-ground sprinkler systems, drip irrigation system cost, averages $2,150 per acre.
The specific needs of your lawn and landscaping are going to be unique. Custom sprinkler planning may include assessment of your need for either inground or drip irrigation or, in particular cases, a combination of both. Often, homeowners choose the simplicity of subsurface drip irrigation systems 1 for landscaped beds. Buried no more than 2 feet below ground level, they eliminate the hazards of above-ground systems, while providing the same benefits, but are slightly more expensive, averaging $3,000 per acre.
Expansive lawns and landscaping, needing a significant amount of water, benefit from well-planned inground systems. As a sprinkler pro guides you through the installation planning and prepping processes, you'll learn the needs of different areas of your lawn and landscaping.
A central controller is used to program each zone independently, according to the needs of the plants in each. Once the system is installed and programmed, there is very little need for your attention with a fully automated system. Other than keeping an eye out for malfunctioning heads, or very wet or very dry areas in your yard, indicating a problem, the sprinkler system will take care of the rest. Higher-end, more advanced systems will even alert you to these problems. Inground sprinkler systems cost,on average, $11,108 per acre.
One challenging part of planning a sprinkler system 1 is sorting through the available heads and their specific purposes. This table shows the various options and national average costs:
Head Type | Purpose | Cost Per Head |
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Bubbler | Flower beds | $1.00 |
Misting/micro | Foliage that requires persistent low flow moisture | $3.00 |
Pop up | Large areas where you don’t want the head above ground when not in use | $7.00 |
Fixed | Ideal for narrow and curved areas | $7.00 |
Low flow or drip | Ideal for slopes and gardens | $7.00 |
Gear-driven rotor | Ideal for large flat areas, quieter, lower maintenance, currently more popular than impact rotor sprinkler heads | $8.00 |
Rotary nozzle | High-efficiency, ideal for slopes and clay to prevent run-off and erosion | $8.50 |
Impact rotor | Coverage area of 18-50 feet, however less consistent | $10.50 |
You will find online sources that say installing a sprinkler system 1 can be a DIY project. However, the amount of research and planning, the necessity of precise measuring and level digging, and specialized tools needed make this a massive undertaking for an amateur. Pros can, in many cases, complete the installation in one or two days. They already know the local ordinances, have experience pulling permits, and have all the nifty gadgets that will make the job a stress free experience for you. While most installers charge per job, the national average per hour cost is between $40 and $100. Sprinkler installation cost does vary significantly from state to state.
There are varying local ordinances, including permitting, municipal watering regulations, and backflow prevention, that need addressing before work begins on a sprinkler project. There is also the possibility that utility lines run beneath your yard. Having a pro that is familiar with all of these issues can save you a lot of time, money, and frustration.
The next step is to map out your sprinkler. A pro will help you determine how many zones will be ideal for your yard. The number of zones is determined by several factors, including obstructions (variety landscaping, sidewalks, driveways, walkways, and sun/shade), sloping of your property, and the gallons per minute supplied.
When the property is all mapped out, the next step is to plan the style and placement of the sprinkler heads. Various sprinkler head styles are used throughout the yard, also depending on landscaping features, walkways and driveways, buildings, corners, and slopes. Within each zone and between each zone, each head's spray will need to overlap opposing heads so that there are no dead zones or dry spots.
Every homeowner's budget and property are different. Therefore, a professional installer will guide you through the specific needs and recommendations for your property. Your particular yard requirements include several factors that will affect the cost of a sprinkler system 1 installation.
The division of your property into zones allows each area to receive the precise amount of water it needs. For instance, shrubbery and flower beds need less water than grass. If you were to have your lawn and shrubs in the same sprinkler zone, the shrubs would be getting too much water, or the grass would not be getting enough water. Too much water for plants can be as damaging to plants as too little. Any plant or grass in a particular zone should have the same water needs.
The amount of water needed by specific plants, grass, shrubs, flowers, and groundcover is primarily dictated by their natural habitat. The EPA has WaterSmart recommendations that include choosing native and low water plants, using mulch 2 around beds to reduce evaporation, and grouping plants according to water need.
Ground cover, shrubs, and trees need much less watering. Alternatively, most grasses require roughly an inch of water per week. This amount varies, however, and some drought-resistant species will do well with much less.
If you already have your landscaping in place, your sprinkler installer will suggest the appropriate equipment. If your sprinkler installation is a part of a new landscaping project, the installer will work with you and your landscape designer to install a system appropriate for your plans.
Your water supply has two pressure measurements. The first is a static measure, which is the amount of pressure in the system when the water is off. The second, called the working pressure, is measured while the water is running and is the determining factor when choosing sprinkler system 1 components. Most sprinkler systems work within a range of 30 to 50 psi.
The working water pressure coming from your home, for a variety of reasons, may be less than the optimal psi. In this case, your installer will suggest one of several low water pressure sprinkler options that can work with a psi as low as 20.
Contrarily, you may have a landscape design that requires both high pressure and low-pressure heads. In this scenario, a high-pressure sprinkler can be outfitted with pressure-reducing valves to regulate the flow and lower the pressure to certain areas, for instance, bubblers and misters. These pressure-reducing valves can also be installed if you notice that instead of a steady spray, your sprinkler heads are misting. The irrigation components will wear out more quickly with a sprinkler system water pressure that is too high.
Automated inground sprinkler systems 1 ($4,356 - $6,751 average per ½ acre), while quite costly, help conserve water (saving you money on your monthly water bill) and require minimal effort on your part to keep working. Each zone of your yard will get precisely the amount of water that it requires, and you don't have to be available during peak watering hours to lug hoses and equipment around.
Proper watering ensures longevity in your plants’ and grass’. Several options are available, with some systems that can monitor the soil, sense rainfall, and even receive up--to--date weather forecasts to adjust output. This ability to avoid overwatering will save you money and prevent unintentional damage.
Working with a pro to design the ideal sprinkler system for your property will undoubtedly save you time and money, and result in a big give you the property value increase that comes with a beautifully manicured lawn and landscaping.
Sprinkler systems 1 are actually quite simple, despite what might appear to be an overwhelming number of components. Understanding the role that these parts play will give you a leg up when speaking to your sprinkler system installation pro. For ease of understanding, we can explain the parts by separating them into active and inactive parts.
Active parts of your sprinkler or irrigation system 1 are the ones that control or actively participate in the watering process; for example, various sprinkler heads. Head styles vary based on your system's GPM capability, watering requirements of your particular lawn, and special landscaping needs. An inground sprinkler system’s cost can increase with specialized head needs.
The inactive parts of your system, while equally important, are the supporting cast of your sprinkler system. The piping, fittings, clamps, and drip tubing do not actively assist in the movement of the water; they simply contain the water as it moves through the system.
Sprinkler heads are the strategically placed parts of your irrigation system 1 which release water to adequately cover a specific area. A professional installer will be able to guide you through the various types of sprinkler heads (average $10 each) and your yard’s needs. They will ensure that your lawn will get enough coverage without dead zones or dry spots, and that delicate flowers like nasturtiums and impatiens are treated to a gentle spray or bubbler. It is ideal for the sprinkler zones to have only one type of head per zone.
Most residential water supplies do not have enough pressure to water entire properties at once, which is another reason most are broken into various zones. Valves on each zone of your sprinkler system open and close independently of each other, at the direction of the master controller, according to the water needed by the particular area. Each valve will receive a charge of 24 volts from the master controller at a preprogrammed time and until the required amount of water for that zone has passed through the system. These automatic valves (average $12 to $48) vary greatly in price depending on their capabilities and materials.
Several fittings, clamps, and couplings connect and redirect the pipes throughout the zones of a sprinkler system. Requirements for each lawn and landscape design will be different. Valve boxes protect valves while providing easy access for repairs and maintenance.
Backflow preventers, $300 on average and required in many areas, are anti-siphon valves that prevent contaminated water from entering the potable water source.
While distributing the appropriate amount of water to each sprinkler zone is the primary function of the master controller ($100 to $500), it also monitors the system to ensure that all active parts are in working order. It continually monitors the metrics of pressure and flow and can shut down the entire system in the case of a serious malfunction. Throughout the sprinkler system, sensors 3 communicate with the master controller, and the frequency of sensors throughout the system dictates its ability to pinpoint a problem. There is a wide range of options for controllers, the most expensive offering the most functionality.
Rain sensors ($25 to $50) are exactly what they sound like; they detect the amount of moisture already supplied naturally and tell the controller when to decrease the delivery of water to account for rainfall.
The water source for your sprinkler system may be public or private (well or pond). The simplest way to supply your irrigation system with water is by connecting it to your local service. However, each state, county, and town has specific regulations regarding the metering of public water use for irrigation, and many regulate the water used from wells and natural sources even though they exist on private property. Backflow is a serious concern when dealing with private wells and water sources.
Pipe choice is usually regionally influenced. In colder climates, the more flexible polyethylene 4 ($2 per linear foot) is preferred. It is not as durable as the more popular PVC ($0.50 to $1.00 per linear foot) but may be slightly less expensive.
Electrical wiring of any kind should be left to the expertise of a professional. Two series of wires are used to run the entire system from the controller box to the sensors 3 and electric valves. The wiring and necessary waterproof connectors will be run through a conduit, or PVC pipe, to protect them from water and pests and placed beneath or several inches to the side of the water pipes to prevent interference when repairs of either are necessary.
Drip tubing, installed above ground around landscaping elements, is outfitted with water emitters placed against the surface of the soil. This type of irrigation delivers water directly to the roots, eliminating waste through evaporation and damage caused to delicate plants through direct water pressure. Measured in gallons per hour (GPH) as opposed to gallons per minute (GPM), the slow flow of water allows for more controlled water absorption and efficiency.
The convenience of sprinkler system timers is well worth the nominal cost. Easily set the timer to engage the system to start and stop automatically, and you guarantee your lawn will get the appropriate amount of moisture without any hassle for you. They are available with a variety of options, including moisture monitoring, zone management, and more.
If your sprinkler system 1 is less than 20 years old, it is more likely that replacing a broken component ($75-$500) will be the recommendation over replacing the entire sprinkler system ($5,553). The active parts of your sprinkler system will, over the years, need replacing.
One of the most common problems is faulty sprinkler heads, which can even affect the water pressure. The majority of sprinkler head replacements are pretty simple and inexpensive (average $10 each), but addressing them sooner than later is critical for maintaining the health of your lawn.
At times the sprinkler valves 5 will need to be replaced. The valves open and close to allow the right amount of water to be released for each zone. These parts are vital to the operation of the system and should be replaced immediately to ensure your lawn stays healthy. The cost to replace a sprinkler valve is $60-$275.
The recent advancements in smart irrigation systems 1 ($150 to $350) are almost unbelievable. In a very short time, we have gone from hand watering with a hose, to integration into an all-encompassing smart home system with the capability of regulating up to sixteen separate zones controlled from anywhere on your mobile device.
Today, advanced smart timers connect in real-time to weather reports, or communicate with rain sensors ($20 to $70) and wind sensors ($40 to $100) to adjust their own output. Developers are still working on smartphone irrigation technologies, but there are already some companies with apps.
Leading 6 the pack with its third smart system incarnation is Rachio, with simple controller installation, user-friendly app set up, and 5G internet capability, available in both 8-zone ($250), and 16-zone ($300) versions.
Once programmed with the specifics of your yard, the app's Weather Intelligence upgrade prompts the system to forego watering if it is too wet, windy, or if there is a freeze warning in the forecast. For an additional cost ($100), an integrated leak monitor will detect any leaks in the system and shut down the affected zone(s).
If you are installing a brand new sprinkler system, your professional installer will guide you as to which smart system will best suit your needs. If you would like to add a smart controller to your existing sprinkler system, while they are relatively easy to install, you should check with your sprinkler pro to ensure proper compatibility.
As eco-friendly options rank higher in consumer trends, sprinkler component manufacturers are continually working to advance their products for better efficiency. These ever-evolving products are as good for your wallet as they are for the environment.
Inexpensive rain gauges and sensors are available for as little as $10. On average, most lawns require one inch of moisture per week. When the environment has provided enough water, the system engages an automatic shut-off and won’t resume until necessary. Soil-based moisture sensors ($35 average), similar to rain sensors, communicate current soil conditions to adjust timing and water needs.
Similarly, new weather-based smart system technologies ($250 average) communicate real-time weather information to the system, automatically adjusting output based on moisture or potentially drying winds. These technologies are used in conjunction with various energy-efficient sprinkler heads and drip systems.
Energy-efficient sprinkler heads ($7 to $15) reduce water waste due to wind and poor absorption. Using multiple sprays with lower water flow provides greater, more consistent coverage without over-watering and/or dry zones. Drip systems ($3.50 per square foot), primarily used in smaller areas and with shrubs and flower beds, provide low water flow, preventing waste from run-off and evaporation.
Integrating any of the above options into your sprinkler system will help conserve water and, in the long run, money spent on the water. However, hiring an Irrigation Association certified contractor that partners with the EPA’s WaterSense program is the best way to ensure you get a sprinkler system that is both energy-efficient and ecologically sound.
According to the EPA’s WaterSense, the average household in the U.S. uses 400 gallons of water per day and landscaping uses a third of the residential water of the entire country, or 7 billion gallons. What makes this number even more extraordinary is that they believe that as much as 50 percent is wasted due to evaporation and overwatering.
The average water usage cost for a household in the United States is $1.50 per 1,000 gallons. Of course, some areas of the country may use significantly more or less water on lawns because of climate and humidity differences. However, regardless of the cost, we should all be doing what we can to conserve this resource.
If you add a weather-based controller to your sprinkler system 1, the EPA estimates that you may cut your water usage by as much as 37 gallons per day. Even more encouraging is that using native plants and grasses can reduce your outside water requirements by 20 to 50 percent.
Maintaining your sprinkler system is another way to ensure that you are not throwing money away.
During the summer months, you should consider having a professional do a mid-season check-up. Looking for visible signs of malfunction, or potential problems, a professional will swiftly identify small issues that could develop into big problems. This peak-use check-up will cost, on average, $75.
In between regular professional check-ups, you should check out your sprinkler once in a while. You might notice that one of your sprinkler heads is spraying wildly, not spraying at all, or not popping up or retracting when it should. The fix for this may simply be removing debris around the sprinkler head. Or, individual heads may get damaged by weather, lawn equipment, or even errant footfalls.
One of the best ways of protecting your lawn sprinkler system is with winterizing. If you live in an area where freezing temperatures are prevalent, having a professional winterize your system will cost around $60 annually. However, many contractors will provide this service with an additional spring tune-up for about $100. Winterizing will help prevent unwanted cracks and leaks throughout the system.
Leaks are another common problem that may start as a small irritation and develop into something greater. A leak repair can involve the replacement of a sprinkler head, a section of the inground lines, or a valve box. Always keep an eye out for dry spots or overly soaked areas in your lawn and for any sprinkler heads acting out of the ordinary. The sooner a professional can diagnose the problem, the better it will be for your lawn, sprinkler, and wallet. Also note if the pressure of the system has changed, even slightly by water not being released from even one head. Pressure changes within the system are never ideal and could cause more significant problems in the long run.
You may decide to install a rainwater collection system, which will cost, on average, $2,500. In areas where seasonal low rainfall or drought are common, collecting rainwater is a great way to make use of the natural moisture when it’s available and save some for when it’s not. A rainwater collection system can be connected directly to your irrigation system, allowing you to redirect the water from your roof to where it is most useful. Keep in mind that several states have regulations regarding the collection and private use of rainwater.
As with many things, spending more money upfront on a more expensive system will save you money on maintenance and repairs in the long run. It is not unusual to pay between $800 and $1,200, or even more for a substantial property, to have high-quality, longer-lasting sprinkler components.
In areas where frequent and prolonged freezes occur, drain back valves may be required. These valves are placed at the end of each line, particularly in lower-lying areas. They will automatically release any standing water when the sprinkler is not in use, preventing damage from unexpected freezes. Also, these make winterizing the system much quicker and easier. Drain back valves cost, on average, $2 to $4 each.
A high-quality automated sprinkler system 1 that is convenient and easy to use will add to the value of your home. Additionally, a well-maintained sprinkler system will contribute to the curb appeal, which doesn't directly affect the home price but does impact salability.
You may decide if it is permitted by local regulations, that you would prefer to save money by installing yourself. However, it is a long and complicated process that requires many hours, planning, and specialty tools and machinery.
A permit to install a sprinkler system that taps into the city or county water source is required in most locations.
The average cost to install a sprinkler system 1 in the United States is between 0.20 and 0.31 cents per square foot, or $4,356 - $6,751 for a half-acre.
The number of zones that you need for your yard will be determined by several factors, including how level your property is, the fixed landscaping that is present, and any obstructions like walkways, driveways, and buildings.
Your sprinkler system should be between 6 and 12 inches deep, depending on the soil.
You will have to determine the design capacity based on the size of your yard, the furthest distance in your yard from the main water source, and the working pressure of the water source.
The choice of sprinkler will be the deciding factor. For a fully covered lawn without any dead zones or dry spots, the recommendation is that the spray from one sprinkler should fully overlap the spray from the opposite head. Therefore, the diameter of the sprinkler head spray will dictate the distance between and the number per square foot.
On average, most lawn grasses need between 1” and 1½” of water per week. It is best to achieve this with two or three waterings per week.
Yes. Watering your lawn at night can promote the growth of harmful bacteria and fungus. Predominantly in areas with hotter evenings and high relative humidity, lawns watered at night are susceptible to a condition commonly referred to as “root rot”. A variety of fungus and bacteria in the soil will rapidly reproduce and damage your grass under these conditions. All that being said, watering at night is a better option in arid areas away from the coast.
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.