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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 system 1?
Depending on your climate, an automated sprinkler system 1 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 system 1 in a standard 8000 landscaped square foot lawn, which averages $2500-$3500. Although it is possible to install a sprinkler system 1 on your own, hiring a professional is recommended.
Cost breakdown
- Materials: a standard pop-up sprinkler head 2 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 system 1 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 system 1 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 valves 3 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 system 1 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 heads 4 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 system 1 designed for trees will increase the price around 45%, whereas sprinklers designed for flower beds are 15% less expensive than the standard sprinkler system 1.
- Some landscapers may offer discounts if you install the sprinkler system 1 on bare dirt and combine it with other landscaping or sod installation services.
- If your home has a working irrigation system 1, connecting your sprinkler system 1 shouldn’t be a problem. If there isn’t an irrigation system 1, it can add $500-$1000 to your costs.
- Lawns that have hills and a unique shape may be more difficult to install a sprinkler system 1, which may increase your project total and the time required around 20% more.
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.
Labor cost by city and zip code
Compared to national average+17%
+23%
-3%
+14%
-9%
+13%
+9%
+40%
+6%
+24%
+10%
+13%
+16%
-7%
-23%
-12%
+31%
+44%
+40%
+30%
-5%
+16%
+20%
+33%
+1%
+10%
-17%
+22%
+16%
+26%
Labor cost in your zip code
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Methodology and sources
