How much is it to install a sprinkler system?
On average, it costs between $90 and $800 to install a sprinkler system. Most people pay an average cost of $225, but prices can reach as high as $1,320-$5,650.
The cost of labor in your region, the type of sprinkler system you want to install, the size of your lawn, the number of zones and sprinkler heads, and many other factors can impact how much you end up paying for a new sprinkler system. For a more accurate estimate, contact several lawn sprinkler system installation companies and ask for a price quote.
Who do I hire to install a new sprinkler system?
You can hire a lawn sprinkler installation company, technician or contractor to install your new sprinklers. Start by searching on Thumbtack. Simply enter your zip code, and compare the top-rated local professionals. Evaluate them by reading their customer reviews, and view their photos to get an idea of their work and expertise. Make sure to double-check licensing requirements in your state, and look for credentials on each pro’s profile. Finish your search by contacting at least three different pros and comparing their price quotes.
Does a sprinkler system add value to my home?
A sprinkler system that’s in good working condition and is able to irrigate the entire yard may add value to the home. One study found that you can potentially recover 86% of the project’s value. You should always chat with a real estate expert to determine which home projects are worth investing in when it comes time to sell your home.
If you install a new sprinkler system, potential buyers may recognize it will save them time and money, as it eliminates the need for them to move a sprinkler around the yard while cutting down on the water bill. However, it’s important to keep your sprinkler system well-maintained to preserve its value.
What are the advantages of installing a sprinkler system?
The following are the main benefits of installing a sprinkler system:
- It saves time. Whether you install an in-ground, automatic or drip installation, you will no longer have to drag hoses around the yard for irrigation.
- More accurate targeting. You will better target the plants that need water and reduce waste.
- A tidier yard. Without hoses and sprinklers lying around, your yard will look nicer.
- Greater flexibility. Automating your watering means you don’t have to worry about being home to ensure your lawn gets watered.
How long do sprinkler systems last?
Sprinkler heads last about 10-14 years, according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. A high-quality sprinkler system can last a few decades, though you’ll need to periodically replace parts like pop-up heads. Repairing and spot-fixing your sprinklers are highly recommended in most cases, though at a certain point, your entire system may need replacing.
Make sure you get a professional’s opinion as your system ages and parts seem to break more often. And ask the professional to give you cost estimates for repairing your system vs. replacing it entirely.
How long does it take to install a sprinkler system?
Many sprinkler systems are installed within a single day, while others may take several weeks. This work includes the trenching, tubing, installation of sprinkler heads, tying into the existing water system and installing other items like pumps and backflow preventers. The time it takes to install your system will depend on the complexity of the system, the size, and the type of terrain it needs to be installed in.
How often should I sprinkle my lawn?
How often you should sprinkle your lawn ultimately depends on the type of grass you have, how much water your sprinkler system puts out and the weather in your region. Some lawns need about 1 to 1½” of water per week, and many people water their lawns about two to three times per week (and usually in the morning, around 10 a.m.).
After you install your sprinkler system, consider working with a landscaping professional to help you determine the best watering schedule for your lawn.
What are some common sprinkler systems?
Some of the most common types of sprinkler systems are as follows:
- An underground (or in-ground) sprinkler system. This option puts all tubing buried underground and out of sight. It may contain pop-up sprinkler heads that disappear from view when not in use.
- Fixed (or stationary) sprinklers are good options for smaller yards.
- Oscillating sprinklers spray a curtain of water back and forth. This type of system tends to be the most common.
- Rotating (or rotary) sprinklers. This type of sprinkler sprays water in a circular, 360-degree pattern.
Chat with a sprinkler installation company to figure out which system is best for your lawn, yard or garden.
How hard is it to install a sprinkler system?
Installing a sprinkler system is not easy work, particularly in terms of physical labor. It requires digging trenches, running tubing and connecting it to the sprinkler heads, installing a backflow preventer and tying it into your water supply system. For this reason, installing a sprinkler system is a job best left to the professionals.
How often should lawn sprinkler heads be replaced?
The rate of replacing your sprinkler heads depends on the quality of the part. Inexpensive sprinkler heads may be more attractive upfront, but keep in mind that they’re likely to need replacement more often. Spending more money on higher-quality heads may save you not only on parts but also on the cost to bring a repair technician out. Sprinkler heads typically last between 10 and 14 years.