How much do sprinkler repairs cost?

If you've noticed that your sprinklers have a leak, the water pressure is low, the valve is broken or the sprinkler head is clogged, it might be time to enlist a contractor's help. The cost of sprinkler system repairs will depend on several different factors covered in the sections below. However, one of the most important factors is where you live. For a quick idea of repair and maintenance costs in your area, contact sprinkler and irrigation professionals near you.

Among the factors contributing to irrigation and sprinkler system upkeep costs, don’t overlook the potential impact hourly vs. flat rates can have on your project. Some sprinkler repair techs may charge a flat rate based on the size of the sprinkler system or the parts needed, while others provide an hourly estimated cost.

If you have a bigger job, pros may charge in increments of the hourly fee once the minimum service charge has been met. For example, if a job takes two and a half hours, you will pay only for that amount of time — not three full hours. 

Here are some examples of incremental hourly rates:

• Eric's Handyman Services: $10 per 15 minutes after the first hour
• The Sprinkler Guy: $35 per 30 minutes after the first hour

 There are potential downfalls to both flat and hourly cost estimates for irrigation system repair. While a flat rate makes it easier to budget, a company may like to err on the side of caution when deciding on the fee. Conversely, an hourly rate leaves more uncertainty but could wind up cheaper than the estimate if things go smoothly. 

It's always wise to talk with the repair pro before work begins, and get a written agreement that details costs and how you will be charged. 

Because irrigation systems are so varied in their design, size, age and components, there’s a lot of variation that can go into the cost of repairs. The following are some factors that will affect sprinkler repair prices:

Type and extent of repair.

Your total repair cost will depend on the type of damage done to your irrigation system. Perhaps someone took out a sprinkler head or two when they parked on the grass. This will likely involve minimal labor and a couple of replacement parts. However, a PVC pipe bursting underground from freezing weather could include digging and landscaping to fix the broken section. 

Sometimes the damage is greater still. Fixing a large irrigation system could require lots of different valves, sprinkler heads, pipes and many labor hours. The larger the job, the more you can expect the repair company to do for free. 

A reputable company should send a professional out to survey the damage and give you a free estimate. They should also be clear about what factors could impact the final cost. 

Related content: How much do outdoor plumbing repairs cost?

Parts, materials and labor costs.

Aside from labor, materials are the other major cost for any repair job. From valves to sprinkler heads, here are the cost estimates for certain materials commonly used in irrigation repair:

Sprinkler repair prices (materials only):

Sprinkler repair prices (parts & labor):

Minimum service fee.

But don't be surprised if a 15-minute job costs more than one-quarter of the pro's hourly rate. Often, sprinkler system repair workers have a minimum service charge for assessing repair needs and doing repairs. It’s typically the equivalent of an hour of labor to account for the company's time and travel efforts and ensure the specialist won't lose money on smaller jobs. So even if a job takes only 10 minutes, you might pay the full hour's fee. 

Travel fees.

To make a profit and stay in business, companies need to account for cost factors such as transportation and travel time. If a job site is outside the company's service range, there may be an additional travel fee. For example, Eric's Handyman Services charges a $10 travel fee for each day after the first day of work when a repair site is outside the service area.

Sprinkler system age.

Irrigation and sprinkler systems have a lot going on — there’s a constant flow of water, freeze and thaw cycles, moving parts and electrical wiring. It’s no wonder that old systems begin to fail eventually. 

Landscaping clean-up.

Sometimes installing a new part, performing leak repairs or laying new pipes for irrigation installation requires uprooting some expensive landscaping. You can usually preserve your plants by removing and then replacing them — but this will add to your overall sprinkler system cost.

Related content: How much does landscaping cost?

As your lawn sprinkler system ages, you’ll start wondering if fixing the system is worth it or if installing a new system makes more sense. Lawn sprinkler repair costs can vary widely, but if the system is approaching 20 years of age, consider installing a new one. Installing a new sprinkler system can cost $1,320 to $5,650 on the high end.

Stay on top of irrigation and sprinkler maintenance to prevent expensive repairs down the road. Follow these tips to save money on sprinkler system repair:

• Clean your sprinkler heads and valve to remove dirt, grime and other residues.
• Keep tabs on the water pressure. If it’s too low, you may have a leak that can be fixed before it turns into a larger problem.
• Inspect your system every month or so for leaks, broken pipes or sprinkler heads aimed in the wrong direction.
• Check your wiring, which may deteriorate due to normal wear and tear.
• Know in advance if a cold spell is coming — you always want to be aware when cold temperatures could cause water to freeze and burst a pipe.
• Winterize your sprinklers by draining the water and turning it off during the cold winter months.
• Ask for discounts. Some professionals stay active in their communities and look for ways to give back where needed. For example, both The Sprinkler Guy and Eric's Handyman Services have offered a 10 percent discount to seniors. Companies may also offer a first-time customer or military discount.

Related content: Your winter home maintenance checklist.

When you start to see problems with your sprinkler system, it’s time to hire a professional. The best way to start your search is by reading customer reviews and ratings of sprinkler repair pros near you. Some customers even upload photos of the work done, giving you an idea of the professional’s work quality.

After you’ve narrowed down your search, start contacting professionals. Ask any questions you have, such as:

• Do they charge a flat rate or by the hour?
• Will they provide free estimates?
• When will they be available to fix your sprinkler system? 
• How long will it take to fix your sprinkler?
• Is there a minimum service fee?

Information to have on hand includes the type of system you have and any details regarding the problem: Is it a malfunctioning spray head? An always wet area on the lawn? An unexpected change in your water bill? The more information you’re able to provide, the more accurate your price quote will be.

Whether you’ve spotted a problem in your lawn or landscaping irrigation system or you just need regular maintenance, hiring a qualified professional is the best way to protect your investment and keep your vegetation happy and healthy. Contact a sprinkler repair professional near you by searching on Thumbtack.