Lawn Sprinkler System Average Costs
The actual cost of a lawn sprinkler system depends on a variety of factors, including:
- Property size, shape, and slope
- Soil condition
- The quality of the system components
- Local labor and material costs
Bearing in mind these cost factors, the average cost of a professionally-installed lawn irrigation system is $500-$1,000 per zone, or around $2,500 to $5,000 for a typical ½ acre lot.
Note, however, that zones are, proportional to the entire system cost, cheaper to install. This means that sprinkler system installation on a 4,000 sq. ft. lawn, for example, isn’t necessary twice as expensive as on a 2,000 sq. ft. lawn.
How Can I Save Time On A Sprinkler System Installation
The most time consuming and labor intensive aspect of installing a sprinkler system is digging the trenches where your sprinkler lines will rest. If pinching all the pennies you can, a simple pick axe will get the job done, but a full day of labor can be saved by renting a motorized trenching tool from your local hardware store. Typical costs for trencher rentals range from $140-$180 for a daily rental.
Something as simple as an additional set of hands can help cut down the time required by a day or two. Ask a friend for help in return for a future favor and get the job done in a single weekend!
Do Sprinklers Add Value To Your Home
Many homeowners hesitate to complete this project because of the cost involved, but dont let this stop you from installing a sprinkler system.
Its true that installing an irrigation system requires an initial upfront investment. But completing this project will add value to your home, which makes it a wise investment.
A sprinkler system will keep your lawn healthy and hydrated, which increases curb appeal and makes your home more attractive to buyers. If you plan on selling in the near future, now is the time to invest in a sprinkler system.
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Other Sprinkler Installation Cost Factors
Many factors go into the final cost of a sprinkler system installation. Everything from the layout of your property to your existing plumbing can have an impact. Its a good idea to hire a land surveyor to tell you where your pipes exist already before starting this project. Here are a few things a pro will consider before providing a price estimate:
Quality of parts: Investing in materials upfront will help the system last longer.
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Types of landscaping: Different areas may require varying watering patterns.
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State of yard: Slope of lawn and soil condition can affect the final bill.
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Labor and time: Longer or more difficult projects are pricier.
Other Considerations And Costs
- If necessary, land-clearing and site-preparation typical to a residential scale project including manual and mechanical removal of shrubs, trees, stumps, and boulders will typically range in cost from $0.50 to $1.50 per sq. foot depending upon the amount and size of the material, and the off-site distance of material transport.
- Taxes and permit fees are not included.
- In freezing zones add $0.15 per sq. ft. to assure a winterizing drain-back layout.
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Ready To Call In The Pros
If the DIY approach is more than you want to tackle, or your lot is larger than a third of an acre , consider hiring a pro. Expect to pay $3,000-$4,000 to have an underground irrigation system installed on a ¼-acre lot. Aside from saving you a lot of work, a pro is going to get the job done quickly and with minimal disruption. Hell also come with knowledge of what design best suits local conditions.
Misting Sprinkler Head Price
The average price for misting or micro-sprinklers is $3 to $15. This style helps plants flourish with enhanced watering, particularly foliage that requires persistent low flow moisture. Homeowners with container or hanging plants often use misting sprinklers for consistent, controlled water just above the grounds surface. They easily fit onto the end of a hose to simplify the watering process. Most misters come with several small heads to provide 360 degrees of misting power.
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Cost Of Sprinkler System For 3/4 Acre
The average price of installing a new in-ground sprinkler system for ¾ acre home lawns is $6,530 to $9,800. More materials and labor are necessary to cover a spacious suburban lawn of this size. Contractors must ensure the system is properly zoned and installed in all areas, including gardens and open lawns. The price of ¾ acre sprinkler systems goes up as you add special features like rainwater harvesting and mobile connectivity.
Common Inclusions In Irrigation System Technicians
The main factor to impact the price comes to a variety of services. Irrigation systems may include some or all the following services
Different sprinkler and irrigation systems will include different services within their package and prices may vary accordingly. Depending on which services are included in the package you purchase, you might pay more or less than average.
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How A Lawn Sprinkler System Works
The “perfect lawn” is a bit of an American obsession. The Lawn Institute estimates that Americans spend around $6.4 billion each year on lawn care in an effort to ensure that the grass isn’t greener on the other side of the fence.
One major step towards the best lawn on the block is a sprinkler system. We’ve all seen water-spitting sprinkler heads, but these are just the visible portion of an irrigation system. The entire system consists of:
- The controller: a small computer that’s installed in the garage or other out-of-the-way place and controls the activation and timing of the sprinkler system.
- Valves: connected to the controller is a system of valves, set in underground, easy-to-access boxes, that open/close to release/stop water flowing through underground pipes to the sprinklers.
- Piping: PVC pipes buried 1-2 feet below the lawn’s surface carry water to the sprinklers heads.
- Sprinkler heads: Each sprinkler system “zone” has around 5-10 sprinkler heads that pop-up when activated and distribute water to the surrounding area.
What Is The Average Price Of An Irrigation System
- Sprinkler and drip systems vary in cost, but average $650-1000 per zone. Aesthetic Gardens in Mountain View, CA
Sprinkler System Price Estimates
- $1000 per zone: A general rule of thumb in residential or commercial landscapes is to charge $1000 per zone. This includes the line and irrigation heads for that given line, says Rick Evans of Aesthetic Gardens in Mountain View, CA.
- $900 per zone: Jeremy Walla of Aspen Ridge Lawn and Landscape in Rapid City, SD estimates $900 per zone. Of course, that can go up or down a little depending on the type of sprinkler heads used, he says.
Andy Villaescusa points out that with more zones, the cost per zone goes down. Thats because expenses like the timer, backflow preventer and water sensor only need to be purchased once.
Drip Irrigation System Price Estimates
- $300 per zone for a bare-bones drip system added to a sprinkler installation: Jeremy Walla of Aspen Ridge Lawn and Landscape in Rapid City, SD estimates it could be as low as $300 per zone, since youd simply be plugging into an existing timer and setup.
- $650-750 per zone for an average drip system with a varied planting, according to Andy Villaescusa of A-Plus Sprinkler and Landscape in Crestline, CA.
Factors which determine sprinkler costSize of the area. A large area will need more valves, sprinkler heads and pipe, all of which takes more labor to install.
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How Much Do Automatic Sprinklers Cost
A patchwork lawn with a number of isolated areas may need more sprinkler heads than a bigger lawn with wider areas to cover. However, a larger lawn may need bigger sprinkler heads to cover a bigger area. A smaller lawn may need smaller heads that are placed close together.
The goal is to pick the best sprinkler head to do the job. You dont want too much water in one place, and you dont want water that ends up on the sidewalk or driveway.
This is where an expert comes in. You need someone, such as one of the Sprinkler Doctors, who knows how to design a good system quickly and inexpensively. Ideally, this expert should have time to walk your lawn, take measurements and pictures, and customize the system.
Sprinkler System Timer Cost By Type
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. Installation costs are minimal and typically incorporated into your new sprinkler system with manual or electronic timers. However, if you are purchasing a high-level programmable sprinkler, you may pay between $40 and $100 for electrical work.
| Type of Timer |
|---|
| $100 – $300 |
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Repair & Maintenance Costs
If the system components are expensive, expect to pay a hefty price for repairs and maintenance. Youll also need seasonal maintenance from professionals to prevent water leaks and freezing.
Expect to deal with a few pest problems such as voles, moles, etc., that will damage your sprinkler systems if not controlled. Keep in mind that if the pests are not controlled, your water bill and repair costs will only go up.
How Much To Maintain A Sprinkler System
Maintaining a sprinkler system costs $50 to $150 per year to winterize, which prevents freeze damage and cracked pipes. Spring start-up service costs $75 to $160 per year, depending on the number of zones. Additional sprinkler maintenance may include:
- Sprinkler system repairs cost$120 to $350 on average.
- Sprinkler head replacement costs$65 to $90 for professional replacement or $2 to $12 per head for DIY.
- An annual backflow test costs $50 to $100 and is required in most states.
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Cost To Install Above
Labor costs for an above-ground sprinkler average $120 to $400. These sprinklers are generally affordable and require just a few hours of work to ensure everything is in the right place. Its much easier for sprinkler companies to set these sprinklers up because they dont need to do any digging, keeping labor costs and timelines down. The price may increase if you have a large lawn or add special features or additional services to this project.
Sprinkler System Installation Cost Factors
Every homeowner’s budget and property are different. Therefore, a professional installer will guide you through your particular yard requirements, including several factors that affect the cost of a sprinkler system installation.
- The number of zones. The number of zones needed to water your lawn adequately will depend on landscaping obstructions, non-organic obstructions like driveways and walkways, and the size and slope of your yard.
- Site preparation. Underground sprinkler system costs may be less if homeowners have the installation done before landscaping is done on new construction. Also, existing homes with landscaped yards in areas where the soil is more amenable to trenching will require less labor. Rocky and hard soils, as well as clay, can increase the labor hours associated with installation. The larger the yard, the more labor and materials needed to prepare for and complete the project.
- Obstructions. Several flower beds, trees, shrubs, bushes, and non-organic obstacles make mapping and planning the sprinkler system more complicated. Additionally, the obstructions require more zones and specialized sprinkler head risers , increasing the cost of the irrigation system.
- Lawn resodding. After the installation, your lawn needs to be repaired or resodded. The cost of resodding a lawn, in whole or in part, depending on the breed of grass chosen, carries material costs averaging $0.20 to $0.80 per sq. ft., with labor costs averaging $0.80 per sq. ft.
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Are You Ready To Install A Diy Lawn Irrigation System
Pros Cost-effective and allows you the flexibility of creating your own set-up. Also, youll know exactly how things are set up and working below the ground, which will help you to troubleshoot problems in the future.
Cons Risks of failures are increased and with that comes costly and time consuming repairs. Also, it can be very time consuming and will take away from other responsibilities. If you have a high-paying job the time you take away from work might cost you more than hiring a professional to install your sprinkler system.
Sprinkler System Cost By Head Type
One of the most complicated parts about planning out an irrigation system is deciding between all of the available heads. Generally speaking, there are two main types of sprinkler heads to choose from : in-ground and above-ground. While you may pay more for the installation of in-ground sprinkler heads, you avoid the need to water manually and can automate the whole process.
In addition to the type of system, the type of sprinkler head that you select can impact the total cost of your sprinkler system. The table below outlines your options and the average costs for each ranging from $1 to $35 per head. However, its important to note that the price of these heads is usually included in the overall cost of installation.
| Sprinkler Head Type |
| $49,200 |
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Home Irrigation System Cost Per Square Foot
Home sprinkler systems cost $0.50 to $2.00 per square foot or $2,000 to $4,000 for an average 10,000 square foot lawn. Prices per square foot decrease as the yard size increases. Yards with multiple zones or complex installations are priced at the higher end of the range.
Irrigation system cost calculator per square foot| Square feet |
|---|
*Price includes materials and professional installation.
- In-ground sprinkler systems are the most common and feature sprinkler heads connected to underground pipes.
- Drip irrigation distributes water directly to plants through tubing on the surface.
- Above-ground irrigation uses sprinklers connected to hoses on the surface and is typically a DIY project.
Ground Sprinkler System Costs
Even in areas that receive higher-than-average rainfall, the inconsistency of rain makes it necessary to manually water lawns and landscaping in order to keep them full and verdant. The alternative to time-consuming hand watering is a lawn sprinkler system. Not only will a sprinkler system save you time, but it also conserves water through its more efficient delivery system. Sprinkler system installation is cheaper than most homeowners think and DIY installation can save homeowners 30 to 40 percent over professional installation.
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Cost To Install A Lawn Irrigation System
These estimates are for BASIC work performed in serviceable conditions by qualified trade professionals using MID GRADE materials. Work not mentioned on this page and/or work using master craftsman, premium materials and project supervision will result in HIGHER COSTS! Explore the full range of sprinkler system new installation labor options and material prices here.
These estimates are NOT substitutes for written quotes from trade professionals. Homewyse strongly recommends that you contact reputable professionals for accurate assessments of work required and costs for your project – before making any decisions or commitments.
The cost estimate includes:
- Costs for local material / equipment delivery to and service provider transportation to and from the job site.
- Costs to prepare the worksite for Lawn Irrigation System Installation, including costs to protect existing structure, finishes, materials and components.
- Labor setup time, mobilization time and minimum hourly charges that are commonly included for small Lawn Irrigation System Installation jobs.
The cost estimate does NOT include:
How Much Does It Cost To Install Lawn Sprinklers
Both Key and Allen say the typical yard they deal with is about a quarter-acre in size and the sprinkler systems cost about $2,500 to $3,500 to install. Allen says the cost to install sprinklers on half-acre lawns runs $3,500 to $5,500, and one-acre properties cost $6,000 to $8,000.
Do I need to rototill before laying sod?
Its IMPORTANT to prepare your ground first before ordering. Your sod needs to be layed within 6-12 hours once youve received it. Rototill, rake debris, level surfaces and lay sod. Mow and rake off debris and put down a thin, good quality top soil before sodding.
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How To Cut The Cost Of Sprinkler Systems
Installing a sprinkler system is an investment in the grass, the curb appeal, and the value of the house, but its not inexpensive. Saving money is a major concern since it may cost as little as $400 on the low end and as much as $5,000 on the high end for a 14-acre lot.
Looking For Sprinkler Companies Near You
Once youve decided to go ahead with your choice of sprinkler system, you then need to determine if you will install it yourself or get a professional in.
Its possible to do it yourself, but this will take lots of time and work, with often complicated procedures required. It may also involve dealing with electrical systems and water, which is never a great mix, especially when youre not a professional.
A basic irrigation system may be simple to install if you get some mates round to help you out. However, DIY could also lead to mistakes that may cost more to correct in the long run.
With this in mind, most people will get a professional in, especially if you are looking at a state-of-the-art irrigation system. This will, of course, add labor costs to the price of installing a sprinkler system.
Now you need to figure out how to find a sprinkler system company near you who can do the job the way you want it done.
There are many irrigation system companies out there that will offer up their services, but you should get one thats reputable and, ideally, recommended. You also need to check out whether the sprinkler system cost is cheaper from them or an independent supplier.
Have a look online to find sprinkler system companies near you, and then look at their reviews and customer feedback. If you know someone thats used them before, speak to them to understand how they worked and the service that they offered.
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