What Is The Cost To Install A Sprinkler System?

The average cost of sprinkler system installation depends largely on the type of irrigation system you choose, the size of your lawn and the number of watering zones.

By Type

You can choose between two main types of sprinkler systems: above-ground or in-ground.

• Above-ground sprinkler systems: Cost between $1,500 and $3,500, depending on the size of your yard. These systems are much easier to install and maintain, but they are less attractive, pose a safety hazard (the hoses are above ground and easy to trip on) and are more susceptible to damage.
• In-ground sprinkler systems: Far more involved in terms of installation, with costs surpassing $10,000 for an acre—or considerably more if you have a larger property. While they have a high upfront cost, in-ground sprinkler systems can be more effective, are often automated and aren’t visible to guests.

Whether you choose above- or in-ground, you’ll need to winterize your sprinkler system if you live in a climate that could dip below freezing during the cold months.

By Lawn Size

Irrigation system installation costs range from 20 cents to $1 per square foot, but only small yards reach the high end of that range. In general, contractors offer lower prices per square foot for larger projects.

The table below breaks down potential costs for various yard sizes, but remember that the type of system you use can greatly impact your overall costs. A complex, multi-acre, in-ground irrigation system with smart technology, for example, may reach $20,000 or more.

By Number of Watering Zones

If you have a more complex landscape with different grasses and plants requiring differing amounts of water, you may divide your lawn into zones. Different zones allow you to water separate areas of your property according to their needs, but this also makes projects more complex.

A simple yard with a single zone may start as low as $1,000, but additional zones can add up—usually another $500 to $1,000 per zone.

In addition to the type of sprinkler, number of watering zones and size of your yard, these additional factors can determine the average irrigation system cost:

Number of Sprinkler Heads

Sprinkler heads range in price from $2 to $30 each. The more expensive sprinkler heads last longer, but project costs can climb quickly if your irrigation system requires a large number of sprinkler heads.

Location

The cost of living in your area will impact overall pricing for an irrigation system. Both labor rates and material prices are likely to be higher in coastal areas and cities. Labor rates typically range between $50 and $100 an hour and will be included within your overall quotes from contractors.

Permits

Most cities and states will require a permit for an irrigation system since you’ll be digging around your property. If you hire a contractor, they’ll handle the permit process, and the cost will likely be baked into their quote. But if you’re planning to DIY, you’ll need to handle the permit process yourself—and pay the fee when applying.

Soil Quality and Land Slope

If you live in an area with dense, rocky soil, labor costs may be higher for installing a sprinkler system, as it will take more time and effort—and potentially heavier machinery—to dig the necessary trenches for your irrigation system.

Further, if you live on a sloped yard, you may need to consider drainage solutions, like a French drain. Installing a French drain costs an average of $6,200.

Rotating vs. Stationary

Stationary sprinkler heads have multiple holes to spray water over a certain patch of grass, but, as the name implies, they cannot move. Rotating sprinkler heads (also called rotary sprinklers) can move and thus cover a larger portion of your yard; these also allow you to adjust the water pressure. Rotating sprinkler heads cost more upfront, however, and have more complex parts that could malfunction down the road.

When installing an irrigation system, you may run across these additional related costs:

Special Upgrades

The two main types of sprinkler systems are above- and in-ground, but you’ll have further choices to upgrade your system, including:

• Rainwater collection: In some locations, especially those affected by droughts, there may be restrictions on using water for your lawn. In these areas—or if you’d just like your system to be more eco-friendly—you can install a rainwater collection system, which captures and stores rainwater for watering your yard. These systems can add several thousands of dollars to your overall cost.
• Drip irrigation system: A drip irrigation system is a special in-ground sprinkler system that takes water directly to the roots. These systems are highly effective and make the most sense for flower beds and gardens, rather than entire lawns. Such systems can also add several thousand dollars to the price tag.

Landscape Design

If the installation of an irrigation system is part of a larger landscape project, you might be budgeting for additional landscaping costs, like landscape design, tree planting or even patio and deck building costs.

Installing a sprinkler system offers homeowners a number of advantages, but there are also pitfalls to consider.

Pros

Convenience

Properly watering your lawn and flowers takes a lot of work. Not only does it cut into your downtime, but it also requires you to plan ahead when you’re out of town. It also means you need to understand when to water your lawn and how long to water your lawn. With a professionally installed irrigation system, you won’t have to lift a finger—just set the system to water as instructed by a professional.

Cost Savings

If you don’t have the time or energy to water your grass—whether by hand or by strategically placing and then moving sprinklers around your yard—you may resort to hiring someone else to do the work, which is an ongoing cost.

Water Efficiency

Moving around one or two sprinklers attached to a hose is a decent interim solution for watering your grass, but over time, you’ll probably end up wasting water. When you have an irrigation system installed, a professional considers how much water each area of your yard needs. When properly installed and operated, an irrigation system can reduce the amount of water you use—and thus, lower your water bill.

Resale Value

An irrigation system ensures a beautiful-looking lawn, which can help with curb appeal when you list your home. Not only that, but some homeowners may be willing to pay more for a house that comes pre-installed with a sprinkler system.

Cons

Large Investment

The average irrigation system cost is $3,600, but it’s even higher if you have a lot of land. To unlock the convenience and potential cost savings associated with a sprinkler system, you’ve got to be willing to spend a lot of money upfront.

Landscaping Woes

If you care enough about your lawn to have an irrigation system installed, you might not be thrilled about the intrusive nature of installation. Professionals may have to tear up your lawn and garden to install the necessary pipes, which will leave your yard looking rough until grass can regrow.

Maintenance

A good irrigation system can last upwards of 20 years, but you’ll encounter maintenance and repair costs along the way. Leaks, frozen lines, tree roots and pest problems are some of the most likely candidates for issues you’ll encounter over the years. You’ll also have to replace the sprinkler heads themselves now and then.

In some communities, you may be required to hire a professional to complete your irrigation system installation because of the plumbing work involved.

Even if you aren’t required to hire a plumber or irrigation contractor to install your sprinkler system, it’s usually a good idea. The job requires a lot of specialized knowledge, complex math and back-breaking labor, especially when you have to dig trenches.

Looking for ways to save money on an irrigation system? The installation won’t be cheap, but there are a few ways to lower the price tag:

Focus on a Smaller Portion of Your Property

If you have several acres of property, consider only irrigating a smaller patch of your yard—the portion that you’ll use for entertaining guests, for example. You can consider letting the rest of your acreage grow naturally. Even if you have a smaller property, you could focus on an irrigation system specifically for your flower beds and handle watering the grass yourself.

Buy Budget-Friendly Sprinkler Heads

Sprinkler heads range in cost from $2 to $30 each. You can save a lot of money on large-scale projects by buying cheaper sprinkler heads. Just remember, you get what you pay for. While expensive sprinkler heads can last 10 or more years, you’ll typically have to replace budget models every few years.

Keep It Above Ground

In-ground sprinkler systems are less intrusive, more attractive and more effective. They’re also more expensive. You can cut costs by opting for an above-ground irrigation system.

To arrive at the average costs in this article, six suppliers and contractors and six cost databases were surveyed on national and local levels. All averaged figures were correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.