How much does it cost to repair an irrigation system?
How much does it cost to repair an irrigation system?
$100 – $400 average repair cost
Average cost of irrigation repair
The average cost to repair an irrigation system is $100 to $400, depending on the problem and the repairs needed. Minor repairs, such as sprinkler head fixes or small leaks, can start as low as $50. Major repairs, including underground leaks or full rebuilds, can raise the cost of repairs to $600 or more.
| Repair category | Average repair cost | Common tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Minor repairs | $50 – $250 | Sprinkler head fixes; minor leaks; small wiring; simple valve replacement |
| Moderate repairs | $250 – $600 | Complex valve replacement; pipe patching; multi-zone diagnostics |
| Major repairs | $600+ | Underground mainline leaks; large zone rebuilds; controller replacement |
Cost to repair an irrigation system by project
Repairing your irrigation system can involve a wide variety of tasks with varying costs, depending on labor, parts, and difficulty. Sprinkler head replacement ranges from $65 to $90, electrical wiring repairs cost $60 to $100, and water pressure issues may cost $50 to $500 to fix.
The table below shows common irrigation system repairs and their average costs.
| Repair type | Average cost* |
|---|---|
| Sprinkler head replacement | $65 – $90 |
| Pipe leak repair | $150 – $400+ |
| Water pressure issues | $50 – $500 |
| Valve replacement | $125 – $225 |
| Backflow preventer repair | $150 – $500 |
| Backflow preventer replacement | $450 – $1,700 |
| Controller repair | $300 – $525 |
| Electrical wiring repair | $60 – $100 |
| Seasonal (winter) maintenance | $50 – $150 |
| Sprinkler system installation | $1,800 – $5,200 |
*Includes parts & labor
Many irrigation companies have a $50 to $150 minimum service charge, so bundle repair jobs when possible.
Sprinkler head replacement
Sprinkler head replacement costs $65 to $90 per head and is the most common sprinkler system repair. Broken or misaligned sprinkler heads cause patchy watering or water waste. A professional can replace the head or, for minor issues, clean or reset a clogged nozzle instead of doing a full swap.
Pipe leak repair
Pipe leak repairs cost $150 to $400 or more, depending on the severity and pipe location. If you see soggy spots or bubbling water in the yard, a tech will find the source, dig as needed, and replace any damaged pipe sections. Deeper or hard-to-reach leaks, or those under walkways, raise the cost further.
Water pressure issues
The cost to repair water pressure issues ranges from $50 to $500 depending on what needs fixing. Low or uneven water pressure can result from broken heads, clogged lines, malfunctioning valves, or even a faulty backflow preventer. Solving these problems can involve anything from cleaning lines to replacing faulty valves, helping keep watering balanced and consistent.
Valve replacement
Irrigation valve replacement costs $125 to $225 per valve for a simple replacement or up to $400+ for a complex project requiring extensive excavation. When irrigation zones do not open or close properly, a faulty valve is often the culprit. Technicians might replace just the electronic solenoid if it’s a minor problem, or swap the whole valve for more serious failures, especially in hard-to-reach clusters.
Backflow preventer repair and replacement
Backflow preventer replacement costs $450 to $1,700, while repairs cost $150 to $500. A backflow preventer is vital for preventing contaminated water from re-entering your home’s supply. Repair or replacement is often required after leaks or if the device fails an annual test.
Controller and wiring repairs
Controller repairs cost $300 to $525, and electrical wiring repairs are $60 to $100. These repairs cover problems like malfunctioning timers, non-responsive zones, or damaged wires, often caused by water intrusion or age. Simple rewiring is an inexpensive fix but replacing the full controller is more costly if it's outdated or storm-damaged.
Seasonal maintenance
Winterizing a sprinkler system costs $50 to $150. This process includes draining or blowing out water from the system, checking each sprinkler head, and preparing the system for freezing temperatures. Regular seasonal maintenance prevents winter damage and often helps avoid larger repair expenses down the road.
New sprinkler system installation
You may need to replace your sprinkler system if it has extensive age-related wear, frequent major leaks, or repeated component failures that make repairs no longer cost-effective. Installing a new sprinkler system costs $3,000 to $10,000 for a full system design and setup.
Irrigation system repair cost factors
Many factors influence what you’ll pay for sprinkler system repairs:
Extent of the problem: Major leaks or system-wide failures require more labor and materials, so costs rise with the complexity and severity of repairs.
Repair accessibility: Components that are buried deeper or located under pavers, driveways, or dense landscaping demand extra digging and time, increasing the bill.
Part quality and type: Opting for high-end parts, smart controllers, or extras like pressure regulators will add to your repair or replacement costs.
Labor rates: Local technician rates and availability vary by region, especially in areas where there is elevated demand during peak irrigation season.
System age and compatibility: Older sprinkler systems, or those with discontinued or uncommon components, may require more troubleshooting and effort to source compatible parts.
Seasonal timing: Emergency calls after hours or during the busy season, like spring, often come with a premium charge, compared to routine scheduled repairs.
Home size and landscape layout: Larger yards or intricate garden layouts can make diagnosing and accessing problems harder, meaning more time on site and higher repair costs.
Irrigation system repair FAQs
How do I know if my irrigation system needs repair?
You may need irrigation system repair if you notice dry patches, soggy areas, low water pressure, or sprinkler heads that don’t pop up or spray unevenly. Unexplained spikes in your water bill or zones that fail to turn on or off are also signs your system needs attention.
How long does an irrigation system last?
A well-maintained irrigation system can last 15 to 25 years, though individual parts like heads and valves may require replacement every few years. The lifespan depends on the material and installation quality, usage, and regular upkeep.
Who repairs irrigation systems?
Irrigation system repairs are handled by landscaping companies, licensed irrigation contractors, or sprinkler repair specialists. Many local lawn care services also offer repair and maintenance for residential systems.
Getting estimates from irrigation companies
Follow these steps to help you get accurate quotes from irrigation companies near you:
Request written estimates from 3 or more companies. Ask each company if estimates are free or if a separate charge applies.
Confirm the estimates detail both materials and labor so you can accurately compare offers.
Ask about any potential extra fees for labor, travel, or unforeseen problems before work starts.
Check company reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask about the warranty on parts and labor to understand future coverage.
Always confirm the company is licensed and insured for irrigation work to protect yourself and your property.
Questions to ask
Before hiring a company for irrigation repair, ask these questions to better understand the service, avoid unexpected costs, and ensure quality work:
What specific problem do you see with my irrigation system, and what is the likely cause?
Are there any other hidden issues I should be aware of with my system?
Will you show me exactly where repairs are needed and explain your recommended solution?
Can I get a detailed written estimate that includes labor, parts, and any possible additional fees?
Are the replacement parts new and compatible with my current system brand and model?
What kind of warranty or guarantee do you offer on the labor and replacement parts?
Is your company licensed and insured for irrigation work in my area?
Will any part of my landscaping need to be disturbed, and if so, how will that be repaired?
How soon can you schedule the repair, and how long will the job take?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.