How much does sprinkler head replacement cost?
How much does sprinkler head replacement cost?
$65 – $90 cost to replace each head (hiring a pro)
$2 – $12 price per head (DIY materials)
Sprinkler head replacement cost
Professional sprinkler head replacement costs $65 to $90 each on average. A new sprinkler head cots $2 to $12 per head for DIY replacements. The cost to install an additional sprinkler head is $90 and $110 each. Replacing or relocating sprinkler heads for an entire lawn costs $375 to $425.
| National Average Cost | $70 |
| Minimum Cost | $2 |
| Maximum Cost | $400 |
| Average Range | $65 to $90 |
Average cost to replace sprinkler heads
If your sprinkler heads are leaking or broken, the cost to replace or repair them is around $65 to $75 to hire a professional, or $3 to $6 each to do the repair yourself. Sprinkler head replacement costs depend on how many heads need replacing, the type of heads, and the labor cost.
Professional sprinkler head repair costs $65 to $90 each.
Sprinkler heads cost $2 to $12 each for DIY repairs.
Replacing all heads in the system costs $375 to $425.
Sprinkler head prices
The following table shows sprinkler head replacement costs by type:
| Head Type | Part Cost | Replacement Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Pop-Up 2” | $3 – $4 | $8 – $11 |
| Pop-Up 4”–6” | $2 – $5 | $8 – $11 |
| Pop-Up 8”–12” | $10 – $12 | $19 – $21 |
| Fixed | $7 – $11 | $12 – $16 |
| Rotating-Impact | $15 | $30 |
| Rotating-Gear Driven | $7 | $16 |
| Misting/Micro | $5 | $15 |
| Bubbler | $1 | $6 – $8 |
Sprinkler head types
Pop-up sprinkler heads
A pop-up sprinkler head costs $8 to $21 to install. These sprinklers stay at ground level until turned on, and then they pop up to spray water to irrigate your lawn.
When the water is turned off, or the timer shuts it down, the sprinkler goes back to ground level where it is unseen.
The safety and aesthetic benefits of pop-up heads are that lawnmowers can’t damage them and no one can trip over them.
Fixed-spray sprinkler heads
A fixed-spray sprinkler head costs $12 to $16 to install and provide a steady fan-shaped spray suitable for small lawns and low shrubs. These heads only spray in one direction.
Gear-driven sprinkler heads
A gear-driven sprinkler head costs $12 to $16 to install. These heads are quiet and powerful, perfect for medium to large residential lawns. These sprinklers are low-maintenance because the gears are inside the head and protected from mowing debris.
Flood sprinkler heads
A flood sprinkler head costs $8 to $11 to install. This sprinkler head is also called a "bubbler" and is best for small areas.
Provides a steady flow of water which soaks the ground.
Works well in the garden.
Shrub sprinkler heads
A shrub sprinkler head costs $6 to $8 to install. These heads are ideal for shrubbery and garden areas that need a variety of spray patterns for watering. Shrub sprinkler heads are mounted on extensions that raise them above the ground.
Rotary sprinkler heads
A rotary sprinkler head costs $12 to $16 to install. These heads shoot out water in a single stream as the head rotates so that water doesn’t pool in one place. This system delivers water slower than other heads.
Sprinkler head repair costs
Most sprinkler repairs involve some cleaning, and most sprinkler head replacement prices are low if they need replacing.
How much does sprinkler repair cost?
Sprinkler system repair costs $100 to $400 on average, depending on the problem.
Common fixes include:
A faulty valve costs $100 to $200 to repair.
Replacing a leaking sprinkler pipe is $35 to $80 per linear foot.
Sprinkler valve replacement costs $65 to $290.
A backflow preventer repair costs $200 to $600.
Best sprinkler system head types
The best sprinkler system head type depends on the individual lawn needs. Check with a professional sprinkler system installation company for personalized advice.
Common types include:
Pop-up heads – Pop-up heads are best for your lawn if the yard gets a lot of use.
Fixed-spray heads – Fixed-spray heads are useful if the yard is enjoyed by careful owners.
Gear-driven heads – Gear-driven heads don’t need much maintenance and are less likely to break.
Bubblers – Shrub heads and bubblers are great in flowerbeds and under shrubbery.
Rotary heads – These heads are useful in areas that need a lot of water in a targeted area.
How to replace a sprinkler head
Steps to change a sprinkler head include:
Clear the sod from around the head.
Grab the head with pliers and turn it to loosen the head from the riser.
Remove the head, including the canister.
Replace the sprinkler head with one of the same size.
Make sure no debris has fallen into the hole.
Screw the head into the riser.
Give the head a few small turns with the pliers to tighten it gently.
Flush or blow out the line in case any debris fell into the pipe while the old head was off.
Screw the new nozzle into the head.
How to adjust sprinkler heads
Adjusting a sprinkler head depends on the type. The general steps are:
Turn the sprinklers on.
Using a small, flat-head screwdriver, turn the adjustment screw counterclockwise to widen the spray pattern. Turn it clockwise to decrease the spray pattern.
Some sprinkler heads have adjustable clamps.
Refer to the sprinkler head manual for specific directions.
Sprinkler head replacement FAQs
How much does it cost to replace fire sprinkler heads?
Replacing a file sprinkler head costs $3 to $4 each on average. Schedule regular inspections with your fire sprinkler service provider to prevent expensive repairs.
How long do sprinkler heads last?
A sprinkler head lasts 15 to 20 years on average, depending on the quality and maintenance frequency.
How much does a sprinkler pump cost?
A new sprinkler pump costs $165 to $350 on average for the unit alone. The total cost depends on the brand, horsepower, and material.
How much does it cost to have your sprinkler system blowout?
Winterizing a sprinkler system costs $50 to $150 on average to blowout or drain up to 12 zones, plus $5 to $10 per additional zone. This service prevents water from freezing in the pipes and cracking them.
How much does it cost to maintain a sprinkler system?
Sprinkler system annual maintenance costs $150 to $400 on average. This service typically includes a spring startup, backflow testing, and winterizing.
Will I waste water using a sprinkler system?
You typically save water because the sprinkler system can be set up with timers to water for precisely the right length of time for your area.