How much does a sprinkler system cost?
How much does a sprinkler system cost?
$0.50 – $2.50 average cost per square foot
$600 – $2,000 average cost per zone
$3,000 – $10,000 average total cost (1/4 acre)
Average sprinkler system cost
The cost to install a sprinkler system is $0.50 to $2.50 per square foot, $600 to $2,000 per zone, or $3,000 to $10,000 total on average for a 1/4-acre lawn. The total sprinkler system installation cost depends on the sprinkler type, number of zones, location, and project complexity.
The cost per square foot is highest for small yards and decreases as the project size increases. Contractors may charge different rates for lots over 5,000 square feet.
| Sprinkler system type | Average installed cost (per square foot) |
|---|---|
| Above-ground | $0.50 – $1.50 |
| Underground | $1.00 – $2.50 |
| Drip irrigation | $1.50 – $4.50 |
Above-ground sprinkler system
An above-ground sprinkler system costs $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot with installation and is the most budget-friendly option. Installation is less complex, and repairs are easier. These are ideal for smaller lawns and straightforward landscapes.
Underground sprinkler system
An in-ground sprinkler system costs $1.00 to $2.50 per square foot installed. Underground irrigation offers a streamlined, aesthetic look and is less prone to damage. However, these systems require more time and labor to trench and bury irrigation piping.
Trenching on its own costs $5 to $12 per linear foot, or $500 to $1,200 for an average-sized lawn, which would need around 100 linear feet.
Drip irrigation system
A drip irrigation system costs $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot or $300 to $1,200 per zone for above-ground drip lines. Drip irrigation suits gardens, beds, or specialty plantings. It can be costly compared to simple lawn sprinklers, making it best for small, high-value plots.
Cost to install lawn sprinkler system by zones
The cost to install an irrigation system depends on how many zones your landscaping needs. The average lawn needs 3 to 5 zones, which can have between 5 to 10 sprinkler heads each. Many installers use $1,000 per zone as a rule of thumb.
The sprinkler system zone's size is not fixed and depends on the water pressure, flow rate, terrain, and the type and number of sprinkler heads in the zone.
| Number of zones | Average installed cost |
|---|---|
| 1 | $600 – $2,000 |
| 2 | $1,200 – $4,000 |
| 3 | $1,800 – $6,000 |
| 4 | $2,400 – $8,000 |
| 5 | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| 6 | $3,600 – $12,000 |
| 7 | $4,200 – $14,000 |
Irrigation system cost for large lawns
If you have a large yard, contractors often charge lower per-square-foot rates the bigger the area is. The average cost per acre ranges from $8,000 to $20,000. The cost of a sprinkler system for 1/4 acre is $3,000 to $10,000, while a 1/2-acre costs $5,000 to $14,000.
| Acres | Square footage | Average installed cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1/8 | 5,445 | $2,000 – $7,000 |
| 1/4 | 10,890 | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| 1/2 | 21,790 | $5,000 – $14,000 |
| 1 | 43,560 | $8,000 – $20,000 |
The sprinkler system cost per acre varies based on the number of zones needed, shade, and climate. Lawns in mild climates with plenty of shade may not need as many zones or sprinkler heads. Landscaping in dry areas with lots of drought-vulnerable plants needs more.
Sprinkler system cost factors
Many factors affect the cost to install an irrigation system in your yard:
Lawn shape and difficulty: Irregular yards need more piping and zones. Rocky or sloped yards need more labor and possibly drainage solutions. Difficult projects may reach $4.00 per square foot.
Sprinkler head type: Stationary sprinkler heads cost less than oscillating, impulse, or rotating ones, but they cover less ground.
Automatic systems and upgrades: Rain sensors, Wi-Fi monitoring, and other features add $20 to $300 to the base cost.
Labor rates by region: Contractors in large cities often have higher labor rates due to the higher cost of living.
Backflow prevention: Backflow preventers keep contaminated water from re-entering your home's water supply. They are required in most areas for safety and code compliance. Backflow preventer installation costs $450 to $1,700, while repairs cost $150 to $500.
Old sprinkler removal: If you're removing an existing sprinkler system, the professional will likely charge an extra fee to dispose of it.
Permit and inspection fees: Always budget for city, HOA, or permit requirements. Some contractors obtain and pay for permits and include them in their estimate.
Repairs
Repairing a sprinkler system costs $100 to $400 on average, depending on what the problem is. Frozen or leaking pipes are the most common repairs, followed by broken sprinkler heads and faulty valves. Emergency repairs cost up to $150 to $300 per hour.
Sprinkler head replacement costs $65 to $90 per head. Broken sprinkler heads can cause patchy watering on your lawn or waste water. Sometimes, a professional can simply clean or reset a clogged nozzle instead of doing a full replacement.
Maintenance
Winterizing a sprinkler system costs $50 to $150 per year. This process prevents burst irrigation piping. It includes draining water from the sprinkler system, checking the sprinkler heads, and preparing the system for sub-freezing temperatures.
Sprinkler system FAQs
What is irrigation?
Irrigation refers to the artificial supply of water to plants or soil through pipes, sprinklers, or other systems. Its purpose is to help maintain lawns, gardens, landscaping, and crops where rainfall is insufficient or inconsistent.
How many sprinkler heads per zone do I need?
Most lawn irrigation zones feature 5 to 10 sprinkler heads, depending on the type, brand, and shape of each area. Rotary heads may cover more space, so you'll need fewer per zone compared to stationary types.
How does a sprinkler system work?
A sprinkler system distributes water through a network of pipes and valves arranged in zones. Each zone serves a distinct area of the yard. The controller regulates when and how long each zone operates, ensuring even, targeted watering to maintain a healthy landscape.
How long do I run sprinklers?
Most lawns need 1 inch of water per week, which translates to 2 hours total per week, split into 15- to 30-minute sessions throughout the week. However, the ideal runtime depends on the local weather, soil type, and system design.
Many experts recommend 1 to 2 weekly deep waterings that soak the root zone, with run times adjusted seasonally to avoid overwatering or water waste.
Getting estimates for sprinkler system installation
Follow these steps to get accurate quotes from sprinkler installers near you:
Request written and itemized estimates from at least three licensed contractors.
Share your yard's dimensions and any known challenges, such as rocky soil or slopes.
Check company reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask about add-on features during the estimate process so they don't miss anything.
Confirm what's included in the quoted price (labor, materials, cleanup).
Questions to ask sprinkler installers
Before moving forward, ask these questions to make sure your project goes smoothly:
How many years have you been in business installing irrigation systems?
What licenses and insurance do you carry? Can I see proof?
Will you handle the required permits and inspections?
What's the expected project timeline?
Does your timeline include seeding or sod?
Are there any extra fees not listed in the bid?
What systems or brands do you recommend?
What warranties do you offer?
Have you worked with my HOA or in my neighborhood before?
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.