How much does sprinkler system repair cost?
How much does sprinkler system repair cost?
$100 – $400 average total cost
Cost to repair a sprinkler system
Sprinkler system repair costs $100 to $400 on average, depending on the problem and parts needed. Common repair jobs include frozen or leaking pipes, broken sprinkler heads, and faulty valves. Sprinkler repair labor rates are $50 to $100 per hour or up to $150 to $300 per hour for emergency calls.
| National Average Cost | $250 |
| Minimum Cost | $80 |
| Maximum Cost | $900 |
| Average Range | $100 to $400 |
Sprinkler system repair cost by type
The following table shows the average cost of common sprinkler repair jobs:
| Repair type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Sprinkler head replacement | $65 – $90 |
| Broken sprinkler pipe | $150 – $400 |
| Water pressure issues | $50 – $500 |
| Damaged wiring | $60 – $100 |
| Sprinkler valve replacement | $70 – $300 |
| Backflow preventer replacement | $450 – $1,700 |
Sprinkler head repair or replacement
Sprinkler head replacement costs $65 to $90 per head on average and is the most common sprinkler repair type. The cost to replace them varies by type:
| Type of sprinkler head | Average replacement cost |
|---|---|
| Pop-up | $50 – $100 |
| Bubbler | $60 – $70 |
| Misting | $55 – $80 |
| Fixed spray | $60 – $100 |
| Gear-driven | $60 – $110 |
| Rotary | $65 – $120 |
Broken sprinkler pipe
Repairing broken sprinkler pipes costs $150 to $400, depending on the type of pipe, labor fees, severity of the problem, and how long it takes to complete the repair. Major leaks that have been going on for a long time cost more to fix than small breaks caught early on.
Water pressure issues
Repairing water pressure issues typically costs $50 to $500. High water pressure comes from broken valves, damaged sprinkler heads, or steep slopes in landscaping. Low water pressure is a result of leaks, clogs, faulty pumps, or a malfunctioning backflow preventer.
Damaged wiring
Replacing damaged sprinkler-system wiring costs $60 to $100, depending on the length. This job may include replacing the solenoid, which connects the sprinkler to its controller and regulates water pressure.
The sprinkler technician or plumber may be able to solve issues with wiring. Otherwise, an electrician charges $50 to $130 per hour on average.
Sprinkler valve replacement
Sprinkler valve replacement costs $70 to $300, depending on the part prices and how long it takes to complete the job. Replacing a sprinkler valve typically takes 1 to 2 hours.
Backflow preventer replacement
Replacing a backflow preventer costs $450 to $1,700 and is the most expensive sprinkler repair job. A backflow preventer attaches to the main water line and ensures water flows away from your home, which prevents contamination.
Many irrigation companies have a $50 to $150 minimum service charge, so bundle repair jobs when possible.
Sprinkler system repair cost factors
The following factors influence the final repair cost:
In-ground vs. above-ground – In-ground sprinkler systems are typically harder and cost more to repair. Above-ground sprinkler systems are easier to access and cheaper to repair.
Soil type – Ground conditions affect the time and effort needed to repair in-ground sprinkler systems. Sandy or loamy soils are easier to break through than clay.
Maintenance – Sprinkler maintenance calls cost $80 to $180 for a general inspection, cleaning, and tune-up. Maintenance visits are the best way to avoid expensive sprinkler repairs.
Winterizing the pipes – Winterizing a sprinkler system costs $50 to $150 or $140 to $400 per year for a plan that includes winterizing, tune-ups, and spring startups. Draining your sprinkler system before the first big freeze prevents pipes from bursting.
Time of year – Sprinkler specialists are busiest in spring and summer, so projects done in fall and winter may be more affordable. However, it’s best not to wait if your system needs repairs.
New sprinkler system – Installing a new sprinkler system costs $1,800 to $5,200 on average, depending on the size of your lawn and whether the pipes are in-ground or above-ground.
Drip irrigation – A drip irrigation system costs $300 to $1,200 per zone and suits residential gardens or plants with different watering needs than grass.
Landscaping – For fixing up your yard after a sprinkler system repair, landscaping costs $4 to $12 per square foot or $50 to $100 per hour.
Labor
Most sprinkler repair jobs cost $50 to $100 per hour. Emergency service calls outside business hours cost up to $150 to $300 per hour. Most sprinkler repairs take about 1 to 2 hours to complete.
Sprinkler parts
The type of repair job and part fees will impact the cost of the repair. The following table shows the typical prices of sprinkler parts:
| Sprinkler part | Average material cost only |
|---|---|
| Backflow preventer | $400 – $1,400 |
| Connections | $1 – $10 |
| Sprinkler heads | $3 – $30 |
| Manifold | $70 – $200 |
| Pump | $100 – $300 |
| Timer | $40 – $400 |
| Valve | $15 – $150 |
| Polyethylene pipe | $0.50 – $5.00 per linear foot |
| PVC pipe | $0.50 – $5.00 per linear foot |
| Wiring | $0.50 – $3.00 per linear foot |
Sprinkler system repair FAQs
How do I know if my sprinkler system needs a repair?
Your sprinkler system may need a repair if it displays any of these signs:
Low water pressure
Excessive spraying
High water bills
Pooling water
Soggy or muddy spots in your lawn
Pop-up heads don’t come up
Visible physical damage
How long do sprinkler systems last?
Most sprinkler systems last 15 to 25 years when properly maintained. Sprinkler heads last 10 to 15 years for high-end parts or 2 to 3 years for basic or cheap parts.
Who can repair sprinkler systems?
You can get help repairing your sprinkler system from any of the following contractors:
Plumbers with sprinkler experience
Irrigation companies
Landscaping companies
Professional sprinkler-repair technicians
Can I DIY a sprinkler repair job?
Repairing your own sprinkler system can save you money in labor costs, but specialists have the experience and equipment to work faster and often guarantee their work. Above-ground sprinkler repairs are easier than in-ground repairs, which usually require a plumber or technician.
Check to see if you can solve the problem with a simple sprinkler-head adjustment before paying to repair the whole system. Adjusting sprinkler heads is a straightforward DIY task.
Getting estimates from sprinkler repair services
Before hiring sprinkler-system repair services near you, consider these steps:
Get 3+ quotes from different companies.
Ask about their experience and qualifications.
Request references or pictures from past repair jobs.
Read their company reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Be careful of the cheapest quotes that can indicate low-quality service.
Don’t pay in full until the repair job is complete.
Questions to ask sprinkler-system repair technicians
Ask sprinkler repair technicians these questions before hiring them:
How long have you worked in the sprinkler repair business?
Is your company licensed, bonded, and insured?
Do you have any testimonials from clients?
Will you give me a free estimate for the repair?
What caused these damages to my sprinklers, and how can I prevent it in the future?
Do you charge a flat rate or hourly fee?
Are discounts available if I get an annual landscaping maintenance plan?
Do you charge a minimum service fee?
Can I get any warranties?
When will you be available to do the repair?
How long will it take to fix this?
Can you walk me through your process?
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.