How much does sprinkler system repair cost?
Ashburn, VA

How much does sprinkler system repair cost?

Ashburn, VA

How much does sprinkler system repair cost?

$100 – $400 average total cost

Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:

$100 – $400 average total cost


Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:
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Jennifer Carlson
Written by
Jennifer Carlson
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Sarah Noel
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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.

Average cost to repair a sprinkler system - chart
Average cost to repair a sprinkler system - chart
Average cost to repair a sprinkler system
National Average Cost $250
Minimum Cost $80
Maximum Cost $900
Average Range $100 to $400

A new orange sprinkler system head
A new orange sprinkler system head
Get free estimates from sprinkler repair services near you.

Sprinkler system repair cost by type

The following table shows the average cost of common sprinkler repair jobs:

Sprinkler system repair cost by type
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:

Sprinkler head replacement cost 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

Close-up of a sprinkler system head spraying water
Close-up of a sprinkler system head spraying water

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.

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.

A sprinkler system repair technician working on a sprinkler head
A sprinkler system repair technician working on a sprinkler head

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:

Cost of sprinkler parts by type
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.

Get free estimates from sprinkler repair services near you.

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?