Sprinkler system repair costs $100 to $400 on average or $40 to $100 per hour. Replacing sprinkler heads costs $65 to $90 each. Repairing a malfunctioning sprinkler system valve costs $70 to $300, and broken pipes cost $150 to $400 to replace.

Call a sprinkler repair service when you notice any of the following: 

• There's low water pressure.
• If water bubbles up near the sprinkler heads.
• There are leaking pipes.
• You notice higher water bills or pooling water.
• The sprinkler system controller is malfunctioning.
• Any sprinkler heads won't pop up.

Most sprinkler systems can last 15 to 25 years when properly maintained. Sprinkler heads last 10 to 15 years for high-end parts, or around 2 to 3 years for basic or cheap parts.

Sprinkler companies, irrigation services, landscapers, and some plumbers repair sprinkler systems. Get free estimates for sprinkler service on HomeGuide.

When one sprinkler zone has low water pressure, there's usually a leak in the zone's line, a leak at a nozzle or sprinkler head, or the backflow preventer valves are not entirely open. Fixing low water pressure may require increasing the main line size, lowering the sprinkler head operating pressure, increasing the backflow preventer's size, or adding a booster pump.

Sprinker heads won't pop up due to these problems:

• The sprinkler head is broken.
• There's cracked casings or broken plastic pieces.
• The sprinkler head is clogged with dirt, sand, or debris.
• There are leaks in the water line.
• There's low water pressure.

Start by searching our list of irrigation repair services, then compare reviews and costs. After finding and contacting potential services:

• Tell them about your sprinkler problem and request free estimates from at least three sprinkler services to compare.
• Ask for recommendations from family, friends, and neighbors.
• Select companies that are licensed, insured, and certified.
• Read reviews and check out their previous work on HomeGuide and Google.
• Look for professionals with certifications from The Irrigation Association or the EPA Water Sense Program to ensure the most up-to-date standards.
• Ask about their warranties and guarantees.
• Ask for a full itemized estimate in writing.
• Avoid making large payments upfront. Come up with a payment schedule for work completed.

After asking questions and verifying their credentials, hire the best sprinkler service in your area.

When hiring someone for irrigation repair, ask them the following questions:

• How long have you been in business?
• How many similar projects have you completed?
• Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
• Are you certified with the Irrigation Association or the EPA Water Sense Program?
• Can you provide testimonials and references from past customers?
• Are there any potential complications you foresee with this project?
• How long will the project take?
• Is my sprinkler system water-efficient?
• What will you do to make sure my system runs at peak efficiency?
• What does your warranty policy include?
• Can you provide me a written estimate or contract with a breakdown of all costs?
• What’s your payment schedule?
• What do I need to provide to get started?