A lawn sprinkler system costs $2,539 on average and can range from $0.20 to $1 per square foot of coverage. A sprinkler system can add to your home’s value and marketability, but may not recoup all installation costs..
Though installing a sprinkler system doesn’t guarantee a higher home value, an automated watering system can improve your lawn’s health and aesthetics, save you time holding a hose, and potentially cut costs.
Pros and cons of a sprinkler system
Pros
Keeps lawn consistently watered
Automation reduces mental load for home upkeep
Could save water compared to watering less strategically
Cons
Additional upfront expense compared to manual watering with a hose
May need maintenance over time, which adds to the overall cost
Could waste water if automated and not adjusted for rainfall
How much does a sprinkler system cost?
In-ground sprinkler systems rely on a combination of sprinkler heads, valves, pipes and controllers to efficiently water your lawn. Two main factors can determine your system’s cost:
1. Sprinkler heads: $2.50 to $40 each. Sprinkler heads can be stationary or rotary (rotating to provide fuller coverage) and can perform additional functions, such as misting and bubbling.
2. Sprinker zones: $600 to $2,000 per zone. A sprinkler system activates certain heads at a given time based on available water pressure and the total number of heads required to cover the entire lawn. Your installer will propose a system design that divides the lawn into zones. Each zone includes a group of sprinkler heads that can be active at a given time.
Sprinker system cost by irrigation method
Alternative watering systems may require less equipment and monitoring, because they can disperse water slowly without having to calibrate to available water pressure like a traditional system.
Automatic sprinkler system
Operates automatically with an electronic panel for scheduling.
Underground sprinkler system
Uses hidden trenches on an automatic timer for a seamless look.
Rainwater collection system
Collects and distributes rainwater for more eco-friendly watering.
Low-flow drip lines above or below ground distribute water efficiently for large lawns.
Labor and installation cost
Professional labor and installation typically cost between $50 and $100 an hour. Installation takes an average of four hours for a quarter-acre lawn. Installation may also involve the following costs:
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Trench digging: $4 to $12 per linear foot.
🤓Nerdy Tip
Sprinkler system installation quotes can vary widely, and some jurisdictions have minimal inspections and requirements. As with other home improvement projects, get multiple quotes and check reviews or ask for testimonials.
When installing a sprinkler system, you may also need to consider costs like:
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Wi-Fi capacity. Controlling your sprinklers via an application or other remote device can cost an additional $50 to $300.
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Rocky or hardpan soil. If your soil is particularly hard to work with, it can raise installation costs as much as $0.40 per linear foot.
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Winterizing. If you live in a colder climate, you may need a professional to manually drain your sprinkler system before winter. This job typically costs $50 to $230 per year.
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Soil and rain sensors. If your yard is sloped, sensors that cut off your sprinklers when the soil is fully saturated can help prevent flooding. These sensors cost $25 to $50 per sensor on average.
What Reddit users say about sprinkler systems
Reddit, an online forum where users share their experiences and perspectives on various topics, has become a popular resource for anecdotal information about home improvement, including the financial aspects. We reviewed relevant Reddit threads to understand some broad trends in what anonymous users are saying about their sprinkler system installation costs. Because of the anonymity, these aren’t aggregated data points or verifiable outside of the Reddit site.
Reddit users suggest asking how pressure and flow rate will impact your sprinkler system when getting quotes from professionals. Users report that lower pressure increases the number of zones a sprinkler system needs, which can raise the cost of delivering water to all parts of your lawn. Low pressure typically means sprinkler heads have to be closer together to evenly distribute water across the entire lawn.
Reddit users also warn that a sprinkler system may not significantly increase your home’s value. While some markets and individual buyers highly value a sprinkler system when purchasing a home, appraisers on Reddit say that houses in a single subdivision often sell for similar amounts, both with and without a sprinkler system.
Frequently asked questions
Can I DIY a sprinkler system installation?
Yes, you can install a sprinkler system yourself with a DIY sprinkler system kit. DIY installation works best for simple, small, and flat lawns. Larger, more sloped yards may benefit from the calculations that professional installers use to ensure correct coverage and account for water pressure. Make sure you follow local permitting and digging rules if you opt to DIY.
How can I cut costs on a new sprinkler system?
One way to keep costs manageable is to purchase a system with low-cost components, including simple sprinkler heads with no extra features. If you’re not going to DIY entirely, you can talk to the professionals creating your quotes about whether and how you could partially DIY the system, including getting your own permits and digging trenches yourself.
