The national average sprinkler system repair cost is $250, with most homeowners paying $130 to $360 to have their sprinklers repaired. However, prices vary depending on the type of sprinkler system you have and the type of repair it needs. High-end repairs can cost $850 or more, and small repairs can cost as little as $70.
The total cost of a sprinkler repair includes the cost of labor, typically $55 – $120 an hour, and the cost of parts. Connectors are the least expensive parts ($1 – $9 each), and a backflow preventer is the most expensive ($200 – $1,0150).
Average sprinkler repair costs in 2024
| National average cost | $250 |
| Typical price range | $130 – $360 |
| Extreme low-end cost | $70 |
| Extreme high-end cost | $850 |
Sprinkler repair prices range from $130 to $360 on average. If you’re looking to save money on sprinkler repairs, and the repair isn’t urgent, you should wait until late fall to get the repair done. Also, above-ground system repairs are sometimes easy to do yourself, saving you the cost of labor fees.
Sprinkler repair cost estimator by hour
The average hourly labor cost for sprinkler repair service is $90. Most sprinkler repair professionals charge an hourly rate for labor plus the cost of parts. If the repairman has to travel far (or you’re outside his regular service area), you may also have to pay a travel fee. Please see the typical pricing per hour in the table below.
| Average hourly rate | $90 |
| Typical range | $55 – $120 |
| Extreme high-end rate | $250 |
Although most jobs cost $55 – $120 per hour, emergency calls outside regular business hours can cost as much as $250 per hour.
Most sprinkler repairs take less than two hours to complete. Please see the typical time it takes to complete common sprinkler repairs in the table below.
| Repair | Typical time to complete |
| Sprinkler head replacement | 1 hour or less |
| Wire repairs | 1 hour or less per linear foot |
| Valve replacement | 1 to 2 hours |
| Backflow preventer repair | 1 to 2 hours |
Other factors that affect cost
The cost of sprinkler system repairs depends on the following factors:
Type of irrigation system
Above-ground sprinkler systems are typically the least expensive to repair because the parts are easy to access. In contrast, in-ground systems usually take more time and equipment to repair, so they carry a higher price tag.
| System type | Typical repair cost |
| In-ground sprinklers | $100 – $490 |
| Above-ground sprinklers | $80 – $320 |
Sprinkler parts
The cost of parts impacts the cost of repairing residential sprinkler systems. The table below shows the typical prices of sprinkler parts.
| Sprinkler part | Typical cost |
| Backflow preventer | $200 – $1,050 |
| Connections | $1 – $9 |
| Sprinkler heads | $3 – $30 |
| Manifold | $80 – $200 |
| Polyethylene pipe | $0.45 – $1.30 (per linear foot) |
| Pump | $125 – $465 |
| PVC pipe | $1.30 – $3.90 (per linear foot) |
| Timer | $35 – $310 |
| Valve | $14 – $150 |
| Wiring | $0.50 – $1.90 (per linear foot) |
Type of repair
The cost of sprinkler repairs depends on the type of repair. See typical prices and learn more about each type of repair below.
Sprinkler head replacement
Sprinkler head replacement is the most common repair needed by homeowners. The typical cost of replacing broken sprinkler heads is between $60 and $110 and varies by head type and the cost of the nozzle. The table below shows the average cost of spray heads by head type.
| Type of sprinkler head | Typical cost to replace |
| Pop-up | $2 – $10 |
| Bubbler | $2 – $5 |
| Misting | $4 – $20 |
| Fixed spray | $2 – $15 |
| Gear-driven | $10 – $20 |
| Rotary | $5 -$20 |
| Shrub | $1 – $5 |
Sometimes, sprinkler heads can be fixed instead of replaced, and you’ll typically pay $55 to $120 for sprinkler head repair, with costs depending on how much time repairs take.
Broken sprinkler pipe
The average cost of repairing broken pipes is $150 – $370, where the actual price depends on the type of pipe, the cost of labor, and how long it takes to complete the repair:
- PVC pipes typically cost $1.30 – $3.90 per linear foot
- Polyethylene pipes usually cost $0.45 – $1.30 per linear foot
- Labor costs $55 – $120 per hour
Water pressure issues
Many homeowners experience issues with their irrigation system’s water pressure. The typical cost of repairing water pressure problems is $50 – $500. The price range is so wide due to the variety of causes that can lead to water pressure problems and the type of fix you might need.
High water pressure may be due to:
- Damaged valves
- Broken sprinkler heads
- Changes in landscape elevation
According to the EPA, high water pressure can cause uneven or over-watering. Therefore, they suggest installing pressure monitors between watering zones. Doing so will help the environment and improve the health of your lawn.
Low water pressure may be due to:
- Clogged sprinkler heads
- Leaks in the sprinkler line
- Faulty pump
- Backflow preventer value maladjustment
- Water supply issues
Oklahoma State University warns that low water pressure leads to inefficient irrigation and brown spots in your lawn. Therefore, monitoring water pressure and fixing any issues are essential for proper lawn care.
Faulty wiring
Expect to pay about $55 – $100 per linear foot of damaged wire. Faulty wires are usually fixable by a plumber, but some issues may require an electrician.
Sprinkler valve replacement
Sprinkler valve replacement costs $75 – $215. The repair job’s price depends on the cost of the valve ($14 – $150) and the time it takes to complete the job. Valve replacements typically take one to two hours.
Backflow preventer replacement
Replacing a backflow preventer is typically the most expensive repair, costing $280 – $1,550. This includes testing the system, purchasing a new backflow preventer, and the cost of labor.
A sprinkler’s backflow preventer is attached to its main water line, ensuring water only flows away from your home’s central water system. Your house’s water supply can become contaminated if backflow isn’t prevented.
Sprinkler maintenance
The best way to avoid costly sprinkler repairs is to keep up with regular maintenance. You can stay on top of your sprinkler maintenance checklist at home and call a repair pro when needed. Maintenance service calls cost $120 – $225 and may include:
- Cleaning clogged sprinkler heads
- Sprinkler inspections
- Winterizing the sprinklers
Season
Spring and summer are the busiest seasons for sprinkler maintenance specialists, thus also the most expensive time to get your system repaired. Conversely, late fall through winter is the most affordable time to get your sprinkler system repaired.
Ever wonder, “Why is my neighbor’s yard greener than mine?” The number one reason is that your neighbor properly waters their lawn. Here are some related services to help you keep your lawn hydrated and healthy:
- Sprinkler installation
- Sprinkler winterization
- Drip irrigation
- Rain barrel
Sprinkler system installation
Is it time to install a new sprinkler system? The average lifespan of a lawn sprinkler system is 20 years, and the average cost to install a new sprinkler system is $2,200 – $4,600. In addition, if an existing system needs to be removed, expect to pay $50 – $100 per hour for the labor.
| National average cost | $3,270 |
| Typical price range | $2,200 – $4,600 |
| Extreme low-end cost | $1,130 |
| Extreme high-end cost | $9,500 |
Sprinkler winterization
It is essential to winterize your sprinkler system if you live in a climate with freezing weather. Expect to pay $60 to $120 for a professional job, or you can learn how to winterize your sprinkler system. The cost of winterizing a sprinkler system is well worth it compared to the costly repairs and replacements you’ll need if you don’t.
| National average cost | $90 |
| Typical price range | $60 – $120 |
| Extreme low-end cost | $45 |
| Extreme high-end cost | $275 |
Drip irrigation
Residential drip irrigation systems typically cost $310 – $815 to install and are great for hydrating home gardens. With drip irrigation, more water goes to the plant’s roots, and less water hits the leaves and fruit. The slow and steady water distribution reduces the mold risk and conserves water. There are many other benefits to having drip irrigation.
| National average cost | $520 |
| Typical price range | $310 – $815 |
| Extreme low-end cost | $55 |
| Extreme high-end cost | $2,850 |
Rain barrel
Collecting rainwater in barrels to use in your irrigation system is a great way to conserve water, reducing your water bill expenditure. A typical rain barrel costs $120 – $160 and can hold up to 60 gallons of water.
| National average cost | $140 |
| Typical price range | $120 – $160 |
| Extreme low-end cost | $120 |
| Extreme high-end cost | $5,000 |
Lawn mowing
When done correctly, mowing ensures healthy, resilient grass that requires less water and keeps weeds at bay more easily. Professional mowing costs range from $36 to $105 per visit.
Pro cost vs. DIY cost
Repairing your own sprinklers will save labor costs ($55 – $120 per hour), but a licensed and insured specialist can properly identify and fix the issue. Pros have professional experience and equipment and often guarantee their work. The table below shows typical pro vs. DIY costs of replacing sprinkler parts.
| Replacement part | DIY Cost | Pro Cost |
| Backflow preventer | $220 – $950 | $280 – $1,550 |
| Sprinkler heads | $3 – $30 | $60 – $110 |
| Valve | $14 – $150 | $75 – $215 |
In-ground sprinkler repairs usually require a plumber specializing in sprinkler systems, but above-ground sprinkler repairs are a more doable DIY project. If your sprinkler system is having problems, see if you just need to adjust your sprinkler heads rather than repairing the whole system. Adjusting sprinkler heads is a very simple DIY repair task.
Cost of sprinkler repair by location
Your geographic location affects the cost of sprinkler repairs for the following reasons:
- Labor costs vary depending on the local cost of living, the availability of irrigation repair specialists, and the local labor demand.
- Soil type can affect the amount of time needed to repair in-ground systems. For example, sandy soil is much easier to break through than clay, so inground repairs in clay will take longer and may require special equipment.
- Parts availability varies by location. If the parts needed to repair your system are locally available, the repair will cost less than if parts are specially ordered.
FAQ
What is the average life of a sprinkler head?
High-end sprinkler heads normally last 10 to 15 years, but cheap sprinkler heads only last about two to three years. The heads of a fire sprinkler system should be replaced every five years.
How do you know if your sprinkler head is bad?
Signs of clogged or damaged sprinkler heads include:
- Low water pressure
- Excess spraying
- Popup head doesn’t pop up
- Visible physical damage
How often should a sprinkler system be serviced?
You should have a professional inspect your sprinklers at least once a year. Sprinkler inspections typically cost $110 – $250.
Call a professional
A properly functioning irrigation system is essential to the health of your lawn, and system malfunctions can significantly increase your water bill. Although some above-ground system repairs are manageable on your own, you should always call a professional for in-ground system repairs.
Find the best sprinkler repair company on LawnLove and ensure your lawn has the best irrigation system!
Note: LawnLove may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area or connecting you with Rain Bird sprinkler systems.
Main Photo by: Ricardo Bernardo | Flickr | CC BY-ND 2.0
