The cost of sprinkler system repair varies depending on the type of repair needed. The most common repair is sprinkler head replacement, which costs $59 to $150. Meanwhile, a more labor-intensive procedure like replacing a backflow preventer costs $356 to $1,354.
How much you pay for a sprinkler repair also depends on how long it takes to accomplish. Pros charge $56 to $115 per hour of work, plus a travel fee if applicable.
Where we get our data: These prices are based on sprinkler repair costs in big metros and smaller cities in the U.S. Your pro might give you a different estimate based on the type of issue, price of sprinkler parts, and your location.
Cost by location
You can get an idea of how much sprinkler repair costs in your area by looking at a similarly sized city below. However, you will get the most accurate prices by contacting a local Lawn Love pro for a quote.
| City | Cost (including labor and materials) |
| Northeast U.S. | |
| Jersey City, NJ | $93 – $598 |
| Harrisburg, PA | $108 – $552 |
| Southeast U.S. | |
| Jacksonville, FL | $85 – $486 |
| Wilmington, NC | $73 – $416 |
| Midwest U.S. | |
| Minneapolis, MN | $79 – $475 |
| Grandview, MO | $73 – $586 |
| Northwest U.S. | |
| Seattle, WA | $103 – $648 |
| Rexburg, ID | $72 – $439 |
| Southwest U.S. | |
| Sedona, AZ | $78 – $475 |
| Houston, TX | $89 – $512 |
| San Diego, CA | $99 – $723 |
The lower end cost is for sprinkler head replacement, while the higher end cost is for backflow preventer replacement. These figures include labor and materials.
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 the parts are specially ordered.
Cost by type of issue
The cost of repairing your sprinkler system varies based on the problem. Some issues take more time to repair or require more expensive parts, so they have a higher cost. Here are some typical price ranges for common sprinkler repairs, including labor and materials:
| Type of issue | Typical repair cost |
| Sprinkler head replacement | $59 – $150 |
| Broken pipe | $125 – $400 |
| Water pressure issues | $50 – $500 |
| Faulty wiring | $60 – $100 |
| Valve replacement | $69 – $371 |
| Backflow preventer replacement | $256 – $572 |
Sprinkler head replacement
Sprinkler head replacement is the most common repair for homeowners. The typical cost of replacing a broken sprinkler head is between $59 and $150 and varies by the type of head and the cost of the nozzle.
Sometimes, sprinkler heads can be fixed instead of replaced. This is an option for minor sprinkler issues like clogged nozzles and tilted heads. You’ll typically pay $56 to $115, depending on how much time repairs take.
Broken pipe
The average cost of repairing a broken pipe is $125 to $400, depending on the type of pipe, how much of it has to be replaced, and how long it takes to complete the repair.
- PVC pipes typically cost $0.84 to $7.62 per linear foot
- Polyethylene pipes usually cost $0.25 to $1.75 per linear foot
- Swing pipes cost an average of $0.30 to $0.90 per linear foot
- Labor costs $56 to $115 per hour
Broken pipes are often caused by water left in the pipes turning into ice during the winter. Water expands when it freezes, which can cause the pipes to burst. To prevent this from happening, it’s important to winterize your sprinklers. Professional sprinkler winterization costs $60 to $120.
Water pressure issues
The typical cost of repairing water pressure problems is $50 to $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.
Issues with high water pressure are due to damaged valves, broken sprinkler heads, and changes in landscape elevation. Low water pressure stems from clogged sprinkler heads, leaks in the sprinkler line, a faulty pump, backflow preventer valve maladjustment, and water supply issues.
Faulty wiring
Most in-ground sprinkler systems are controlled by electronic panels. Expect to pay about $60 to $100 to repair wire issues, depending on how much wire needs to be repaired. Faulty wires are usually fixable by a plumber, but some issues may require an electrician, which costs $50 to $115 per hour.
Sprinkler valve replacement
Sprinkler valve replacement costs $69 to $371. The repair job’s price depends on the cost of the valve ($10 to $141) 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 $356 to $1,354. This includes testing the system, purchasing a new backflow preventer, and the cost of labor.
Cost of labor
The average hourly labor cost for sprinkler repair is $86. If the repairman has to travel far (or you’re outside his regular service area), you may also have to pay a travel fee. Emergency calls outside regular business hours can incur an additional cost of $100 to $200.
| Average hourly rate | $86 |
| Typical labor cost range | $56 – $115 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.
| Type of repair | Typical time to complete |
| Sprinkler head replacement | 10 to 30 minutes per head, depending on accessibility and type |
| Broken pipe | 1 to 4 hours, depending on depth, location, and extent of damage |
| Water pressure issues | 1 to 3 hours for diagnosis and basic fixes; complex issues may take longer |
| Faulty wiring | 1 to 3 hours, depending on troubleshooting complexity and accessibility |
| Valve replacement | 30 minutes to 2 hours per valve |
| Backflow preventer | 1 to 3 hours (varies based on size and complexity) |
My tip: Time your sprinkler repairs during late fall and winter. These are off-seasons with less work for irrigation pros, so they’re likely going to charge lower rates or offer discounts to attract customers. Spring and summer are busier times of the year with higher prices.
Cost of sprinkler parts
The cost of parts significantly 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 – $342 |
| Connections | $1.50 – $9 |
| Manifold | $80 – $181 |
| Polyethylene pipe | $0.25 – $1.75 per linear foot |
| PVC pipe | $0.85 – $7.65 per linear foot |
| Swing pipe | $0.30 – $0.90 per linear foot |
| Pump | $113 – $650 |
| Sprinkler head | $3 – $35 |
| Timer | $60 – $349 |
| Valve and valve box | $10 – $141 |
| Wiring | $1 – $8 per linear foot |
Backflow preventers protect your water supply from contamination from fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals. They prevent water in the sprinkler system from going back into the water supply, which can happen if the pressure in the supply is lower than in the system.
Connections hold your sprinkler system’s pipes together. A manifold, on the other hand, is a pipe with many forks that connects your water supply to your sprinkler heads.
Pipes are either made of PVC or polyethylene. PVC piping, specifically Schedule 40 or 160 psi pressure-rated (PR160) pipes, is more common in the South. Polyethylene pipes are popular in the North because they expand so water can freeze without damaging them.
Of the two, PVC pipes are easier to repair and install. However, they have one major flaw: They will break if one of the sprinkler heads connected to them gets run over or otherwise bent. You’ll need a swing pipe, which is a flexible pipe that connects a sprinkler head to a PVC pipe. It won’t break if the sprinkler it’s attached to shifts.
Pumps draw water from your water source into the system. They also maintain water pressure within the sprinkler system.
Timers automate a sprinkler system by letting it run during set times.
Valves control the water flow to the different water zones in your sprinkler system and are controlled by solenoids. They’re housed inside a valve box.
Wires transmit signals from your sprinkler system’s timer to the solenoids, which let the valves open and close.
DIY cost vs. professional sprinkler repair cost
| Replacement part | Pro cost | DIY cost | Savings |
| Backflow preventer | $350 – $1,350 | $256 – $572 | $94 – $778 |
| Sprinkler head | $59 – $150 | $35 – $67 | $24 – $83 |
| Valve | $69 – $370 | $88 – $219 | $0 – $152 |
These costs include the replacement part, tools, and materials needed to do the repairs, and we’re assuming that you don’t have any of them. Repairing your sprinkler system DIY may cost less if you already have the tools for this project.
Repairing your own sprinklers will save labor costs ($56 to $115 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.
In-ground sprinkler repairs usually require a plumber specializing in sprinkler systems. 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 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 $107 to $211 and may include cleaning clogged sprinkler heads, sprinkler inspections, and winterizing sprinklers.
FAQ
Lawn sprinkler systems typically last around 20 years, but up to 25 with continued maintenance. Additionally, a sprinkler system is more likely to have a longer lifespan if its parts are high-quality.
It depends. It’s wise to replace your sprinkler system instead of repairing it if total replacement costs less than repairs. At that point, your sprinkler system may be getting old, and you’ll likely need more repairs as time goes on.
The cost of sprinkler installation is $0.28 to $0.47 per square foot, plus a labor fee of $50 to $100 per hour to remove your old system.
In general, sprinkler systems are easy to maintain. Most sprinkler maintenance tasks, such as adjusting the sprinkler heads and performing a sprinkler audit, are done once or twice a year. At most, you’ll need to check your sprinklers for leaks just once a month.
Hire lawn care pros for a healthy yard
Having a working sprinkler system takes you a step closer to a lush lawn. Get much closer to the yard of your dreams today by hiring Lawn Love’s capable pros, who can mow your grass, fertilize your plants, and control weeds.
Sources:
- “Fast and Easy Backflow preventer repair. Ball Valve replacement.” By Fast Fix. YouTube.
- “Home Sprinkler Systems: Backflow Prevention Devices – 4.714.” By C.E. Swift, former horticulture extension agent, Michael Higgins, manager of Grand Junction Pipe & Supply, CO, and Kurt Jones, extension agent. Colorado State University Extension.
- “Landscape Irrigation Equipment Part 8: Piping.” Bryan Smith, area extension agent. Clemson Cooperative Extension Home & Garden Information Center.
- “Common Sprinkler System Issues.” City of Fort Collins Utilities.
- “Relieve Pressure and Reduce Water Waste From Spray Sprinklers.” United States Environmental Protection Agency.
- “Managing Pressure in the Home Irrigation System.” By Kevin Moore, extension associate, and Justine Quetone Moss, research and extension specialist. Oklahoma State University Extension.
Main Photo Credit: MichaelVi / Adobe Stock Free / License
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