The average cost of sprinkler system installation is $3,270, with most Americans paying $2,200 – $4,600. Lawn size and sprinkler system type are the most influential cost factors, and you should expect to pay $0.20 – $1 per square foot of yard.
Sprinkler systems are a great way to reduce water usage, boost curb appeal, and effortlessly manage your lawn’s watering needs. Read on to get the lowdown on sprinkler system pricing, including money-saving tips.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- Average costs
- Cost estimator by size
- Other factors that affect cost
- Related services
- Pro cost vs. DIY cost
- Cost by location
- FAQ
Average sprinkler system costs in 2024
| National average cost | $3,270 |
| Typical price range | $2,200 – $4,600 |
| Extreme low-end cost | $1,130 |
| Extreme high-end cost | $12,600 |
Our data is based on the typical American yard, which is ⅛ acre – ½ acre, with the average lawn size being a quarter acre. If you’re on a small budget and want your costs to be close to the extreme low end, consider a stationary above-ground system.
Sprinkler system cost estimator by lawn size
The size of your lawn plays a massive role in sprinkler system costs, so expect to pay about $0.20 – $1 per square foot of yard. The price accounts for more sprinkler heads, tubes, piping, and labor.
Please see estimated prices by lawn size in the table below.
| Lawn size | Typical sprinkler system cost |
| 5,000 sq. ft. | $1,390 – $3,000 |
| 10,000 sq. ft. | $2,200 – $4,700 |
| 20,000 sq. ft. | $4,100 – $7,800 |
| 40,000 sq. ft. | $7,200 – $12,600 |
Also, keep in mind that the average American yard is about 10,000 square feet, and per-square-foot costs typically decrease as yard size increases. You’ll typically pay more in the $0.60 and $1 per square foot range for small projects under 4,000 square feet, while for installations over 10,000 square feet the price per square foot decreases.
Other factors that affect cost
To accurately estimate the cost of a new sprinkler system, you must also look at:
Sprinkler system type
When pricing lawn sprinkler systems, there are several types of sprinklers to compare, including:
- Above-ground vs. in-ground sprinklers
- Stationary vs. rotary sprinklers
- Additional options
Above-ground vs. in-ground systems
The chart below shows typical price ranges for above-ground and in-ground sprinklers (not including labor).
Please see the pros and cons of above-ground sprinklers in the table below.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Affordable ✓ Easy to customize ✓ Easy to move around ✓ Affordable part replacement | ✗ Can be an eyesore ✗ Exposed tubes are susceptible to damage ✗ Most aren’t automated |
Next, take a look at the pros and cons of in-ground sprinklers below.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Usually automated ✓ Easy to schedule proper watering ✓ Tubes and pipes are out of sight | ✗ Expensive upfront cost ✗ Costly repairs ✗ System need winterization |
The average underground sprinkler system installation costs between $2.600 and $4,970. Above-ground systems range between $1,800 and $2,000 for the mid-sized lawns.
Stationary vs. rotary sprinklers
Depending on the type of sprinkler head, some sprinkler systems are stationary, and others rotate:
- Stationary sprinklers are less expensive, but each one only covers a small area. They cost $2 to $15 per piece.
- Rotary sprinklers are typically more expensive than stationary systems but can cover larger areas with rotating sprinkler heads. You can control the flow of water, making them safe to use on a cornucopia of vegetation. Rotary sprinklers’ prices range between $5 and $20 per sprinkler.
Other sprinkler options
Some sprinkler systems can be modified to do the following:
- Drip irrigation: Gardens thrive with drip irrigation systems because water goes straight to the plant’s roots. In-ground systems can be modified for drip irrigation, and some brands sell extra parts to perform the task. Drip irrigation typically costs $365 – $1,015 per zone.
- Rainwater collection: In-ground systems can be customized to utilize a rainwater collection system. Although they save money on your water bill, the upfront cost of a rain collection system is usually $735 – $3,700. A single rain barrel typically costs $120 to $160.
You also may want to consider misting sprinklers for delicate yard areas, such as flower beds. Small misting systems are relatively affordable, but larger systems can get expensive.
Watering zones
Irrigation systems divide the land into watering zones (aka irrigation zones). The higher the number of zones, the more the sprinkler system will cost, as shown in the table below.
| Number of zones | Typical cost |
| 1 | $550 – $1,000 |
| 2 | $1,100 – $2,000 |
| 3 | $1,700 – $3,400 |
| 4 | $2,200 – $4,200 |
| 5 | $2,900 – $5,300 |
After five zones, add about $550 – $1,000 for each additional zone.
How many zones will I need?
Each zone gets its water supply from the same water value; thus, there are two reasons why homeowners need more water zones:
- Different homes allow for different amounts of water pressure; most can’t water the entire property simultaneously.
- Vegetation differs in its watering needs, including the amount of water, water pressure, and watering frequency. For example, your lawn’s needs probably differ from the flower beds, so they must be in separate watering zones.
Slopes
Sloped yards present irrigation challenges because they are prone to flooding. If your yard is sloped, you probably want an in-ground system with a timer, and you also will benefit from the following features:
- Soil moisture sensors typically cost $30 – $310 and automatically shut off if the ground gets too wet.
- Rain sensors are usually $25 – $75 and ensure sprinklers don’t turn on after it rains.
- Smart controls cost $45 – $270, allowing you to control the sprinklers from your smartphone.
All of the water-saving features above are also great for homeowners who are concerned about the environment, water shortages, and utility bills.
Sloped yards also benefit from drainage solutions, such as a french drain. French drains typically cost $2,800 – $6,500.
Maintenance costs
There are ongoing maintenance costs associated with a sprinkler system, including:
- Winterizing a sprinkler system typically costs $60 – $120 and is a yearly expense for homeowners with in-ground systems in climates that get cold weather. The cost to winterize sprinklers depends on the size of your yard and the number of watering zones.
- Sprinkler inspections cost, on average, $110 to $250, but prices vary with location, the size of your lawn, and the number of water zones you have installed.
- Sprinkler heads sometimes need to be cleaned or unclogged. Expect these services to cost at least $50.
If you are looking to install sprinklers, you also may want to take a look at the cost of the following services:
Sprinkler repair
The typical sprinkler repair costs range between $130 and $360, as seen in the table below. In-ground systems usually cost more to repair than above-ground sprinklers because they are more difficult to access.
| National average cost | $250 |
| Typical price range | $130 – $360 |
| Extreme low-end cost | $70 |
| Extreme high-end cost | $850 |
Common sprinkler repairs include:
- Repairing damaged piping
- Sprinkler head repairs
- Replacing sprinkler heads
- Replacing a backflow preventer
- Wiring issues
Out of the above repairs, replacing a backflow preventer is the most expensive and can cost more than $800 on some systems.
Lawn care
Most homeowners purchase sprinklers to maintain their lawns, and the best way to care for your lawn is to hire professional support. The cost of professional lawn care varies by service. Please see typical lawn care service prices in the table below.
| Lawn care service | Typical cost |
| Mowing | $35 – $100 |
| Aeration | $82 – $251 |
| Dethatching | $145 – $247 |
| Fertilization | $120 – $480 |
| Pest control | $55 – $170 |
Landscape architect
A landscape architect can help you plan the perfect outdoor living space, incorporating style and functionality. The typical cost to hire a landscape architect is $1,610 – $5,490.
| National average cost | $3,510 |
| Typical price range | $1,610 – $5,490 |
| Extreme low-end cost | $375 |
| Extreme high-end cost | $11,875 |
Driveway pressure washing
You can get your driveway pressure washed by a professional for $140 to $350. If you enjoy washing the driveway DIY as a weekend activity, expect to pay about $245 to buy a pressure washer for residential use.
| National average cost | $225 |
| Typical price range | $140 – $350 |
| Extreme low-end cost | $850 |
| Extreme high-end cost | $6,000 |
Pro cost vs. DIY cost
If you are looking for an above-ground system, you can save money by installing it yourself. However, in-ground systems are best left to the professionals.
DIY in-ground sprinklers
Rain Bird and Orbit sell small DIY in-ground sprinkler kits for $100 – $250 that cover 1,000 – 3,000 square feet. However, the kits require intensive labor, and it is easy to make costly mistakes. For example, improper installation can lead to water waste or an inoperable system.
The table below shows the typical cost of a small DIY in-ground kit vs professional installation for a similar-sized system.
| DIY in-ground kit | $100 – $250 |
| Professional installation | $600 – $1,800 |
Building an in-ground sprinkler system is a complex DIY project. Even homeowners with a lot of DIY home improvement experience will probably need the assistance of a professional to get the job done right. If you are looking for a sprinkler system to water the average-sized American yard, DIY installation isn’t a viable option.
DIY above-ground sprinklers
Above-ground sprinklers are much easier to install than in-ground systems. The table below shows the pricing of typical parts used to build an above-ground system for a lawn of 1,000 to 1,500 square feet.
| Sprinkler part | Typical cost |
| Faucet splitter | $9 |
| Ground spikes (4 pieces) | $20 |
| PVC spray head riser (4 pieces) | $54 |
| Sprinkler pop-up head with nozzle (4 pieces) | $50 |
| Sprinkler tool pack | $18 |
| Seal Tape | $6 |
| Vinyl hose (100 ft.) | $110 |
| Total | $300 |
You’ll typically pay about $300 to install a standard sprinkler system for 1,000 to 3,000 square feet. This cost only includes the basic materials and tools. More money can add up to the total cost if you need a controller and a backflow preventer.
If you want to know how to build your own above-ground sprinkler system, watch this tutorial from Ryan Knorr Lawn Care:
A similar-sized above-ground system installed by a professional will typically cost more than $500.
| Small DIY above-ground system | $300 |
| Small professional above-ground system | $500+ |
Cost of installing sprinklers by location
Your geographic location affects the cost of sprinkler installation for the following reasons:
- Soil type varies by location, and soil conditions affect the cost of digging trenches. You need trenches for in-ground sprinkler systems.
- Sprinkler parts cost more if shipped to you, and the more they travel, the more they cost.
- Permit prices vary by location, and sprinklers that connect to city water usually need a permit. However, prices and guidelines vary by municipality.
- Water prices also vary by location. Professionally installed systems with a timer and sensors typically use less water than manual methods. However, water is still used, and you are probably paying the city for that water.
- The local cost of living influences labor costs. If you live in an expensive area, expect a sprinkler system to cost more than average. Irrigation contractors typically charge between $50 and $100 per hour.
FAQ about sprinkler systems
Does a sprinkler system add value to your home?
A professionally installed in-ground system increases curb appeal and can add up to 12% to the value of your home. Not only is having the system a perk to potential buyers, but it also helps keep your lawn and landscape looking their best. A well-kept yard is essential to curb appeal.
Do sprinklers use a lot of water?
Sprinkler systems use about 15 liters of water per minute. They use a lot of water compared to relying on rain, but during dry seasons and drought, your lawn probably needs more water than the rain can provide. Sprinkler systems with timers and sensors help conserve water while keeping your grass and landscape hydrated.
Is an in-ground sprinkler system worth it?
In most cases, an in-ground sprinkler system is worth it. They save you time, conserve water, and increase curb appeal:
• Most in-ground systems have a timer, so watering the lawn takes little effort.
• Systems with sensors can automatically shut off if it rains or the ground becomes too moist.
• Automatic sprinkler systems ensure your lawn and garden are adequately hydrated.
Install a sprinkler system to keep green grass
A professionally installed sprinkler system can save you time and money while helping you maintain a lush lawn and gorgeous gardens. If you want your yard to look its best, contact a local pro through LawnLove today, get your free quote, and install an effective and easy-to-use sprinkler system!
Note: Lawn Love may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area. Lawn Love also participates in Rain Bird’s affiliate program.
Main Photo by: RawPixel
