A sprinkler system costs $2,527 on average but could range from $1,640 to $3,566 based on lawn size, number of sprinkler heads and zones, and the system type.
A residential sprinkler system costs about $2,527, but average rates vary from around $1,640 to $3,566. Lawn size dictates cost at $0.20 to $1 per square foot, but systems can cost $10,000 for larger lawns over 1 acre. The final project cost also depends on the type of irrigation system and the number of sprinkler heads and zones you need.
Read on to learn how to budget for the sprinkler system that best suits your lawn and garden.
Calculations are based on the average size of a square lawn, which is about ¼ acre.
| Quantity | Cost Range | |
|---|---|---|
| Sprinkler System Cost | 1 automatic sprinkler system to cover ¼ acre yard | $1,800–$2,630 |
| Installation Labor Cost | 4 hours | $200–$400 |
| Sprinkler Heads Cost | 10–20 stationary or rotary sprinkler heads | $30–$400 |
| Installation Permit Cost | 1 permit | $35–$200 |
| Trench Digging Cost | 417 linear feet | $1,670–$5,000 |
| Total | $3,735–$8,630 | |
| Total per Linear Foot | $9–$20.70 |
We converted these dimensions to 417 linear feet. Ten to 20 sprinkler heads cover ¼ acre of sprinklers. Calculations are rounded to the nearest whole number.
A number of variables can impact your budget for this project. Here are the main factors that affect your sprinkler system cost.
| Sprinkler System Cost Factor | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Lawn size | $0.20–$1 per square foot |
| Upgrade to Wi-Fi system | $50–$300 each |
| Permits | $35–$200 |
| Professional labor | $50–$100 per hou |
| Trenching | $4 to $12 per linear foot |
Sprinkler installation costs vary from yard to yard. It will cost $0.20 to $1 per square foot to install a sprinkler system on your lawn.
| Acreage Size | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 1/4 acre (10,890 sq. ft.) | $1,740–$3,400 |
| 1/2 acre (21,790 sq. ft.) | $3,480–$6,800 |
| 1 acre (43,560 sq. ft.) | $6,960–$13,600 |
| Acreage Size | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 1/4 acre (10,890 sq. ft.) | $450–$625 |
| 1/2 acre (21,790 sq. ft.) | $900–$1,250 |
| 1 acre (43,560 sq. ft.) | $1,800–$2,500 |
| Acreage Size | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 1/4 acre (10,890 sq. ft.) | $2,630 |
| 1/2 acre (21,790 sq. ft.) | $5,260 |
| 1 acre (43,560 sq. ft.) | $10,520 |
The amount you pay for lawn sprinklers will depend on the type of irrigation system you choose. For example, an aboveground automatic system will cost less than an underground system that requires you to dig trenches.
| Type of Sprinkler System | Description | Price for ¼ Acre |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic | Set and forget lawn watering using an electronic panel for scheduling. | $1,800–$2,630 |
| Underground | Provides a clean, seamless lawn look with hidden trenches, usually automatic with a panel and timer. | $1,740–$3,410 |
| Drip irrigation | A low-flow, efficient system using drip lines aboveground or a few inches below, ideal for large lawns or gardens | $450–$650 |
| Rainwater collection | Collects rainwater in barrels or larger systems for sprinkler hookup, offering eco-friendly lawn watering | $120–$21,000 |
Automatic sprinkler system cost: $2,630 per 1/4 acre
Underground sprinkler system cost: 400–$1,200, or $4 to $12 per linear square foot
Drip Irrigation System Cost: $450 and $650 per 1/4 acre
Rainwater Collection System Cost: $120–$21,000
The total cost to install a sprinkler system will increase if a project is difficult or takes a relatively long time to complete. The labor cost of installing sprinkler systems varies, but it costs about $50 to $100 per hour for professional services. Keep in mind that installing aboveground systems takes less time (two to four hours) than implementing an underground system (eight to 16 hours), which affects the labor cost.
Sprinkler system costs vary across regions because contractors in some areas may charge more than those in other areas. For example, sprinkler systems in the Western U.S. cost an average of nearly $3,000. Prices tend to decrease as you move east, reaching an average of $2,000 in the Northeast.
We’ve covered the major cost factors, but before installing a sprinkler system, you should be aware of additional factors impacting your total project cost.
Sprinkler heads can cost anywhere from $2.50 to $40 each. Your installer will decide how many heads you need by factoring each head’s water pressure and flow rate. You may save money in the short term by opting for less expensive heads, but better quality sprinkler heads will last much longer and save you money on replacement in the long run.
| Sprinkler Head Type | Cost per Head |
|---|---|
| Bubbler | $2.50–$25 |
| Pop-up | $3–$15 |
| Misting | $3–$15 |
| Stationary | $3–$20 |
| Rotary | $3–$20 |
| Gear-driven | $10–$40 |
| Impact | $20–$35 |
Another cost factor for sprinkler heads is whether they are stationary versus rotary. Stationary sprinkler heads cost less but cover a smaller area, so you may need to buy more for full coverage. Rotary sprinklers are more expensive, but they can cover larger areas. Plus, they allow you to control the water flow to suit your plants better.
A yard can contain zones with different watering needs. You can set up sprinkler systems to water multiple zones with varying amounts of water or at different times of the day. Depending on what’s in your yard, you may have separate zones for lawns, gardens, and shrubs.
Sprinkler systems for yards with only one zone will cost between $500 and $1,000, with each additional zone costing an average of $1,000. The plus side: Some professionals who set up this system will charge less as the number of zones increases, which means you could score a great deal.
| Number of Zones | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 | $500–$1,000 |
| 2 | $1,000–$2,000 |
| 4 | $2,000–$4,000 |
| 6 | $3,000–$6,000 |
| 7 | $3,500–$7,000 |
Features like rain and soil sensors can also help save money by monitoring how much water your lawn really needs. Prices for common irrigation add-ons are as follows:
Rain and soil sensors: $25–$50 per sensor
Wi-Fi and smartphone compatibility: $50–$300
Rainwater collection system: $2,500
Most cities and states require a permit before you can break ground on an underground construction project. If you’re installing the sprinkler system yourself, you’ll need to wrangle the paperwork.
Costs vary tremendously but range between $35 and $200. If you hire a professional to install your system, they‘ll handle the permit and licensing, and you won’t need to worry about that cost—it will be factored into the total.
Once a sprinkler system is installed, it’s virtually invisible when not in use. To achieve this effect, plumbing is buried belowground in shallow trenches. The equipment used to dig these trenches may affect the overall cost of installing a sprinkler system. Trenching an underground system costs $4 to $12 per linear foot. Shovels can be used for small projects, but pros are more likely to use a trenching machine in a large yard.
Sloped yards often flood, so you may need to factor in additional precautionary features for your sprinkler system. Rain and soil sensors cost $25 to $50 per sensor and can shut off your sprinklers automatically if the soil is wet. You might also consider investing in a French drain system to help control excessive standing water on your property.
Lawn landscaping can affect the cost of a sprinkler system in multiple ways. If the system is part of a bigger landscaping project, you’ll need to factor in the cost of other features like new trees. If the system is a stand-alone project, existing features may require more expensive sprinkler heads or water patterns. For example, you may need high-rise sprinkler heads for tall shrubs and bushes.
The type of soil will likely affect the cost of installing a sprinkler system. Rocky soil or a dense layer of hardpan soil is harder to dig through, causing installation to take longer and raising costs by up to $0.40 more per linear foot.
Your soil type may also affect the type of system you need. For example, stainless steel sprinkler nozzles can better withstand coarse, sandy soil, but they also tend to cost more than plastic nozzles.
If you want to upgrade your current sprinkler system without replacing it, several add-ons are available. You can add more sprinkler heads to expand your coverage range, costing up to $30 each. Or you can swap out your existing sprinkler heads with pop-up ones from a hardware store, which range from $10 to $20.
If you want to make controlling your sprinkler system even easier, consider installing a Wi-Fi-connected system, ranging from about $50 to $300 each.
Installing a sprinkler system involves digging up a large part of your lawn. Depending on the equipment used, you may have to make some repairs once installation is complete. Here are the average costs for lawn repair:
Laying new sod costs $1 to $2 per square foot for installation only.
Overseeding or reseeding the lawn costs $0.10 to $0.20 per square foot.
With proper maintenance and repair, a quality sprinkler system can last 20 years or more. Sprinkler repairs cost $130 to $400 on average. Winterizing your sprinkler system, an important maintenance step in colder climates, can cost anywhere from $50 to $230 for a professional visit. Many pros will offer maintenance packages with installation, so be sure to ask about this perk during the contract stage.
Don't neglect your sprinkler system maintenance, such as annual cleanings and inspections. These upkeep tasks can help prevent costly issues like blogged pumps and leaking pipes.
Sprinklers can significantly increase your water usage, especially if you weren’t watering much before the installation. Expect to see a jump in your utility costs during the months when your sprinkler system is running.
Shopping for a sprinkler system can seem daunting, but it helps to map out your needs and budget. Here are a few key points to consider when determining the right sprinkler system to invest in.
Different sprinklers are suitable for different lawn shapes and sizes. Fixed sprinklers may be all you need if you’re watering a smaller box-shaped area. On the other hand, if you have rounded or oblong land or significant square footage to cover, you may need to invest in rotary sprinklers for complete coverage.
Soil type determines how often you water, so conducting a DIY soil test to dig deeper is beneficial. This can also help you choose the right type of grass and determine your plants' fertilization needs.
The water flow of sprinkler systems varies by type and model. If you live in a city or county with strict water restrictions, look for a system that uses less water.
Quality and sturdiness are must-have features when shopping for a sprinkler system, as low-quality materials can leak or break down prematurely. It’s best to opt for sprinklers with solid metal connections rather than plastic to prevent leaks and clogs and increase overall durability.
As always, budget is another factor to consider. Some yards are perfectly fine with more budget-friendly sprinklers, while others require more complex and expensive systems. The larger the yard’s square footage, the higher the project budget.
DIYers can expect to pay between $1,500 and $2,000 to install a sprinkler system. By DIYing your sprinkler system installation, you can save hundreds of dollars.
| Sprinkler System Part | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Pop-up sprinkler head | $12 |
| PCV spray head riser | $2.50 |
| Sprinkler rotator | $10 |
| Rotary spray nozzle | $8 |
| Sprinkler tool pack | $8 |
| Seal tape | $6 |
| Vinyl hose | $24 |
But remember that this project is labor-intensive and requires plenty of technical skill and specialized equipment. Hire a local sprinkler system installer to ensure your system is installed properly and simplify the process.
Before installation starts, you’ll spend about $800 of the total project cost on plans, inspections, permits, and the backflow preventer system—which keeps water from flowing in reverse.
Even the simplest aboveground systems take two to four hours to install, while complex underground systems can take up to 16 hours. Labor costs to install a sprinkler system range from $50 to $100 per hour, so you can save anywhere from $100 to $1,600 on labor costs if you choose to DIY your lawn sprinkler system installation.
However, if anything goes wrong with your installation, you won’t have a warranty for the work, and there is plenty of room for error with a complex project like irrigation.
Some common irrigation mistakes that may arise without the proper training include:
Trenches that are too shallow, leading to damaged pipes
Trenches that are too deep, making detecting damage difficult
Too many sprinkler heads operating simultaneously in the same zone
Different sprinkler heads running for the same amount of time
Planters and shrubs watered at the same time as grass
Sprinklers over-spraying into areas outside a landscaped area
Sprinklers running during or soon after rainfall
Digging into gas pipes or electrical cables during installation
We recommend hiring a lawn irrigation pro to handle the bulk of the project. One way to save money is to dig trenches for an underground system yourself, but you’ll still want a pro’s advice to get the positioning right.
While installing a sprinkler system is an investment in the health of your lawn and the curb appeal of your home, it can also be expensive, with the average cost ranging between $1,640 and $3,566.
To save money on the installation of your system, consider the following:
Opt for less-expensive sprinkler heads and other components. You’ll likely need to replace them sooner than higher-quality parts, but you can always budget to upgrade with a different type of sprinkler head later on.
Install an aboveground system rather than an underground system.
Save your installer’s time by measuring your yard and planning out your system in advance. This requires some research and know-how but can cut down on labor hours.
Dig your trenches and ensure the depth and positioning are right.
A faulty sprinkler system can wind up costing you more in maintenance and water usage, plus it can be extremely detrimental to your lawn and plants. If you’re constantly replacing parts, dealing with clogs, or noticing that your plants aren’t getting enough water, it’s likely time to upgrade. A new system is a significant upfront investment, but it will help save you (and your plants) in the long run.
Installing a sprinkler system can add value to your home, with an expected return on investment (ROI) of about 86%, according to a report by the National Association of Realtors Research Department. Sprinkler systems create healthy-looking lawns, which can grab the attention of potential buyers and cause appraisers to value the home more. Some buyers also see the convenience of an installed irrigation system as a perk. Finally, sprinkler systems help save you money on your bills by conserving water.
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
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If you’re unsure whether you need a sprinkler system, consider the size of your yard and how much time you have to maintain the grass. Inconsistent watering can cause grass to grow at different rates, leading to an unhealthy-looking lawn that can’t choke out weeds. Larger yards also take more work to water manually. Having a sprinkler system can solve both of these issues at once.
The number of sprinkler zones you’ll need will depend on the irrigation system’s water pressure and application rate. A slower application rate allows zones to be larger, meaning you’ll need fewer zones, sprinkler heads, and control valves. Your irrigation installation service pro will walk you through your lawn's needs and the options you have for zoning.
Installing an aboveground sprinkler system takes about two to four hours, depending on the size and setup. Most projects will not take longer than a day to complete, but installing an underground system will take eight to 16 labor hours. For a better idea of what to expect, ask your contractor about the expected timeline when they’re creating your estimate.
