The average cost for sprinkler system repair is $272 on average, though it can range between $134 and $411, depending on several factors.
Repairing your sprinkler system costs $272 on average, but prices can range anywhere between $134 and $411. Your final cost will depend on several factors, such as the type of sprinkler system, extent of the issue, replacement parts, labor, and more.
A sprinkler system keeps your lawn looking lush without you having to lift a finger. So, consider a sprinkler system repair sooner than later. Explore all of the cost factors involved to help you budget accordingly.
The cost to repair a sprinkler system boils down to a few main factors, including system type, sprinkler head type, labor, and more. Let’s take a closer look at how the following individual factors can impact your overall cost.
One major cost factor that affects your total cost for sprinkler system repair is the type of sprinkler system. Three common types of sprinkler systems are in-ground, above-ground, and drip irrigation. On average, you’ll pay between $50 and $600 to repair any of these systems.
| Type of Sprinkler System | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| In-ground | $50–$600 |
| Above-ground | $50–$400 |
| Drip irrigation | $50–$500 |
It costs between $1 and $20 to replace a sprinkler head, but the exact price will depend largely on the type of sprinkler head. For example, shrub sprinkler heads only cost $1 to $5 per head, while you’ll pay $10 to $20 for gear-driven heads.
| Type of Sprinkler Head | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Pop-up | $2–$10 |
| Fixed spray | $2–$15 |
| Gear-driven | $10–$20 |
| Shrub | $1–$5 |
| Rotary | $5–$20 |
| Flood | $2–$5 |
The sprinkler head is one vital part of your sprinkler system; other parts may need repair as well. Most sprinkler repair professionals will include the cost of materials into your final price. However, if you’re doing a DIY repair or want to buy parts on your own, here’s how much you can expect to replace each part.
| Sprinkler Part | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Valve | $10–$200 |
| Valve box | $10–$100 |
| Backflow preventer | $100–$1,000 |
| Pipe | $1–$3 |
| Wiring and connections | $1–$10 |
| Head | $1–$30 |
| Timer | $30–$500 |
There could be several reasons why your sprinkler system needs repair. Some issues, like a clogged or unmoving sprinkler head, are simple fixes and won’t cost much. Other issues, such as leaks and abnormal pressure, will usually be more expensive to resolve. While you can end up paying anywhere from $50 to $900 for a specific issue, your lawn sprinkler pro will diagnose the problem and provide an estimate.
| Sprinkler System Issue | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Overspraying | $50–$500 |
| Unmoving sprinkler head | $50–$100 |
| Abnormal pressure | $50–$500 |
| Clogged sprinkler head | $50–$100 |
| Unusual noises | $75–$200 |
| Leaks | $75–$900 |
| Broken pipes | $100–$400 |
Expect to pay an average of $75 per hour for a sprinkler pro to repair your sprinklers, with a range of $50 to $100 per hour. Consult a local sprinkler repair professional to get a quote based on the size and scope of your issue.
If they're just replacing a few parts above ground, they could take less than an hour. But if they are having to dig up your system or make extensive repairs, it could take the better part of a day and cost more. For emergencies, expect to pay an additional fee of $100 to $200.
In addition to the main cost factors, here are some other factors to consider that can affect your bottom line for sprinkler system repair.
An above-ground sprinkler system is easy to access and often won't require you to hire a plumber—and if you do have to hire a plumber, they won't have to work on the project as long. But if they have to start digging up PVC pipes in your yard, your bill will go up quickly.
The sprinkler repair process may turn a well-manicured lawn into an unsightly mess. In the event that your landscaping needs a touch-up after repair, you’ll want to budget for landscaping services. Most landscapers charge between $50 and $100 per hour.
In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to replace your sprinkler system rather than making repairs. Replacing your sprinkler system can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $4,000. A sprinkler pro can help you decide whether to repair or replace your sprinkler system.
Because spring and summer are peak times for sprinkler usage, hiring a pro for sprinkler repair might be difficult or more expensive during these months. If possible, repair your sprinkler during the winter months so it’ll be ready to work come summer.
If your sprinkler system has wide-ranging problems that are tough to access, it’s time to hire a lawn sprinkler repair pro in your area. A pro can visit your property in person, take a look at the sprinkler system, run some tests, diagnose the issue, give you some advice, and provide an estimate for troubleshooting your sprinkler system problem.
While the cost of repairing your sprinkler system can add up quickly, consider some practical suggestions to cut down on costs:
Prevent costly repairs by performing regular maintenance, such as cleaning your sprinkler heads.
Get quotes from several pros to ensure you receive a fair price.
Schedule repair work during low-demand seasons, usually the fall or winter.
If your pro offers a bulk discount, take advantage of it and have multiple repairs done at once.
Fix sprinkler issues immediately to avoid more costly repairs.
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 over 30,000 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.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
If your sprinkler system has suddenly stopped working, check to see if the backflow valve has inadvertently been shut off. If that doesn't work, check the wiring to see if there are any cuts or disconnections. Sometimes, a quick check like this can solve the issue; if not, a plumber can diagnose the problem.
A telltale sign that your sprinkler is leaking is if you notice a lot of water pooled around the individual sprinkler, or just notice that it's a lot more muddy and marshy than other parts of your lawn. You might also notice bubbling water coming up from the ground.
All of these are serious signs that should be addressed quickly to avoid excess water usage and damage to your lawn or garden.
Yes, your sprinkler system can leak when it’s shut off, and it's generally due to two main problems: a leaky sprinkler valve and improper grading of the system itself. In the case of the former, a crack or hole could cause it to leak water, but simply repairing the valve should fix it.
If it's a grading issue, that's more serious because it may go undetected, and you could waste a lot of water. It's also possible your system isn't actually leaking and your yard just has poor drainage. Get a professional to take a look.
