Who Installs Sprinkler Systems? Learn Who to Hire

Kick back and keep cool while a pro installs your sprinkler system

A sprinkler system watering a lawn
Photo: VittoriaChe / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
A sprinkler system watering a lawn
Photo: VittoriaChe / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
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If you’re considering installing an irrigation system on your property, such as a sprinkler system, you’re likely wondering who installs sprinkler systems. Take it from us: Hiring a sprinkler installation company is often the best choice. Irrigation companies employ specialists trained to design, install, and maintain water systems. They can examine your landscaping and install the system that fits your needs. Let’s dig into the details of hiring the right pro for this task.

Benefits of Hiring Sprinkler Companies for Installing Sprinklers

Hiring a sprinkler company to install your sprinkler system is a great way to ensure your system is installed correctly the first time. These companies come with many different benefits, most importantly:

  • Experience: Irrigation systems can be complicated, depending on where they’re installed and how large of an area they need to cover. Irrigation companies employ experts who have the know-how to keep your property properly watered. Their expertise is in hydraulics, soil types, and the water requirements for specific plants in your landscaping.

  • Efficiency: Sprinkler specialists can design an efficient water system that uses the least amount of water possible while maximizing the water’s coverage. To do so, irrigation specialists might use smart controllers, drip irrigation systems, and zone-based scheduling to help you conserve water. 

  • Quality materials: Irrigation professionals have access to high-quality materials and equipment that are inaccessible to most homeowners. That includes durable pipes, sprinkler heads, and controllers. Professional installation can help your system last longer and more reliably irrigate your landscape. 

  • Maintenance services: Not only do irrigation companies install sprinkler systems, but they can also provide comprehensive maintenance. Whether you have an issue with your system or it needs a tune-up, sprinkler specialists are trained to help you keep your system running smoothly. 

Can I Hire a Landscaper to Install Sprinklers?

 A person installing a sprinkler system
Photo: yul38885 yul38885 / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

Not all landscapers offer sprinkler installation services, but some do and they are worth considering when seeking out someone to install a new sprinkler. If you already have a trusted landscaper on speed dial, you can ask them if they install sprinkler systems and their prior experience. If not, they’ll likely be able to recommend another landscaper or irrigation company that offers this service. 

How Do Irrigation Companies Install Sprinklers? 

Each sprinkler system installation is unique to the property, but there are common steps taken in each installation. When hiring a sprinkler company in your area, you can expect them to follow a similar process:

  1. Assess your property: An irrigation specialist will assess your property, taking note of its size, layout, soil makeup, water sources, and drainage systems already in place. 

  2. Design the system: Your specialist will take time to plan out your system based on their assessment. During this step, they’ll make decisions on things like zones, the type of sprinkler heads you’ll need, and how to maximize water efficiency. 

  3. Installation: Using the plan as a reference, the irrigation company will send out specialists to install your new system. Each system is different, but you can expect them to dig trenches, lay piping, and connect all of the components. From there, they’ll install sprinkler heads and program the system to run.

  4. Testing: Once set up, an irrigation specialist will test your system to ensure it's working properly and covering all of the necessary zones. Plus, they will ensure that the controller for the system is properly programmed.

  5. Adjustments: If adjustments are needed to help the performance of your system, your specialist will do this now. This could include swapping out sprinkler heads or even changing programmed settings. 

How Much Does Installing a Sprinkler System Cost?

If you’re installing a new sprinkler system, you can expect to pay $2,530 on average, or between $1,640 and $3,570. Your total bill will depend on several essential factors, including lawn size, type of sprinkler system, local labor costs, permits, and more. Don’t forget to budget for any additional tasks, such as trench digging or necessary lawn repairs. Consult a local irrigation system installer to determine the estimated cost of your specific project.

Can I DIY Sprinkler Installation?

Although DIYing your sprinkler system might seem like a great way to save money, there are many advantages to hiring a professional to handle the job. Irrigation specialists can help you ensure that your system is efficient, designed for long-term reliability, and doesn’t pose a risk of water damage to nearby structures like your home.

Sprinkler systems require a knowledge of water pipes, so anyone thinking of DIYing should have experience with these systems and understand how irrigation systems work. Landscaping experience is also a plus since you’ll likely need to dig and revamp the yard as a result. 

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