How Much Does It Cost to Install an In-Ground Sprinkler System?

The basic in-ground sprinkler system installation costs between 3,000 to $6,500, with an average price of around $4,600. The system usually costs between $0.29 to $1 per square foot yard. This cost includes installing and purchasing sprinkler system materials such as sprinklers, spray bodies, pipes, backflow preventers, controllers, valves, adapters, and swing joints. The average American lawn size is around a quarter-acre, around 10,890 square feet. So, most homeowners will pay between $3,000 and $6,500 for an ¼ acre lawn. For larger lawns or complex systems, the average installation cost might reach $10,000 per acre.

A beautiful green lawn boosts your home's curb appeal. A well-installed sprinkler system promotes proper watering to help maintain lush, healthy grass and landscaping. Making a sprinkler system installation is an invaluable investment.

In this article, our irrigation experts share a complete overview of sprinkler system installation costs and all the factors that affect its costs.

Cost by Lawn Size

Lawn or yard size is a primary cost factor for sprinkler system installation. The larger the yard, the more it will cost. Larger yards will need more materials, labor, and time than small yards, so the sprinkler system projects will cost more. Choose a trusted brand to buy a high-quality sprinkler system that can last up to 20 years.

Here is the average cost of sprinkler systems based on lawn square footage:

• 5,000 square feet: $1,400 to $3,000
• 10,000 square feet: $2,200 to $4,700
• 20,000 square feet: $4,100 to $7,800
• 40,000 square feet: $7,200 to $12,600

Cost by Location

Another factor that will impact on the cost of your lawn sprinkler system is where you live because different locations have different types of soil. Digging trenches is easier in some soil types, such as loamy soil. If you have rocky or hard soil, digging trenches and installation will take longer and cost more. Water prices differ by city, so operational costs can vary depending on location.

Cost by Zones

The other significant cost factor in sprinkler system installation is the number of zones your lawn needs—one irrigation zone costs between $600 and $1000. An average yard needs at least five watering zones. Additional zones may usually cost around $750 to install. If you have a larger lawn or many plants with different watering needs, you may need to divide your lawn into different irrigation zones. The higher the number of watering zones, the more the system installation will cost.

Cost by Sprinkler Heads

The type and number of sprinkler heads, spray bodies, or nozzles you use also affect the cost of the in-ground sprinkler system. Rotary sprinklers are more expensive than fixed or stationary sprinklers. An irrigation zone can have 5-10 sprinkler adds, so costs can add up. You will need fewer rotary sprinklers than stationary ones because the former provides greater coverage. Sprinkler heads usually cost between $2 to $35.

Here is the average cost of sprinkler heads.

• Bubbler: $1-$10
• Micro sprinklers: $3-$10
• Fixed sprinklers: $10-$40
• Popup sprinklers: $3-$15
• Rotary sprinklers: $10-$20
• Impact rotors: $20-$35
• Gear-driven rotors: $10-$40

Cost by Land Slope

Sloped yards may bring irrigation challenges as they're prone to flooding. So, if your lawn is sloped, you'll need to install an in-ground sprinkler system with a timer and rain sensor to irrigate effectively. You'll likely want soil moisture sensors that turn off your system when the ground is wet. These smart features can cost $170 to $530. Sloped yards also need good drainage solutions, such as French drains, for proper water drainage. French drains may cost $10 to $65 per linear foot.

Additional Costs Associated with In-ground Sprinkler System Installation

Permit Costs

When you install a new in-ground lawn sprinkler system, your municipality may ask you to obtain a permit. You must pay for inspections and permits, especially if the system is connected to the city water supply. Permit prices vary from area to area, but you may have to pay between $50 to $200 in permit fees. Above-ground systems usually don't require permits.

Labor Costs

In-ground sprinkler systems are usually installed by professionals who charge around $50-$100 per hour. Labor costs may vary depending on the area you live in. They're usually higher in urban and coastal areas. Since underground sprinkler installation takes one to two days to complete, it may cost roughly around $400-$1,600.

Trenches Costs

To install an underground sprinkler system, you will need to dig trenches. Digging involves using a shovel, which is labor-intensive for DIY installation. Professionals use trenching machines to make deep cuts. Expect to pay $4 to $12 per foot and an average of $800 per 100 feet.

Maintenance Costs

Maintenance costs are also associated with sprinkler system installation. Winterizing a sprinkler system usually ranges from $50 to $120. This annual expense is for homeowners with in-ground sprinkler systems in colder climates. Winterization costs depend on your yard size and number of zones. Moreover, yearly sprinkler system inspection costs range from $100 to $250 on average, but prices can vary with location, lawn size, and number of irrigation zones.

Sprinkler Repair Costs

When installing a sprinkler system, remember the sprinkler repairs cost, too. Sprinkler repairs usually cost between $130 and $360, but they can increase depending on the damage. Common sprinkler repairs include fixing damaged piping, replacing sprinkler heads, resolving wiring issues, replacing a backflow preventer, or fixing sprinkler heads. The most expensive repair is replacing a backflow prevention device, which can cost around $500.

Old Sprinkler Removal

When replacing an existing system with a new one, remove the old one. Removal of the sprinkler system costs between $50-$100 per hour.

Reseeding

Trenching and heavy machinery can damage the lawn during in-ground sprinkler installation, requiring lawn repairs. To lay new sod in large bare areas, you may have to pay between $1-$2 per square foot. On the other hand, a simple reseeding can also work. Seeding a lawn can cost $0.09 to $0.018 per square foot.

Why You Should Invest in an In-Ground Sprinkler System

Underground lawn watering systems are more efficient and attractive. These systems provide subsurface irrigation by burying funny pipes and sprinkler heads below the soil surface that pop up when activated. Although underground sprinkler systems require a high upfront investment, they provide the best ROI when they go to sell. They are virtually invisible and maintain lawn aesthetics.

A well-designed sprinkler system will ensure your landscape is uniformly irrigated, keeping the grass green and healthy. You can automate the system using a controller to prevent over or under-watering, reduce water use, save money, and keep your landscape in excellent condition.

The Bottom Line

A professionally installed in-ground sprinkler system can add value to your home by increasing curb appeal. Landscape is an important part of a home's curb appeal. A sprinkler system will give your landscape a lush green look in no time. A sprinkler system is worth the investment as it saves time, conserves water, and helps maintain a beautiful, healthy lawn for many years.

If you want your landscape to look its best, invest in a trustworthy brand's reliable, high-quality sprinkler system. DripWorks carries a wide range of sprinklers and tools used in sprinkler systems. We carry high-quality sprinkler system components from top brands, including Rain Bird, K-Rain, Hunter, Toro, Aqualine, and Hydro-Rain Blue. Browse the DripWorks website to find the sprinklers, nozzles, controllers, valves, pipes, and any component you need.