When issues like broken pipes, valve problems, or blocked sprinkler heads arise, homeowners are often faced with the pressing question: “How much does sprinkler repair cost?” On average, most homeowners spend between $130 and $360 on sprinkler system repairs, with an average cost of $250.
In this article, we delve into the intricacies of sprinkler repair prices, unearthing the factors that can influence the final cost. From the specific type of system you have installed, to which parts are damaged, and even the time of the year – all these factors play a pivotal role in determining the cost.
Average Cost to Repair a Sprinkler System in 2024
| National Average Cost | $250 |
| Typical Price Range | $130 to $360 |
| Extreme Low-End Cost | $70 |
| Extreme High-End Cost | $850 |
Sprinkler system repair costs are determined by the type of sprinkler system and the extent of work needed. Minor repairs can cost as low as $70, while major repairs may run up to $850.
Labor costs for sprinkler repairs generally range from $60 to $115 per hour. The cost for parts varies depending on the component. Connectors are the least expensive to replace, averaging $1 to $9 each, while a backflow preventer can cost between $200 and $1,050.
Cost Estimator by Hour
When considering the sprinkler repair cost per hour, labor averages around $90 per hour. The majority of sprinkler repair companies charge an hourly rate in addition to the cost of the new parts. If the technicians have to drive outside of their regular service area, you’ll incur a fee to cover the extra travel costs.
Emergency calls outside of regular business hours can cost up to $250 per hour; however, the majority of jobs range from $55 to $120 per hour.
| National Average Per Hour | $90 |
| Typical Hourly Range | $55 to $120 |
| Extreme High-End Cost | $250 |
On average, common irrigation repairs take two hours or less for a pro to complete.
| Common Repairs Needed | Average Repair Time |
| Replace sprinkler heads | 1 hour or less |
| Faulty electrical wiring | 1 hour or less (per linear foot) |
| Replace leaking valves | 1 to 2 hours |
| Damaged backflow preventer | 1 to 2 hours |
Other Factors That Affect Cost
The type of system you have, the nature of repairs needed, the parts, and the time of year all affect how much your lawn sprinkler system repair will cost.
Sprinkler System Type
Because the components are easily accessible, above-ground sprinkler systems are often less expensive to fix. In-ground systems typically require digging equipment and more time to repair, which increases the price. Depending on how accessible the system is, you can expect to pay between $80 and $490 for repairs.
Sprinkler repair pricing is the lowest for above-ground systems, ranging between $80 and $320. You’ll pay between $100 and $490 for in-ground systems if digging is necessary to repair broken parts.
| Sprinkler System Type | Average Repair Cost |
| Above-ground sprinkler system | $80 to $320 |
| In-ground sprinkler system | $100 to $490 |
Cost of Parts
The cost of fixing your sprinkler system is influenced by which part is broken. Many homeowners can do quick fixes and easily maintain some parts of the system. Individual parts can range in price from $1 to $1,050.
For instance, polyethylene pipes are among the least expensive to replace, typically costing between $0.45 and $1.30 per linear foot. In the middle range, a sprinkler valve costs between $14 and $150. On the other end of the spectrum, backflow preventers are more costly, with prices ranging from $200 to $1,050.
The chart below shows the most common sprinkler system parts and average costs.
| Sprinkler System Part | Average Part Cost |
| Backflow preventer | $200 to $1,050 |
| Connections | $1 to $9 |
| Manifold | $80 to $200 |
| Polyethylene pipe | $0.45 – $1.3 (per linear foot) |
| Pump | $125 – $465 |
| PVC pipe | $1.30 – $3.90 (per linear foot) |
| Sprinkler heads | $3 to $30 |
| Timer | $35 to $310 |
| Valve | $14 to $150 |
| Wiring | $0.50 to $1.90 (per linear foot) |
Common System Repairs
Irrigation systems are often large and complex, with several moving parts, such as sprinkler heads, valves, plus electrical wiring. The difficulty of the repair also will affect the price. A sprinkler head replacement costs about $85 while replacing a backflow preventer can range from $280 to $1,550.
| Sprinkler System Repair (Materials and Labor) | Low-End Cost | High-End Cost |
| Repair sprinkler head | $60 | $110 |
| Broken water pipe | $150 | $370 |
| Water pressure repairs | $50 | $500 |
| Damaged electrical wiring | $55 | $100 |
| Faulty valves | $70 | $215 |
| Replace backflow preventer | $280 | $1,550 |
| System maintenance | $120 | $225 |
Sprinkler Heads
Broken sprinkler heads are a frequent culprit behind many service calls. Often, homeowners are faced with the decision of whether to repair or replace these components, leading many to wonder, “How much does it cost to replace sprinkler heads?”
Sprinkler head repair costs are typically between $60 and $110. Cleaning a clogged head or fixing a nozzle that won’t rotate or retract takes you to the lower end of the range. When replacement is the more viable option, you’ll pay more, with the cost to replace sprinkler heads also including the price of new sprinkler heads.
It’s important to note that these prices can fluctuate based on the specific type of sprinkler head and its costs, as detailed in the chart below.
| Sprinkler Head Type | Average Cost (product only) |
| Flood/Bubbler | $2 to $5 |
| Fixed spray | $2 to $15 |
| Gear-driven | $10 to $20 |
| Misting | $4 to $20 |
| Pop-up | $2 to $10 |
| Rotary | $5 to $20 |
| Average price range | $4 to $13 |
Water Pipes
Sprinkler systems are made up of multiple connected pipes that are found both above and below ground. In winter, an inadequately winterized sprinkler system may have water remaining in the pipes.
If the water freezes, the pipe may rupture. Fortunately, the cost to winterize a sprinkler system is very affordable, at around $90, and can save you unnecessary costs come spring.
Sometimes, water pipes need repair no matter how well you follow a yearly maintenance schedule. The cost of repairing a broken pipe ranges from $150 to $370, including labor, and will vary based on the type of pipe used.
| Pipe Material | Average Cost (per linear foot) |
| Polyethylene pipes | $0.45 – $1.3 |
| PVC pipes | $1.30 – $3.90 |
Water Pressure
Water pressure imbalances are a common problem with home sprinkler systems. Restoring proper water pressure can cost between $50 and $500, depending on the cause of the problem.
Low water pressure: Most lawns require 1 inch of water weekly to thrive during the active growing season. Limited water pressure causes insufficient watering and may result in brown spots in your grass. Maintaining water pressure and resolving any problems are critical to a healthy lawn. Low water pressure is often caused by:
- Leaks in the water line
- Damaged or clogged sprinkler heads
- Improperly adjusted backflow preventer
- System pump not working correctly
- Blocked water supply
High water pressure: The EPA recommends putting pressure sensors between sprinkler zones. You can help the environment and improve the health of your lawn by not over- or under-watering the grass. Common causes of high water pressure:
- Damaged sprinkler heads
- Faulty valves
- Variations in the slope of the landscape
Wiring
Sprinkler systems are powered by electrical wiring, which can break or fray with time, disrupting the flow of electricity and causing the system to shut down or function erratically. Set aside between $55 and $100 for broken wiring. A plumber can usually fix faulty wiring, but an electrician is recommended in some circumstances.
Valves
The water flow through the pipes and spray heads are controlled by a set of valves throughout the sprinkler system. As valves become loose, they might leak or break.
Sprinkler valve replacement costs between $75 and $215. The total cost is determined by the time it takes to complete the service plus the cost of the part. Valve replacement typically takes one to two hours, and valves range in price from $14 to $150.
Backflow Preventer
A sprinkler’s backflow preventer is attached to its main water line, ensuring water only flows away from your home’s central water system. Your house’s water supply can become contaminated if backflow isn’t prevented.
Replacement of the backflow preventer, which can cost between $280 and $1,550, is frequently the most expensive repair. This includes the price of labor, replacing the backflow preventer, and testing the system.
Sprinkler Maintenance
Maintaining your system is an efficient strategy to minimize the risk of sprinkler issues and repairs. You can perform basic sprinkler maintenance and checkups yourself or hire a pro.
Sprinkler system tune-ups cost between $60 and $165 and should be performed at least once a year. Maintenance service calls run between $120 and $225 and may include the following:
- Winterizing your sprinkler system
- Inspecting the system
- Cleaning clogs in the sprinkler heads
Time of Year
Because the spring and summer seasons are the busiest for sprinkler repair professionals, they are also the most expensive times to have your system serviced. On the other hand, the cheapest time to repair your sprinkler system is late fall through winter.
Related Services
If you’re not just looking to repair your sprinkler system but to improve your outdoor living space, consider these related services:
Install a New Sprinkler System
For those who have recently relocated to an older residence or find themselves with a sprinkler system that is irreparably damaged due to frost or simply outdated, opting for a new installation might be the prudent choice.
Sprinkler system installation costs range from $2,200 to $4,600, with the average homeowner spending around $3,270. Removing the old system adds extra costs of $50 to $100 per hour of labor, depending on the sprinkler system size.
Drip Irrigation Installation
Drip irrigation systems are an ideal choice, especially for garden beds, as they deliver water droplets directly to the roots of the plants. This method is highly efficient, significantly lowering water costs, reducing the growth of weeds, and ultimately making garden maintenance much more manageable.
The average cost of installing a drip irrigation system ranges between $310 and $815. However, based on the size and location, you could find yourself paying as low as $55 for a DIY project or stretching your budget to as high as $2,850 for a professional installation.
Rain Barrels
A rain barrel can help save money by reducing your water use and monthly water bill. Because of the environmental benefits of rainwater collection, some governments provide incentives to homeowners that do so.
Verify your local rainwater collection regulations, as some states do not allow rainwater collection. A rain barrel usually costs around $140.
Lawn Mowing
Lawn mowing is the fundamental lawn care service, and it is arguably the most popular one. It’s a service that transcends mere aesthetics; it is crucial for promoting vigorous and healthy grass growth, nourishing the lawn, and discouraging the proliferation of weeds.
A professionally mowed lawn typically ranges in price from $36 to $105. However, those with expansive properties should be prepared for the costs to escalate, potentially reaching up to $278.
Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
While doing your own sprinkler repairs can save money on labor, professionals have specialized skills and equipment, and they frequently provide service guarantees. With the chart below, you can compare the costs of replacing a part of your sprinkler system as a DIY project vs. hiring a professional.
| Replacement Part | DIY Cost | Pro Cost |
| Sprinkler heads | $3 to $30 | $60 to $110 |
| Valve | $14 to $150 | $69 to $320 |
| Backflow preventer | $220 to $950 | $280 to $1,550 |
Cost by Location
Sprinkler system repair costs are affected by your location.
- Parts: Your system’s repair will be less expensive if the parts are readily available locally rather than having to be specially ordered.
- Labor: As the cost of living, demand for services, and provider accessibility vary, so do labor prices.
- Soil: The soil in your yard can affect how long it takes to repair underground systems. As clay is far more challenging to dig into than sandy soil, in-ground repairs in clay may take longer and require specialized equipment, resulting in higher costs.
FAQ About Sprinkler System Repair
What Happens If You Don’t Winterize Your Sprinkler System?
Water can remain in the heads, pipes, and valves if you don’t winterize your sprinkler system. As temperatures drop below freezing, the water in the pipes freezes and expands, potentially causing structural damage in the sprinkler pipes or inside the fixtures.
How Much Does It Cost to Tune Up a Sprinkler System?
Sprinkler tune-ups usually cost $60 to $165. The size, sprinkler type, and the number of zones of your system will influence the pricing. On the other hand, keeping up with regular maintenance will save you money on future repairs.
How Long Do Sprinkler Heads Last?
Cheap sprinkler heads often last two to three years, but high-end ones typically last 10 to 15 years. On average, sprinkler heads are replaced every five years or whenever they become damaged.
How Much Does Lawn Irrigation Repair Cost Per Hour?
Lawn irrigation repair typically costs between $55 and $120 per hour. Most homeowners find themselves paying around $90 for the hourly labor. It’s important to note that these figures don’t include the cost of parts that may need replacement or fixing.
When to Choose Professional Sprinkler Repairs
Homeowners can perform basic sprinkler repairs and maintenance on their own, such as cleaning the heads and valves. However, a specialist is recommended for more complex repairs, such as wiring or locating and replacing a damaged pipe. If you have any doubts, find an irrigation specialist on LawnStarter to restore your sprinkler system with minimal downtime or water waste.
Note: LawnStarter may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.
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