How Much Does Sprinkler Repair Cost in 2023?

Most homeowners spend between $110 and $365 on sprinkler system repairs, with an average cost of $240.

For sprinkler system problems such as broken pipes, valve problems, or blocked sprinkler heads, you may need to hire a professional. Most homeowners spend between $110 and $365 on sprinkler system repairs, with an average cost of $240.

Average Cost to Repair a Sprinkler System in 2023

National Average Cost$240
Typical Price Range$110 to $365
Extreme Low-End Cost$55
Extreme High-End Cost$650

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 $55, while major repairs may run up to $650

Labor costs for sprinkler repairs generally range from $55 to $105 per hour. The cost for parts varies depending on the component. Sprinkler heads and connectors are the least expensive to replace, averaging $0.75 to $3.35 each, while a backflow preventer can cost between $400 and $1,450.

Cost Estimator by Hour

Labor costs $75 per hour on average. The majority of sprinkler repair companies charge an hourly rate plus 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 $240 per hour; however, the majority of jobs range from $55 to $105 per hour

National Average Per Hour$75
Typical Hourly Range$55 to $105
Extreme High-End Cost$240

On average, common irrigation repairs take two hours or fewer for a pro to complete. 

Common Repairs NeededAverage Repair Time
Replace sprinkler heads1 hour or less
Faulty electrical wiring1 hour or less (per linear foot)
Replace Leaking valves1 to 2 hours
Damaged backflow preventer1 to 2 hours

Other Factors That Affect Cost

The type of system you have, the nature of repairs needed, parts, and time of year all affect how much it will ultimately cost to repair your sprinkler system.

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 $50 and $500 for repairs.

Sprinkler System TypeAverage Repair Cost
Above-ground system$50 to $350
In-ground system$55 to $500

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 $0.50 to $1,450. The chart below shows the most common sprinkler system parts and average costs.

Sprinkler System PartAverage Part Cost
Backflow preventer$400 to $1,450 
Connections$0.75 to $3.35
Manifold$68 to $130
Polyethylene pipe$0.11 to $0.33 (per linear foot)
Pump$100 – $300
PVC pipe$0.50 to $1.00 (per linear foot)
Sprinkler heads$2.75 to $3.35
Timer$30 to $300
Valve$13.75 to $110
Wiring$0.50 to $1.60 (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 will also affect the price. Replacing a sprinkler head may cost about $55, while replacing a backflow preventer can range from $455 to $1,660.

Sprinkler System RepairLow-End CostHigh-End Cost
Repair sprinkler head  $55 $95
Broken water pipe$150$350
Water pressure repairs$50$450
Damaged electrical wiring$55$90
Faulty valves$69$320
Replace backflow preventer $455$1,660
System maintenance$50$400

Sprinkler Heads

Broken heads account for most service calls. Sprinkler heads can be repaired rather than replaced on occasion. Sprinkler head repairs typically range from $50 to $85. On average, sprinkler head replacements cost between $55 and $95. The cost varies depending on the head type, as shown in the chart below.

Sprinkler Head TypeAverage Repair Cost
Bubbler$55 to $70
Fixed spray$58 to $100
Gear-driven$60 to $105
Misting$55 to $75
Pop-up$60 to $95
Rotary$60 to $120
Average price range$55 to $95

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 $350, including labor, and will vary based on the type of pipe used. 

Pipe MaterialAverage Cost (per linear foot)
Polyethylene pipes$0.11 – $0.33
PVC pipes$0.50 – $1 

Water Pressure

Water pressure imbalances are a common problem with home sprinkler systems. Restoring proper water pressure can cost between $50 and $450, depending on the cause of the problem.

Low water pressure: Most lawns require one 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 $90 per linear foot 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 $69 and $320. 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 $13.75 to $110.

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 $455 and $1,660, is frequently the most expensive repair. This includes the price of labor, replacing the backflow preventer, and testing the system.

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 $75 and $120 and should be performed at least once a year. Maintenance service calls run between $50 and $400 and may include the following:

  • Winterizing your sprinkler system
  • Inspecting the system
  • Cleaning 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

Install a New Sprinkler System

Your sprinkler system may need to be replaced if it has suffered significant frost damage or is outdated. Sprinkler system installation costs range from $2,400 to $4,200

National average$3,150
Average price range$2,400 to $4,200
Extreme low-end$825
Extreme high-end$8,300

Drip Irrigation Installation

Ideal for garden beds, drip irrigation delivers water droplets directly to your plants’ roots. On average, installing a drip irrigation system costs between $295 and $775

National average$490
Average price range$295 to $775
Extreme low-end$50
Extreme high-end$3,000

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. 

Spring Activation

A technician will usually come out as part of your summer landscaping or winterization package to restart the system in the spring. Experts will inspect and clean critical components, gently increase system pressure, and look for leaks. Sprinkler system activation typically costs between $45 and $150 and is performed in the spring.

Lawn Mowing

Among the many services offered by lawn care companies, lawn mowing is one of the most popular. Mowing your lawn regularly promotes healthy grass growth, nourishes it, and discourages weeds. A professionally mowed lawn ranges in price from $30 to $65.

National average$50
Average price range$30 to $65
Extreme low-end$19
Extreme high-end$650

Aeration

Aerating your lawn prevents the soil from becoming overly compacted and hard while also  helping your grass’s roots get the nutrients, water, and airflow they need. Lawn aeration ranges from $75 and $225, depending on the size of your yard.

National average$145
Average price range$75 to $225
Extreme low-end$40
Extreme high-end$700

Overseeding

Overseeding is the process of spreading grass seed over an existing lawn. While the national average for seeding a lawn is $1,085, the total cost of your service can range from $195 to $2,960. The cost of a particular project is determined by its size and difficulty.

National average$1,085
Average price range$680 to $1,815
Extreme low-end$195
Extreme high-end$2,960

Dethatching

Thatch is a coating of dead grass and other organic materials between the grass and the soil’s surface. Thatch can be good in moderation, but excessive amounts inhibit the soil from receiving essential nutrients. The average cost of dethatching a lawn is $190 per hour.

National average$190
Average price range$160 to $225
Extreme low-end$105
Extreme high-end$1,570

DIY vs. Pro Cost

While doing your own sprinkler repairs can save you 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 yourself vs. hiring a professional.

Replacement PartDIY CostPro Cost
Sprinkler heads$2.75 to $3.35$55 to $95
Valve$13.75 to $110$69 to $320
Backflow preventer$400 to $1,450$455 to $1,660

Cost of Sprinkler System Repair 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

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 $75 to $120. 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.

Final Thoughts 

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, you can consult with irrigation specialists in your area.

Note: LawnStarter may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.

Main Image Credit: nenovbrothers / Canva Pro / License

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Raven Wisdom

Raven Wisdom is a screenwriter from West Texas and a proud mom of two in an autism family. Self-described as "half-feral but mostly harmless," Raven loves houseplants, a good laugh, and furry friends.