Sprinkler System Cost Calculator
Estimated zones: 2 (1 zone per 2,500 sq ft)
* Includes trenching, pipe, sprinkler heads, valves, and controller. Final costs vary by soil type, landscaping complexity, and local labor rates.
Disclaimer: Estimates are for budgeting purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, material availability, and project complexity. Always get professional quotes for exact pricing.
Sprinkler System Cost by Zones
| Zone Count | Lawn Size | Installed Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 Zones | Up to 7,500 sq ft | $2,000 – $3,500 |
| 4–6 Zones | 7,500–15,000 sq ft | $3,500 – $5,500 |
| 7–9 Zones | 15,000–22,500 sq ft | $5,500 – $8,000 |
| 10+ Zones | 22,500+ sq ft | $8,000 – $12,000 |
* Includes trenching, piping, heads, valves, controller, and backflow preventer. Add-ons extra.
How We Calculate
Our sprinkler system cost calculator estimates project costs based on lawn size and zone count. The system auto-calculates zones at 1 zone per 2,500 sq ft, then looks up the pricing tier. Add-ons are added as flat-cost options.
How the math works: Zones = lawn sq ft / 2,500 (rounded up). Base cost is determined by zone tier: 1–3 zones ($2,000–$3,500), 4–6 zones ($3,500–$5,500), 7–9 zones ($5,500–$8,000), 10+ zones ($8,000–$12,000). Add-ons: drip irrigation $500–$1,500 + smart controller $200–$500 + rain sensor $50–$150. Total = base + add-ons.
Zone Pricing Tiers
1–3 Zones ($2,000–$3,500): Small to mid-size lawns up to 7,500 sq ft. Includes trenching, PVC mainline, lateral piping, sprinkler heads, valves, manifold, and basic timer/controller. Minimal landscaping disruption. Most common residential tier.
4–6 Zones ($3,500–$5,500): Mid-size lawns 7,500–15,000 sq ft. Requires larger mainline pipe (1" vs. 3/4"), more valves, and a multi-zone controller. May require a backflow preventer upgrade. Typical for suburban homes with front and back yard coverage.
7–9 Zones ($5,500–$8,000): Large properties 15,000–22,500 sq ft. Requires 1"–1.25" mainline, multiple valve manifolds, and a smart controller to manage scheduling. Often includes drip zones for garden beds. May need a dedicated irrigation water meter.
10+ Zones ($8,000–$12,000): Estate-size properties over 22,500 sq ft. Requires 1.25"+ mainline, booster pump in some cases, multiple manifold locations, and commercial-grade controller. Complex design with mixed head types, drip zones, and slope-specific scheduling.
What's Included
Base pricing includes: design/layout, trenching (vibratory plow or manual), PVC pipe and fittings, sprinkler heads (rotor or spray as needed), zone valves and manifold, backflow preventer, basic controller/timer, final grading, and system testing. Does not include: permits ($50–$200 where required), landscaping restoration beyond basic grading, or electrical work for controller power.
Data Sources
Pricing from HomeAdvisor, Angi, Lawn Love, and irrigation contractor estimates across major US markets. We review and update costs regularly.
Last updated: 2026-02-11
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a sprinkler system cost? +
A sprinkler system costs $2,000–$12,000 installed depending on lawn size and number of zones. Small lawns (up to 3 zones) cost $2,000–$3,500, mid-size (4–6 zones) $3,500–$5,500, and large properties (10+ zones) $8,000–$12,000. Add $500–$1,500 for drip irrigation zones, $200–$500 for a smart controller, and $50–$150 for a rain sensor.
How many sprinkler zones do I need? +
Plan 1 zone per 2,500 sq ft of lawn. A 5,000 sq ft lawn needs 2 zones, 10,000 sq ft needs 4 zones, and 20,000 sq ft needs 8 zones. Each zone covers a section watered by one valve at a time. Separate zones for turf, flower beds, and slopes improve efficiency. Your water pressure and flow rate may also limit how many heads per zone (typically 4–8 rotor heads or 8–12 spray heads per zone).
Is a sprinkler system worth the investment? +
Yes for most homeowners. A properly designed system saves 30–50% on water versus hand watering by eliminating over-watering. Smart controllers with weather sensors save an additional 20–30%. A well-maintained system lasts 15–25 years. It also boosts home value by 5–10% of system cost and keeps landscaping healthy, protecting your landscaping investment.
Can I install a sprinkler system myself? +
DIY is possible and saves 40–60% on labor ($1,000–$4,000). You need to: call 811 for utility marking (free), rent a pipe puller ($200–$300/day), buy materials ($500–$2,000 depending on size), and plan zone layout. DIY works best for simple flat lots under 5,000 sq ft. Hire a pro for complex landscaping, slopes, multiple water sources, or if you lack plumbing experience. Typical DIY project takes 2–4 weekends.
What is a smart sprinkler controller? +
A smart controller ($200–$500) automatically adjusts watering schedules based on local weather data, soil type, and plant needs. Popular brands include Rachio ($200–$300), Hunter Hydrawise ($250–$400), and Rain Bird ESP-TM2 ($150–$250). They connect to Wi-Fi for app control, skip watering when rain is forecast, and typically save 20–50% on water bills. Most qualify for local water utility rebates ($50–$200).
How long does sprinkler system installation take? +
Professional installation takes 1–3 days for most residential properties. A small lawn (2–3 zones) takes 1 day. A medium property (4–6 zones) takes 1–2 days. Large properties (7+ zones) take 2–3 days. Timeline varies by soil type (rocky soil adds 1–2 days), obstacles (tree roots, hardscape), and trenching method (pipe puller vs. manual trenching). Plan an additional half day for system programming and adjustments.
How much does it cost to maintain a sprinkler system? +
Annual maintenance costs $150–$400. Spring startup (turn on, check for leaks, adjust heads) costs $50–$100. Fall winterization (blow out lines with compressed air) costs $50–$150. Mid-season head replacement averages $5–$20 per head. Controller batteries $5–$10/year. Budget $200–$500/year total. Neglecting winterization in cold climates can cause $1,000–$3,000 in pipe and valve damage from freezing.
Drip irrigation vs. sprinkler heads — when to use each? +
Sprinkler heads are best for turf/lawn areas — they cover large areas efficiently at $2–$10 per head. Rotor heads cover 20–50 ft radius; spray heads cover 5–15 ft. Drip irrigation ($500–$1,500 per zone) is best for flower beds, vegetable gardens, shrubs, and trees. It delivers water directly to roots with 90% efficiency vs. 70% for spray heads. Use drip for slopes to prevent runoff. Many systems combine both types across different zones.
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