The average sprinkler repair cost is between $100 and $350, with most homeowners paying about $250. Sprinkler repair costs depend on various factors, including the extent of the damage and whether you can DIY the repair or need to hire a professional.
Factors in Calculating Sprinkler Repair Costs
Sprinkler repair costs vary depending on the nature of the damage, the parts required to fix the system, and the accessibility and location of the repair.
The average sprinkler repair cost per hour is $75, but you may have to pay a minimum service charge of one hour. It’s often more cost-effective for homeowners who need minor repairs to have routine maintenance work done.
Nature of the Damage
The average cost for sprinkler repair depends on the nature of the damage. There’s a significant difference between minor leaks and major component failures.
Minor leaks vs. major component failures
Minor leaks can lead to low water pressure and inefficient watering when the system doesn’t perform as designed. These are easier to repair than problems that involve major component failures, such as control panels or solenoid issues.
In many cases, you can DIY repair sprinkler system leaks, especially if it’s easy to see the damaged sprinkler head or valve and you have some plumbing skills. However, professional repair technicians usually handle control panel problems.
Electrical issues vs. mechanical problems
When it comes to sprinkler systems, if it’s not an electrical issue, it’s a mechanical problem. It may be hard for you to tell the difference, but sprinkler system technicians can troubleshoot your system and quickly diagnose your problem.
For example, low water pressure may be due to leaky valves, but it could also be a bad solenoid in the control panel. The technician will check all the components in your control panel, test the current, and inspect the valves. Afterward, he’ll replace the parts required to make your system operational.
Parts and Components Involved
The sprinkler system repair cost depends on the parts and components that you need to repair or replace.
Valves, pipes, and heads
Broken sprinkler heads are the most common causes of minor leaks, which are usually easy for technicians to fix. On average, sprinkler head repair costs $50 to $85. To replace them, the cost is $65 to $90.
Valves are another common cause of minor leaks. The cost to repair sprinkler system valves is $70 to $300, depending on how accessible they are.
Sprinkler system pipe repair costs average about $150 to $300, depending on how accessible the leak is. Broken pipes require digging, but a good technician can quickly find the leak’s general location and repair it.
Controllers and sensors
Major component failures like faulty sprinkler controllers are more involved and cost more to repair. If your technician can rewire the control panel, it can cost as little as $80. However, if they have to replace it, you’re looking at $150 to $250 just in parts.
Accessibility and Location
It’s much easier to repair a broken valve that you can see than it is to replace a broken pipe. Here are some factors that affect the cost of sprinkler system repairs, in terms of accessibility and location.
Mainline vs. lateral line repairs
Broken pipes are a common problem with sprinkler systems, especially older ones. Finding the location of the break is one of the most significant factors in determining the cost of repairing broken pipes.
Depending on your system’s design, finding a leak on the mainline may be easier. That’s because you can isolate all the lateral lines to determine where the leak is.
Steps to find a water leak
A jump in water usage is a good indicator of a broken sprinkler pipe. An experienced sprinkler system technician can find a leak pretty quickly. But if you’re DIYing your repairs, follow these steps to find the leak:
- Watch your water meter.
- Test your controller to ensure it’s working correctly.
- Check your valve boxes.
- Double-check individual zones to determine if they are working correctly.
- Check all sprinkler heads to ensure they’re working correctly.
While you may have some luck with DIY water leaks, hiring a professional with the tools and experience to find a water leak can save you a lot of time and worry.
Additional Costs and Considerations
Here are additional costs and considerations to factor in when calculating the cost of sprinkler repairs.
Size of Yard
The larger your sprinkler system, the more it will cost to maintain and install. Repair costs are typically determined by the components that have failed rather than the size of the yard.
However, it will be much easier for a technician to service a small yard with one or two zones than a large one. Sprinkler heads are the most common component needing to be replaced, and there are usually about 5 to 10 sprinkler heads per zone.
Water Usage and Wastage
Water leaks can add up quickly, noticeably increasing your water bill. Other impacts of water wastage must be considered when calculating the cost of broken sprinkler systems.
You may not notice your sprinkler system leaking underground until you see a jump in your water bill. The costs associated with water wastage can range from an extra $20 to double the average bill.
System Upgrades and Replacements
Sprinkler systems last about 15 to 20 years, so if you’re having to do a lot of repairs, it may be time for an upgrade. It’s also worth considering upgrading or replacing your old system to take advantage of new technology.
Complete system overhauls may be required to restore your sprinkler system to optimal functionality. If you have to replace your entire sprinkler system, it will cost an average of $2,000 to $4,000.
Preventive Maintenance
You can substantially lower the cost of sprinkler system repairs with preventive maintenance. Seasonal maintenance and routine system checks can offer long-term savings when you avoid problems by activating your system in the spring and winterizing it in the fall.
Regular system checks
You should check your sprinkler system throughout the season to ensure it’s working properly. Use this checklist as a guide:
- Clean the filters at least twice a year.
- Inspect sprinkler heads monthly by observing spray patterns.
- Check your water meter regularly.
- Check the valve box at least once a month.
- Use a rain gauge to ensure it adequately waters all parts of your lawn without underwatering.
Long-term cost savings
In the long run, you’ll save money by maintaining your sprinkler system, not just in terms of replacement and repairs but also by saving money on your water bill.
When Do I Need Sprinkler Repair?
Discover the signs of sprinkler malfunction and its impact on your lawn’s health to determine when you need sprinkler repair.
Signs of Sprinkler Malfunction
Understanding how to identify the signs of sprinkler malfunction can help you avoid many problems. Here are the top signs that your sprinklers need to be adjusted, repaired, or replaced:
- Irregular watering patterns
- Soggy spots or dry patches
- Water on sidewalks and driveways
- High water bill
- The pump is buzzing or making weird noises
- One of your zones isn’t working
Impact on Lawn Health
What are the impacts of broken sprinkler systems on your lawn’s health? Learn how watering mishaps can lead to problems, including root rot and fungal infections.
Overwatering vs. underwatering
Both overwatering and underwatering your lawn can lead to problems with your grass. Overwatering can lead to soil erosion, leaching nutrients out of your soil, depositing them into nearby water sources, and contaminating them.
Underwatered lawns grow slowly. One sign of underwatering is weak spring back, where your footprints stay in the grass for a long time.
Underwatered lawns also go dormant more quickly, with the grass turning brown in the hot summer temperatures. When underwatered lawns go dormant, opportunistic weeds take control of your lawn, leading to even more problems.
Root rot and fungal infections
The most common cause of root rot and fungal infections is overwatering. Root rot is caused by a fungal disease on your lawn, and it’s made worse by overwatering. There are multiple ways to treat lawn fungal infections, but one of the best ways is to avoid overwatering.
DIY Sprinkler Repair Costs vs. Hiring a Professional
Can you DIY sprinkler repair? Many homeowners with the right skills can tackle sprinkler repair jobs, but hiring a professional may be recommended for some jobs.
DIY Repair Essentials
Learn about DIY repair essentials to take care of your sprinkler system yourself.
Tools and equipment required
There are many tools required to take care of your lawn sprinkler system. You will need a shovel , a wheelbarrow , marking flags, and various hand tools. You’ll also need PVC pipe cutting and repair tools.
There are special pieces of equipment professionals use that may also be useful for you if you plan to do most of your own sprinkler system maintenance. An ultrasound leak detector is very handy when you are trying to locate a leak.
Cost of Replacement Parts vs. Hiring a Professional
Here are some common parts that you may need to replace and their associated cost, making it easy to see where you can save money by DIYing it versus hiring a professional.
| Sprinkler system component | Cost of part | Price to repair |
| Sprinkler heads | $3 to $30 | $45 to $85 |
| Sprinkler pipes | $0.65 to $3 per linear foot | $150 to $300 |
| Timer | $40 to $450 | $160 to $700 |
| Backflow preventer | $125 to $900 | $500 to $1,000 |
| Valve | $10 to $150 | $100 to $200 |
Benefits of Hiring a Specialist
For some homeowners, the benefits of hiring a sprinkler system technician are worth the additional costs. Sprinkler system technicians have in-depth knowledge and can offer quick fixes and expert diagnostics to ensure your system is being repaired correctly.
Another reason to hire a professional is that the warranty on some sprinkler system components is void if they aren’t installed by a certified technician.
How to Save Money on Sprinkler Repair Costs
Check out these money-saving tips to help you save money on sprinkler repairs and maintenance.
Regular system maintenance–When you schedule spring and fall seasonal services, a technician will check your system twice a year and you can avoid many problems.
Seasonal discounts and promotions–Take advantage of seasonal discounts and promotions when scheduling routine maintenance for your sprinkler system.
DIY fixes for minor problems–Learn how to DIY simple repairs, like broken sprinkler heads and valve replacement, to save money on minor problems.
Group deals in neighborhoods or HOAs–Your HOA may be able to offer you a seasonal service package at a group rate, or you can combine services with your neighbors to save money.
Compare quotes from multiple companies–Shop around and find the best deal, whether you need seasonal maintenance or a new installation.
FAQs About Sprinkler Repair Costs
How often should I service my sprinkler system to avoid costly repairs?
Sprinkler systems should be serviced in the spring to activate the system and in the fall to winterize it. Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, these maintenance tasks will help you avoid problems.
Is it more cost-effective to replace my old system rather than repair it?
It may be more cost-effective to replace an old sprinkler system than repair it. Sprinkler systems have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. If it’s at the end of that range, you’re probably better off replacing it.
How do weather conditions impact sprinkler repair costs?
Freezing weather is the most common cause of sprinkler system damage. When water freezes, it expands and causes pipes to crack or burst.
Can I integrate smart controllers to save on future repair costs?
Smart controllers can help you save money on future repair costs because they can identify issues like broken sprinkler heads in specific zones.
Are there hidden costs I should be wary of when getting a repair quote?
Most of the costs of sprinkler system repairs are pretty straightforward, but one of the biggest surprises of sprinkler system repairs comes from how long it takes to find broken pipes.
