What Factors Influence the Cost to Repair a Sprinkler System?
The cost to repair a sprinkler system boils down to four main factors: how big your sprinkler system is, how big the problem is, what type of sprinkler head you use (and other parts), and how difficult it will be for a plumber to access the area that needs repairing.
Size of Sprinkler System
As with most projects, the size and scope of it are always going to be the big drivers when it comes to cost. If all you’ve got is a simple sprinkler system for a 200-square-foot yard, that’s going to be a lot easier to deal with than if you have a sprinkler system designed to cover a massive lawn spanning several acres.
Extent of Problem
Do you just have to replace a sprinkler head you accidentally kicked, or are there widespread leaks and flow issues across your system? One you might be able to do yourself in 10 minutes, the other could take a professional many hours to fix.
Parts Needed
The parts you need matter as well. If you replace 10 sprinkler heads, you may only need to pay $100 to $200. But if your backflow preventer is shot, that could cost you anywhere between $125 and $900.
Difficulty to Access
An above-ground sprinkler system is easy to access and often won't require you to hire a plumber—and if you do have to hire a plumber, they won't have to work on the project as long. But if they have to start digging up PVC pipes in your yard, your bill will go up quickly.
Labor
Expect to pay an average of $75 per hour for a plumber to repair your sprinklers, with a range of $50 to $100 per hour. How much a plumber will get done in an hour depends widely on the kind of work they're doing.
If they're just replacing a few parts above ground, they could take less than an hour. But if they are having to dig up your system or make extensive repairs, it could take the better part of a day and cost more.
Location
There’s a small difference in price for a sprinkler system depending on where you live.
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll pay on average in various cities:
San Francisco: $380
Chicago: $300
Boston: $280
Philadelphia: $270
Atlanta: $250
Dallas: $250
Denver: $200
Sprinkler System Repair Pricing
There are many variables in a sprinkler system, and the kinds of parts you need to repair your system will rely entirely on the nature of your problem.
Here's a breakdown, according to HomeAdvisor, of some of the items you may need to replace and their typical costs:
Head: $3–$30
Valve: $13–$150
Backflow preventer: $125–$900
Pipe: $0.65–$3
Connections: $0.65–$8
Timer: $40–$450
Wiring (per foot): $0.50–$1.50
You can dive deeper into the cost of a sprinkler head because there are many different types, hence the wide range in prices. For example, a gear-driven sprinkler designed for large yards can cost up to $20 per head, while a simple pop-up sprinkler may cost as little as $2.
Cost to Repair a Sprinkler Head by Type
It costs between $1 and $20 to replace a sprinkler head, but which end of that range you end up on will depend largely on what type of sprinkler head you choose.
Here is a breakdown of the cost of each type of sprinkler head:
Pop-up: $2–$10
Fixed spray: $2–$15
Gear-driven: $10–$20
Flood: $2–$5
Shrub: $1–$5
Rotary: $5–$20
How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Sprinkler System Yourself?
If you’re fortunate enough to be dealing with a simple problem that requires replacing just one or two parts, you could save a lot of money compared to hiring a contractor. For example, a sprinkler head is pretty simple to replace and can cost you just a few bucks.
Even if you don’t have any background in projects like this, you can generally find help online in the form of instructional videos that offer guidance.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
If your sprinkler system has wide-ranging problems that are tough to access, it’s time to contact a plumber in your area. A plumber can visit your property in person, take a look at the sprinkler system, run some tests, diagnose the issue, give you some advice, and provide an estimate for troubleshooting your sprinkler system problem.
