If your sprinkler system isn’t working, it may be time for a new pump. Find out sprinkler pump replacement costs with this guide.
Lisa G.
Wonderful. I am going to have them remove and replace my driveway in the spring.
All Star Paving and SealingSprinkler Water Calculator: How Much Water Does My Sprinkler System Use?
Leaving the sprinklers running is bad for your wallet and your lawn
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A sprinkler uses between 40 and 100 gallons of water in 30 minutes, depending on the flow rate and number of heads running.
Expect to pay $1,639 to $3,571 for professional sprinkler system installation, including permits and labor, to keep your lawn healthy all season.
Your lawn needs about 20 minutes of watering three times per week during peak growing season to stay lush without overwatering or waste.
Hiring a local lawn irrigation professional keeps your system running efficiently with reliable maintenance, repairs, and seasonal startup and shutdown support.
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Sprinkler systems deliver reliable water to your lawn and plants throughout the growing season, but it’s important to know how much water your sprinkler system uses so you can make sure you’re using enough—but not too much—and plan for your summer water bills. Using this sprinkler water usage calculator, you’ll be able to estimate the amount of water your sprinkler system puts out based on how many sprinkler heads you have.
How Much Water Does My Sprinkler System Use?
A sprinkler head uses between two and five gallons of water per minute. You can use the table below to estimate how much water your sprinkler system uses per minute based on how many sprinkler heads you have. How long to run sprinklers depends on the type of sprinkler, soil, and vegetation you have, but it averages out to about 20 minutes three times per week during the peak growing season.
| Number of Sprinkler Heads | Water Use Per Minute | Water Use Per 20 Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2–5 gallons | 40–100 gallons |
| 2 | 4–10 gallons | 80–200 gallons |
| 3 | 6–15 gallons | 120–300 gallons |
| 4 | 8–20 gallons | 160–400 gallons |
| 5 | 10–25 gallons | 200–500 gallons |
Calculating How Much Water My Sprinkler System Uses
To determine how much water your sprinklers are putting out each time you turn them on, you can check the manufacturer’s information. This should tell you the flow rate, measured in gallons per minute (GPM). The sprinkler water usage calculator takes the flow rate multiplied by the number of minutes the sprinkler runs to find out how much water the sprinkler system uses.
Amount of Water Used = Flow Rate x Minutes x Number of Sprinkler Heads
Using this calculation, you’ll be able to estimate how much water your sprinkler system uses, which can help prepare you for increased water bills throughout the summer.
Who to Hire for Your Sprinkler System
Using a sprinkler system to keep your yard lush requires regular maintenance to keep the sprinkler heads running. If you notice that your sprinkler heads aren’t functioning as they should, you need to know who to call to turn on your sprinklers and for sprinkler system repairs.
A lawn care service company or irrigation pro will be familiar with sprinkler system installation and repairs and know how to maintain them for proper functioning. They can also turn the system on at the beginning of the season and off at the end. You may be able to learn how to install a sprinkler system, but if you’re unsure you’ll be able to do the job correctly, you’ll need to hire someone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lawn irrigation services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH
5.0★ avg. • 6 total reviews
- John H.
Cody did a great job!
Itzelpainting - All Star Paving and Sealing
- Locke M.
We had a 20+ year old landscape lighting system that needed replacement. Midwest Lightscapes worked with us to design a much improved lighting system, lighting the exterior of the house and the back yard. Installation of the 45 light system took one and one-half days, and went very smoothly....
Midwest Lightscapes - Jake H.
Did an amazing job transforming my yard. Also installed sod in places, would recommend to everyone.
Cardinal Landscaping & Construction LLC - Archie D.
Always been satisfied with the service work and how they have taken care of my pool.
- Barbara W.
Bill Gerhardt sold the company to his employees at the end of 2019, apparently without a workable succession plan and without notifying prospective customers of this fact. Most aspects of the maintenance contract have not been fulfilled: no installation of anual plantings per contract, no...
- Kristen A.
They show up and they did take us on as a client which seems to be a problem with other lawn care providers. We have multiple properties and this one was located close to downtown and no one really wants to mess with it.
- Wendy G.
I was very happy with the service provided by AK Irrigation. They responded quickly to my email, and the woman I spoke with was polite and professional. I was able to get an appointment that same week. <br /> The technician (Tyler) arrived on time. He was very knowledgeable, and worked...
AK Irrigation - Terri O.
The worker came out when he was supposed to come. He informed me he would honor the Angie's List deal, but would not do any more work for me since my son in law owns lawn care company as well, even though they do not do the same type of work. He said he did not feel comfortable giving me...
Bello Giardino LLC - Amy H.
E & L Lawn Care was super. They were very responsive before and after service. They were efficient and were able to complete the job within 1 day. I have had concern about one section of sod - the owner was pro-active and did a visit to evaluate. I have no doubt they will stand behind...
E&L lawn care
The homeowners guide to lawn irrigation services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
•Find out the average sprinkler system repair cost, what impacts pricing, and how to save. Get transparent estimates to plan your sprinkler repair project.
•Discover the cost to winterize a sprinkler system, including average prices, key cost factors, and tips to save. Learn what impacts your estimate and how to budget.
Need to repair a sprinkler or install a new one? Learn the parts of the sprinkler system and how they all work together to water your lawn and garden.
Can you keep your lawn healthy without a costly irrigation system? Absolutely. Learn the best way to water a lawn without a sprinkler system with this guide.
How many sprinklers do I need? This calculator will help you estimate the total based on several key factors, like water flow and yard size.