Should you spring for a sprinkler system? Find out if this investment holds water.
Your automatic sprinkler system costs between $1,600 and $3,600 to install, with average costs around $2,500 depending on lawn size and system complexity.
Automatic watering eliminates the hassle of dragging hoses across your yard, running on schedules you set so your grass stays green even when you're away.
You should budget for annual maintenance, including $115 inspections and $60 to $130 winterization, to keep your irrigation system running smoothly and prevent costly repairs.
Hiring a local sprinkler installation professional keeps your system properly zoned and installed, preventing drainage problems and foundation damage from incorrectly buried lines.
Tired of spending hours in the sun watering your grass by hand? One of the many benefits of a sprinkler system is that it takes the hard work out of growing a lush lawn, so you can put down the hose and relax. However, these systems come with a few drawbacks, too. Below, we’ll highlight the pros and cons of sprinkler systems so that you can decide whether or not to install one at your home.
Also known as an irrigation system, a sprinkler system is a network of pipes, sprinkler heads, valves, and other components that work together to water your lawn.
When setting up your system, a sprinkler installer will divide your yard into different watering zones, and each zone will have multiple sprinkler heads controlled by one valve. You’ll operate the entire system with a controller, an electronic device that lets you create programs to automatically water your lawn at certain times.
| Sprinkler System Pros | Sprinkler System Cons |
|---|---|
| Convenient | Up-front and ongoing costs |
| Provides consistent watering | Maintenance and repairs needed |
| Improves home resale value | Potential for overwatering |
With an automatic sprinkler system, you’ll help your lawn get the right amount of water at the right time—without lifting a finger. Plus, installing a sprinkler system can even boost the resale value of your home.
Once a professional sprinkler installer near you installs your system, you'll never have to lug a garden hose or manual sprinkler through your yard again. In fact, you won’t have to do much at all to keep your grass green. The system will run automatically based on the settings you’ve created, so you can rest assured that your lawn will get the right amount of water (even if you’re away from home).
When you have to water your lawn by hand, it can be tempting to skip a day here and there—especially in the heat of summer. But with a timed sprinkler system, you don’t have to worry about that. Instead, each part of your lawn will always receive consistent, measured watering at the right time.
For even more efficient watering, you can install a smart sprinkler system, which can analyze the weather to prevent your sprinklers from running while it’s raining.
If you end up selling your home, having a healthy and vibrant lawn will improve your property’s curb appeal. Also, buyers will appreciate the fact that your home has a functional sprinkler system, which could help you earn more money from the sale.
While the benefits of sprinkler systems are compelling, they come at a cost. Not only will you pay for installation, but there are ongoing costs and maintenance requirements as well. There’s also the potential for overwatering, which can lead to several other issues.
Cost is the primary drawback of installing a sprinkler system. The average cost to install a sprinkler system is $2,500, with prices often ranging between $1,600 and $3,600.
However, installation is just one cost to consider. You’ll also need to budget for regular maintenance, including annual sprinkler inspections and winterization (if you live somewhere with freezing temperatures). On average, an inspection costs $115, while winterizing a sprinkler system costs $60 to $130.
In addition to your yearly inspection and winterization, it’s also important to perform your own sprinkler maintenance. This means cleaning your sprinkler heads once per year, monitoring water pressure, checking for leaks, and managing weeds.
Irrigation systems are more expensive to install in western states than in eastern states. However, irrigation systems in the East are more costly to maintain than ones in the West. This is because cold weather in the East creates a freeze/thaw cycle that can expand pipes and cause them to blow.
If you uncover any issues, call a pro ASAP. Even a minor sprinkler leak can lead to drainage problems, flooding in your yard, and massive water bills. On average, repairing a sprinkler system costs $130 to $410, but these costs depend on the nature of the problem.
Even if you have a sprinkler system, it’s still possible to overwater your lawn. Overwatering doesn’t just waste water. It can also damage your plants and soil. If so, you might have to spend money on lawn treatments to address the issue.
If you want a luscious lawn but don’t want to spend hours watering it by hand, then installing a sprinkler system is worth it. However, you should be prepared for the up-front and ongoing costs of running a sprinkler system, as well as the maintenance requirements.
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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...
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.
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 IrrigationThe 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...
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