5 Sprinkler System Questions to Ask Your Sprinkler Installation and Repair Pro

A sprinkler system makes maintaining a green, healthy lawn easier, but if the system is damaged, you’ll need to repair it or consider installing a new one, depending on the extent of the issues. Asking your sprinkler pro these five sprinkler system questions can help you confidently tackle the project. 

1. What problems are you having with your sprinkler system?

If your sprinkler system isn’t working properly, it might be time to call a sprinkler repair professional near you to assess the system and address the issues. Possible sprinkler system problems include broken or dirty sprinkler heads, damaged sprinkler risers, a faulty diaphragm, and issues with the solenoid, among others. You’ll have to discuss the issues with your sprinkler pro and ask them what solutions they recommend.  

2. When do you need the project completed?

Depending on the time of year when you need your sprinkler system fixed, you may be on the waiting list, especially if you need repairs or installation during the summer when sprinkler contractors are at their busiest. It’s best to have your sprinkler system inspected before you turn it on for the season, typically in early spring. But if you have an issue later in the summer, make sure to work out the scheduling with the contractor to get them out as quickly as possible. 

3. What kind of location do you live in?

If you live in an area where the ground freezes in the winter, the system may be susceptible to damage from the freezing temperatures. Having the sprinkler system inspected in early spring means you may be able to catch issues and have them repaired before turning the system on. If you live in a hot, dry climate and need to use the sprinkler system to water the lawn, it’s important to keep up with maintenance and repairs so you don’t get stuck without water when you need it most. 

4. Do you need to install a new sprinkler system or repair the existing one?

Determining whether you need to install a new sprinkler system or repair the existing one will come down to the level of damage that you’re dealing with. In some cases, sprinkler repairs are fairly simple and require cleaning or replacing the sprinkler heads. In other cases, when there are cracked pipes or significant damage to multiple sprinkler heads or risers, then you may need to consider replacing your existing system with a new one. 

5. How much will sprinkler repair cost?

Sprinkler repair costs between $130 and $420, but the actual cost will depend on the damage level, the difficulty of repairing it, and any necessary materials. In some cases, you can save money by fixing the issues yourself, but in other cases, you may need to start from scratch and replace the entire system with a new one. If you need to replace the system, a new sprinkler system installation costs between $1,600 and $4,000.