LANDSCAPING
How Much Does Sprinkler System Installation Cost?
Estimate lawn sprinkler installation cost per square foot — equipment and labor — with the free calculator.
A lawn sprinkler system keeps the grass green without dragging hoses around. The price depends on lawn size, layout and water source. This guide covers the costs and a calculator to budget the job.
THE SHORT ANSWER
The short answer
Sprinkler systems run $0.50–$1.50 per sq ft installed. A typical 5,000 sq ft lawn costs $2,500–$7,500. Equipment is half the cost; trenching and installation the rest.
Equipment and costs
Pipes, heads, valves and a controller are about half the project cost. Pop-up rotors suit large lawns; spray heads cover small areas; drip lines handle flower beds. A smart controller adds $100-$300 but saves water.
- Pop-up rotors: $8–$15 each
- Spray heads: $3–$8 each
- Controller: $50–$300
- Installation: $0.30–$0.80 per sq ft
The layout matters
Complex layouts with narrow strips, slopes or irregular beds need more heads and zones, raising cost. A simple rectangular lawn is the cheapest to irrigate.
Water source and codes
Tapping the house line is standard; a separate meter from the city can reduce your water bill. Backflow preventers are required by code in most areas. Permits vary by city.
Try the calculator with your lawn
Enter the lawn area, equipment price per sq ft and installation per sq ft to see the total.