If you're a DIY homeowner looking to maintain a lush, green lawn or garden, a residential irrigation system could be just what you need. An irrigation system provides a reliable and efficient way to water your plants while conserving water and saving you time and effort.
But how much does installing a residential irrigation system, including drip irrigation and bubblers, cost?
In this blog, we'll explore the factors that affect the installation cost of irrigation systems. We'll also discuss these systems' ongoing maintenance and the benefits of investing in a residential irrigation system for your home.
Whether you're a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a beginner looking to take on a new project, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about installing a residential irrigation system on your property.
Cost of Residential Irrigation Systems
According to BobVila.com and Angi.com, installing an in-ground sprinkler system costs approximately $2,540, ranging from about $1,678 to $3,542. Many factors go into these average costs, including yard size, soil type, planting location, and more.
Always remember to map out your landscape and lawn areas needing water. Your new irrigation system will cost you more money without a map and plan.
Read more: 10 Steps for Installing a K-Rain Sprinkler System
Here are seven factors affecting the final cost, including
Yard size
The larger something is, the more it’s going to cost. For example, a small lawn with 1/8th of an acre will cost less to install an irrigation system than a three-acre yard.
Other costs include the number of zones, sprinkler head types, controllers, system parts, and the brand. You want a brand you can trust with a sprinkler system that lasts up to 20 years.
Angi.com says installing an in-ground irrigation system in your yard costs between $0.20 to $1 per square foot. This doesn’t include drip irrigation and bubblers.
Soil type
The loamier the soil, the easier to trench it for line installation. If you have compacted or rocky soil, realize it’ll take longer for you to shovel out the trenches. You can always rent a trench digger, which adds to your final cost.
Planting locations
Where are your flower beds, landscaped areas around the house, and lawn, located? You may need to rearrange your landscape where plants are installed based on their watering needs.
Include extra costs such as garden soil, mulch, and plant material if you’ll re-arrange your landscape to meet the plants’ needs better and conserve water.
Municipal permits
Before you rent a trench digger, get all the necessary permits pulled (and paid for) before you dig.
Also, if you live in an HOA, you need to ask the board what their requirements are for sprinkler system installation. Plus, you may need to hire a contractor if the HOA doesn’t allow you to do it yourself.
Water pressure
You need to know the working water pressure when the house’s water supply is turned on and the static pressure when the water supply is turned off.
You’ll need to buy a pressure gauge to find the working water pressure number in pounds per inch (psi). Attach the water pressure gauge to the outside faucet, ensuring all other faucets in the house are turned off.
Materials cost
In addition to the above costs, you also need to buy the sprinkler system components. Angi.com lists sprinkler systems cost $2,500 for 10,890 sq. ft., $4,920 for 21,790 sq. ft., to $9,840 per 43,560 sq. ft.
Then, you must determine which type of sprinkler heads you’ll use. For example, you can choose from the less expensivesprays to the costlier rotary ones.
Before you choose stationary sprinkler heads, you need to consider the following comparison with rotary sprinkler heads:
- You might need more stationary sprinkler heads for full coverage, whereas rotary ones cover more space.
- And you may not get the water savings with stationary sprinkler heads as you do with rotary ones. Fixed sprinkler heads have less flow control than rotary ones. Improved flow control reduces wasted water.
How Many Zones
Suppose you live on a property with different micro-climates, such as a slope that gets more wind, shady areas that may stay damp longer, and full sun areas where water evaporates quickly. In that case, these varying zones determine the final cost of your sprinkler system.
Sprinkler system zone costs range from $500 to $1,000, with extra zones costing $1,000 per zone, according to Angi.com. So, if you need seven zones, your average cost will range between $3,500 to $7,000.
What’s the Comparison of Different Residential Sprinkler Systems?
While most folks think of underground sprinkler systems for lawn care, you also need an irrigation system for your landscapes and edible gardens.
Enter drip irrigation andbubblers. Both irrigation systems will save you money, conserve water, and give you success with a beautiful property.
Drip irrigation delivers large water droplets directly to the plant roots. You can use drip irrigation in your edible garden, container plants, and flowerbeds.
Read more: Why You Need Drip Irrigation for Your Landscaped Areas, Flowerbeds, and Vegetable Gardens
Bubblers’ small irrigation heads bubble over and flood the ground around your trees and shrubs. You can also use bubblers with any groundcovers in your landscaping. There is no erosion or water waste because the water goes down to the plant’s roots, encouraging deep root growth.
Benefits of a Residential Sprinkler System Investment
While it costs a lot upfront in time and money, a sprinkler system—including dripline irrigation and bubblers—will save you money in the long run. Adding Bluetooth or WiFi technology gives you more control over the watering system regardless of location.
And if you live in an area with water restrictions, your underground sprinkler system will help keep you in compliance because you can set the days and times you want your irrigation system to turn on and off.
5 Regular Maintenance and Repairs for Your In-Ground Irrigation System
For the most part, underground sprinkler systems are low-maintenance. However, there are five areas of regular maintenance that you need to put on your calendar:
- Winterize your system if you live in regions where the temperatures get down to 32°F and below.
- Remember to start your sprinkler system every spring if you closed it down over the winter.
- Regularly inspect your outdoor sprinkler system for leaks, change sprinkler heads, and adjust the watering schedule based on the time of year (spring, summer, and fall).
- Replace all broken parts, including spray heads and broken or clogged emitters.
- Adjust sprinkler heads to ensure they point to the lawn, not the patio, sidewalks, or driveway.
Invest in K-Rain for All of Your Sprinkler System Products
The cost of installing a lawn sprinkler system varies depending on where you live. Give yourself a head start on installing K-Rain Sprinkler Parts by watching our videos:
- Designing a Residential Irrigation System
- How to Install a Residential Irrigation System
- How to Troubleshoot a Residential Irrigation System.
If designing and installing a residential irrigation system isn’t your cup of tea, hire anirrigation contractor to do the work for you.
You can buy your K-Rain sprinkler system parts at our online store, The Home Depot, or Lowe’s near you. If you have questions about your K-Rain irrigation system parts, call our customer service at 800-735-7246 or fill out ourcontact form.
Sources:
Angi.com, How Much Does a Lawn Sprinkler System Cost?
BobVila.com, How Much Does a Lawn Sprinkler System Cost?
Lowes.com, How to Install an Underground Sprinkler System.
