How Much Does It Cost to Install an In-Ground Sprinkler System?

The basic in-ground sprinkler system installation costs between 3,000 to $6,500, with an average price of around $4,600. The system usually costs between $0.29 to $1 per square foot yard. This cost includes installing and purchasing sprinkler system materials such as sprinklers, spray bodies, pipes, backflow preventers, controllers, valves, adapters, and swing joints. The average American lawn size is around a quarter-acre, around 10,890 square feet. So, most homeowners will pay between $3,000 and $6,500 for an ¼ acre lawn. For larger lawns or complex systems, the average installation cost might reach $10,000 per acre.

A beautiful green lawn boosts your home's curb appeal. A well-installed sprinkler system promotes proper watering to help maintain lush, healthy grass and landscaping. Making a sprinkler system installation is an invaluable investment.

In this article, our irrigation experts share a complete overview of sprinkler system installation costs and all the factors that affect its costs.

Cost by Lawn Size

Lawn or yard size is a primary cost factor for sprinkler system installation. The larger the yard, the more it will cost. Larger yards will need more materials, labor, and time than small yards, so the sprinkler system projects will cost more. Choose a trusted brand to buy a high-quality sprinkler system that can last up to 20 years.

Here is the average cost of sprinkler systems based on lawn square footage:

• 5,000 square feet: $1,400 to $3,000
• 10,000 square feet: $2,200 to $4,700
• 20,000 square feet: $4,100 to $7,800
• 40,000 square feet: $7,200 to $12,600

Cost by Location

Another factor that will impact on the cost of your lawn sprinkler system is where you live because different locations have different types of soil. Digging trenches is easier in some soil types, such as loamy soil. If you have rocky or hard soil, digging trenches and installation will take longer and cost more. Water prices differ by city, so operational costs can vary depending on location.

Cost by Zones

The other significant cost factor in sprinkler system installation is the number of zones your lawn needs—one irrigation zone costs between $600 and $1000. An average yard needs at least five watering zones. Additional zones may usually cost around $750 to install. If you have a larger lawn or many plants with different watering needs, you may need to divide your lawn into different irrigation zone