How much should an irrigation system cost?

Let’s get straight to it, a new irrigation system can cost $2,429 on a national average. At a lower scale, the price is around $500, and $4,600 on the high end. It really depends on what you want and how much land it needs to cover.

The average cost of an irrigation system can range anywhere between $1,759 and $3,350. However, many factors affect the cost, including the brand, size, system functionality, permits, location, and hiring a contractor vs. Do It Yourself.

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10 Budgeting tips for an Irrigation System

Here are essential factors to consider when planning and budgeting for an irrigation system:

The Size Of The Property, Including The Slopes

In general, a larger area with lots of flowerbeds and landscaping will cost you more money when it comes to installation compared to a smaller lot. Therefore, if you have slopes on the property, you’ll want to buy a controller that has a cycle soak to prevent water from wearing down your lawn.

The Type Of Irrigation System You Want

The most expensive irrigation system is not always the best choice for your situation and budget, so do some research before making decisions about which type will work best for your home and garden needs. There are various types of irrigation systems available for different needs and budgets. For example, drip systems cost more than spray heads, but they also require less maintenance.

Water Source

If you already have a well, you can purchase a direct-fed irrigation system or an indirect-fed system that is powered by electricity, propane or natural gas. If your water comes from municipal sources, check with the city to see if such systems are permitted.

Your Property’s Soil Type

The nature of soil on your property will affect the type of sprinkler nozzle or head you’ll buy for your lawn sprinkler. For instance, you need stainless steel sprinkler head for sandy soils as it handles the coarseness way better than the plastic one. Yet, the stainless steel nozzle is more costly than the plastic nozzle.

The Number of Zones You’re Putting In

Typically, the cost of a drip irrigation system depends on how many sprinkler heads and drip lines you need and how many square feet of garden space you have. The more zones you have, the more money you’ll spend. It goes without saying that a three-zone system will cost more than a two-zone system.

Your Landscape, Lawn, And Gardening Needs

If your landscape contains plants that require regular watering, look for sprinkler systems with an adjustable spray pattern that allows you to target specific areas. When your landscaping includes rock gardens or other types of landscaping with low-water needs, consider installing a drip irrigation system instead. Drip systems are easy to install and inexpensive to maintain because they don’t require water pressure and fittings like sprinklers do.

Besides, if you have a large garden with a lot of plants or trees, you will need to consider how much water your sprinkler system can hold. Sprinklers can either be spray heads or rotary-type nozzles. Rotary nozzles are slightly expensive but deliver more water in a given area than spray heads.

Hiring Contractors Vs. DIY

If you’re planning to install an irrigation system, you can either hire a contractor or do it yourself. If you don’t know how to install and maintain an irrigation system, you may run into trouble, and DIY shouldn’t be an option. Hiring a contractor will save you from the hassle of second-guessing and making costly mistakes along the way.

When hiring a contractor, be sure to ask your bids for the total cost of the installation. In addition, you may want to ask for copies of their licenses and insurance certificates. You can also ask them for references who have used their services in the past and check with local authorities such as the Better Business Bureau before hiring them. Also, ask if they offer a warranty on their products and what it covers.

Buying Materials

The quality and quantity of materials for your irrigation system will determine your budget. For example, some of the things you need to buy include a drip line, which is a pipe that runs from the water main to the garden. The pipes have fittings that allow them to attach to the main water line so that they can be connected to each other.

The drip line should be installed underground so that it isn’t visible from above. You also need to buy sprinkler heads and regulators. Sprinkler heads are what deliver the water, and regulators are what adjust the flow of water coming out of each sprinkler head. You may also want to purchase an additional hose for some parts of your property such as around trees or shrubs.

Renting Equipment

If you decide to rent any equipment for your installation, it’ll add up to the overall cost of the irrigation system installation. Remember that no matter what kind of irrigation system you decide to install, there are many components of your system that require special tools or equipment; it’s best to have those tools and equipment on hand before starting the installation.

However, before committing to getting a piece of rental equipment, you will want to ask what the rental period is and what are the terms and conditions of the agreement. Ask if there is a set number of days or if you have to return the equipment after the agreed-upon period.

Repairing your lawn after installation

You may find that your sprinkler system causes damage to your lawn. This can be caused by various mishaps during installation, and you will need to repair the damage. The garden will need to be replanted, so you will have to purchase plants and seeds specific to the type of plant you are replacing. Besides, if you need to make a modification or repair, you will have to go back and make those changes after the installation is complete. This may add up to the cost of your system.