How much does a sprinkler start-up and tune-up cost?
Updated
Short answer
Checking and adjusting the sprinklers yourself costs $0 to $20, for a replacement head or a couple of nozzles, and takes 30 to 60 minutes to run every zone and watch it. An irrigation company charges $75 to $150 for a spring start-up visit that does the same, plus a check of the backflow preventer and the controller. The check comes at start-up and every few months through the season, and most of what it finds is a tilted head or a clogged nozzle that costs a few dollars and a screwdriver.
Cost breakdown
| Item | DIY | Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $0 to $20 | included |
| Tools you may need to buy | none | included |
| Labor | your time | $75 to $150 |
| Total | $0 to $20 | $75 to $150 |
The DIY column is the odd head or nozzle. A screwdriver and some flag markers to mark the problems while the zone runs are all the tools. The pro column is the start-up visit, which includes running the zones, adjusting the heads, setting the controller, and checking the backflow device, with parts extra.
What drives the cost
- The number of zones. A start-up visit on a small system is the low end. A large property with many zones takes longer, and some companies price per zone.
- Parts. A new head is a few dollars, a rotor more, and a valve or a controller much more. The visit price covers the labor and the parts are on top.
- A broken line. A pipe cracked by a shovel or by a freeze is a dig-and-repair job, which is a separate charge beyond the start-up.
- The backflow test. Many water utilities require a yearly test of the backflow preventer by a certified tester, which is its own fee and sometimes bundled with the start-up.
- A plan. A season plan with start-up, a mid-season check and the fall blow-out often costs less than the visits bought separately.
DIY vs. pro
The check is yours, and it's easy: how often to check and adjust sprinklers is at spring start-up and every few months through the season. Run each zone, flag the heads that spray the sidewalk, don't pop up or don't turn, and fix them with a screwdriver and a few dollars in parts. A system that waters the street costs more every month than the $0 to $20 of fixes.
Pay the $75 to $150 when the controller has you beaten, when a zone won't come on and the valve is the suspect, when a line is broken underground, or when the backflow test is due and you'd rather bundle it. A technician's start-up also sets a watering schedule matched to the lawn, which saves water all season.
FAQ
How much does a sprinkler start-up cost?
$75 to $150 for a technician to run the zones, adjust the heads, set the controller and check the backflow device. Parts are extra.
Can I adjust my own sprinklers?
Yes. Run each zone, watch where the water lands, and adjust or replace the heads that are off. It costs $0 to $20 and takes 30 to 60 minutes.
How much does it cost to replace a sprinkler head?
A few dollars for a spray head, more for a rotor, and the swap takes minutes with a screwdriver.
How often should sprinklers be checked?
At spring start-up and every few months through the season, since heads get tilted by mowers and nozzles clog over the summer.