Best Sprinkler & Irrigation in Arizona Ranked

In Arizona's arid climate, a well-designed irrigation system is not a luxury-it's a necessity for maintaining a healthy, attractive landscape while being a responsible steward of a precious resource: water. Efficient sprinkler and drip systems deliver water precisely where and when your plants need it, conserving water and saving you money on utility bills. This guide will help you understand the types of systems, installation processes, local regulations, and costs, empowering you to make informed decisions for your property.

Repair Services

3961 E Chandler Blvd Suite 111-190, Phoenix, AZ 85048

Repair Services is a Phoenix, AZ-based company specializing in landscape lighting installation and sprinkler system services, including installation, repair, and replacement. They handle all irrigation components such as valves, controllers, back-flow preventers, and various sprinkler heads to help maintain healthy lawns and landscapes. Established in 2004, the company has over a decade of experience serving the local community. They also offer low voltage outdoor lighting installation through their sister company, AZ Lighting Pros.

5.0

622 Reviews

Controlled Rain Inc.

10105 E Vía Linda #103-319, Scottsdale, AZ 85258

Controlled Rain Inc. is a family-owned irrigation company based near Phoenix, AZ, specializing in sprinkler installation, repair, and irrigation system optimization. They focus on water-efficient solutions tailored to Arizona's climate, including smart controllers, drip zones, and automated weather adjustments to help customers conserve water and maintain healthy plants. With decades of experience, Controlled Rain Inc. offers expertise in upgrading irrigation systems for better performance and ease of use through smartphone control.

5.0

440 Reviews

fixthedrip.com

26840 N Black Cyn Hwy, Phoenix, AZ 85083

fixthedrip.com is a landscaping and irrigation company based in Phoenix, AZ, serving both commercial and residential properties. They specialize in irrigation system installation and repair, yard drainage, grading, and planting services. The company offers smart Wi-Fi controllers to automate irrigation and provides durable drip tubing options designed to last a lifetime. Established in 1973, fixthedrip.com brings nearly 50 years of experience to Arizona landscapes, with licensed, bonded, and insured technicians. Their repairs come with a one-year warranty, and new installations carry a three-year warranty.

5.0

352 Reviews

Glen C Landscaping & Hardscape

phoenix

Glen C Landscaping & Hardscape is a family-owned landscaping company serving Phoenix, AZ, and surrounding areas including Scottsdale, Glendale, Surprise, and Avondale. With over 10 years of industry experience, they provide a wide range of services such as landscape design, lawn maintenance, irrigation and sprinkler installation, tree services, hardscaping including retaining walls and pavers, and artificial turf installation. Their team focuses on quality work and offers flexible financing options to meet client needs.

5.0

255 Reviews

Scottsdale Flow Irrigation LLC

3024 N 81st St, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Scottsdale Flow Irrigation LLC provides irrigation and outdoor lighting services in Phoenix, AZ. They specialize in sprinkler system installation, repair, and maintenance for both residential and commercial properties. The company offers expertise in irrigation controllers with features like auto-shutoff, rain delay, and remote control, ensuring efficient water management. With over 10 years of experience serving Scottsdale and surrounding areas, Scottsdale Flow Irrigation uses high-quality materials and custom designs tailored to client needs.

5.0

202 Reviews

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Why Efficient Irrigation is Critical in Arizona

Water conservation is a way of life in the Southwest. With high temperatures, low humidity, and frequent drought conditions, traditional watering methods like hoses or inefficient sprinklers can waste a staggering amount of water through evaporation and runoff. An automated, zoned irrigation system is the most effective tool for managing this. Properly designed systems can reduce outdoor water use by 50% or more compared to manual watering ¹. Beyond saving water, these systems protect your investment in your landscaping by providing consistent, deep watering that promotes stronger root systems and healthier plants.

Types of Irrigation Systems for Arizona Landscapes

Choosing the right type of system depends largely on what you are watering. A well-designed landscape often uses a combination of these methods.

Drip Irrigation

This is the gold standard for watering desert-adapted plants, trees, shrubs, flower beds, and vegetable gardens. Flexible tubing is laid along plant rows, with small emitters that deliver water slowly and directly to the root zone. This method minimizes evaporation and runoff, making it exceptionally efficient. It's ideal for non-turf areas and is highly recommended for water conservation ^{1 2}.

Spray (Sprinkler) Systems

These are best for turf grass areas. They use pop-up spray heads or rotors that distribute water in a specific pattern. Modern spray heads are designed to apply water evenly and at a rate the soil can absorb. They must be carefully zoned to avoid watering sidewalks, driveways, or non-landscaped areas ³.

Subsurface Drip Irrigation

A variation of drip irrigation where the tubing is buried a few inches below the soil or mulch surface. This virtually eliminates evaporation and protects the tubing from damage, offering maximum efficiency. It's an excellent, though sometimes more expensive, option for plant beds ⁴.

The Importance of Hydrozoning

This is a critical design principle for any Arizona irrigation system. Hydrozoning involves grouping plants with similar water needs on the same irrigation valve or zone. For example, turf grass, which needs frequent watering, should be on separate zones from native trees and shrubs, which require deep, infrequent watering. Succulents and cacti would be on yet another zone with minimal runtime. This prevents overwatering drought-tolerant plants and underwatering thirsty ones ^{5 2}.

The Installation Process: From Design to Operation

Professional installation ensures your system is efficient, effective, and compliant with local codes. Here's a typical process:

1. Design & Planning: A professional will map your property, noting sun exposure, soil type, and plant material. They will design zones, place head locations, and plan pipe and valve runs to ensure complete coverage without waste ^{1 2}.
2. Trenching: Trenches are dug for the main supply lines and lateral lines that run to each zone. The depth is crucial to protect pipes from freezing (rare in most of Arizona) and damage from lawn aerators.
3. Water Connection & Backflow Prevention: The system is connected to your home's main water supply. A backflow preventer is legally required to be installed. This device stops contaminated water from siphoning back into your home's drinking water supply ^{3 6}.
4. Valve & Controller Setup: Zone control valves, which act as electronic faucets for each section of your yard, are installed in valve boxes for easy access. The irrigation controller (the "brain" of the system) is wired and mounted in your garage or on an exterior wall.
5. Piping & Head Installation: PVC or polyethylene piping is laid in the trenches and connected. Sprinkler heads are installed flush with the ground, and drip tubing with emitters is laid out according to the plant plan.
6. Testing & Adjustment: The system is pressurized and each zone is activated. Heads are adjusted for spray pattern and distance, and emitters are checked for proper flow. The controller is then programmed with appropriate run times and schedules based on the season and plant needs ⁵.

Understanding Arizona's Watering Rules & Best Practices

Most Arizona cities, especially within Active Management Areas (AMAs), have mandatory watering ordinances to promote conservation. It is essential to check your specific city's guidelines, as they can vary.

• Watering Days: Schedules often restrict watering to certain days of the week based on your address or time of year. Some cities may prohibit daytime watering entirely. For example, some municipalities have no watering restrictions in the winter but may limit watering to three designated days per week during the summer ⁵.
• Best Time to Water: The ideal window is between 4:00 AM and 10:00 AM. Watering before sunrise minimizes water loss from evaporation and wind, allows foliage to dry during the day (reducing disease risk), and aligns with lower water pressure demands on the municipal system ⁵.
• Watering Amount: The "deep and infrequent" method is key. Water long enough for moisture to penetrate 6-12 inches into the soil, which encourages deep roots. Shallow, frequent watering leads to weak, surface-level roots. Your irrigation professional can help you determine the correct run times for your soil type and zones.

Cost Guide for Irrigation in Arizona

Costs can vary widely based on property size, system complexity, soil conditions, and the type of equipment used.

• New System Installation: For a typical residential property, you can expect a range from $1,600 to $5,000 or more. This often breaks down to approximately $0.88 to $2.39 per square foot of irrigated area, or $590 to $1,340 per zone installed ^{6 7}. A simple front lawn system will be on the lower end, while a large property with multiple zones mixing spray and drip will be higher.
• Repairs and Maintenance:
  • Minor Fixes: Replacing a broken sprinkler head or fixing a small pipe leak typically costs $70 to $300 ⁶.
  • Valve or Controller Replacement: Replacing a faulty zone valve or upgrading a timer can range from $50 to $300 ⁶.
  • Major Pipe Leak: Repairing a broken main line involves significant digging and restoration, with costs from $200 to over $1,000 ⁶.
  • Backflow Preventer Testing/Replacement: Annual testing is required by law in many areas. Replacement of the device itself can cost between $200 and $1,050+ depending on the type and complexity ^{6 8}.

Investing in a quality installation with modern, water-efficient components can prevent costly repairs and water waste down the line.

Maintaining Your Irrigation System

Regular maintenance ensures efficiency and longevity. Perform a visual inspection monthly, checking for broken or misaligned heads, puddles that indicate leaks, and dry spots that signal clogged emitters. Adjust your controller seasonally-plants need far less water in Arizona's winter than in the peak summer heat. It is also wise to have a professional perform an annual check-up, which includes testing the backflow preventer, checking pressure, and auditing each zone's performance.

Frequently asked questions

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