Looking for sprinkler installation, sprinkler repair, or full-site irrigation? A properly designed system keeps your lawn and landscape healthy while saving water, time, and money. Use Landscape Atlas to explore nearby pros, compare reviews and services, and request quotes from companies that fit your needs.

"Irrigation" covers everything from brand-new in-ground sprinkler systems to drip lines for plant beds and targeted repairs that bring an older system back to life. Most local providers offer:

• New system design and installation for lawns, gardens, and mixed planting areas
• Upgrades to smart controllers, rain/freeze sensors, and high-efficiency nozzles
• Repairs: broken heads, leaks, wiring faults, controller issues, valves, and manifolds
• Seasonal care: spring start-up, mid-season tune-ups, winterization/blowouts (cold climates)
• Backflow preventer testing where required by local code
• Water audits to optimize coverage and reduce runoff

On Landscape Atlas, you can browse companies that handle one or all of these services and contact them directly for quotes. Landscape Atlas lists businesses for your convenience and does not pre-vet providers or perform any service work.

Why efficient irrigation matters

Watering is more than convenience-it's plant health, water stewardship, and curb appeal. A well-designed, well-maintained system helps you:

• Water precisely, so turf and plants thrive without waste
• Cut water bills with matched precipitation rates, drip zones, and smart scheduling
• Avoid dry spots, runoff, fungus, and nutrient loss
• Comply with local watering rules and backflow protection requirements
• Enhance property value with a greener, more consistent landscape
• Save time with automation and remote control via a smartphone app

If your yard is struggling or your water bill is rising, dialing in your irrigation is one of the highest-impact improvements you can make.

Types of systems and the key components

Even simple systems have several parts working together. Understanding the basics helps you compare quotes intelligently.

Sprinkler zones and heads

• Zones: Your yard is divided into zones that water separately so pressure stays consistent and plant needs are met.
• Spray heads: Best for small, uniform areas. Shorter radius, even coverage, higher precipitation rate.
• Rotors and rotary nozzles: Ideal for medium to large turf areas. Slower precipitation reduces runoff and improves uniformity.
• Bubblers and micro-sprays: Targeted watering for trees, shrubs, or planters.

Drip irrigation

• Drip lines deliver water at the soil surface or root zone for beds, shrubs, and edibles.
• Benefits: Less evaporation, fewer weeds, and healthier plants with fewer disease issues.
• Include filters and pressure regulators to protect emitters and maintain consistent output.

Controls, valves, and sensing

• Controller: The "brain" that schedules watering. Smart Wi-Fi controllers adjust run times based on weather, soil, and plant type.
• Valves and manifolds: Electric valves open and close zones; manifolds group valves for easier service.
• Sensors: Rain, freeze, and soil moisture sensors prevent watering when it's unnecessary. Flow sensors can detect leaks fast.
• Master valve: Adds protection by shutting the system when no zones are watering.

Water supply, safety, and plumbing

• Backflow preventer (PVB, RP, or other type as required): Protects drinking water; testing may be required annually.
• Mainline and laterals: Mainline feeds the valves; laterals feed the heads or drip emitters.
• Pressure regulation: Zone-level or head-level regulation ensures uniform application and water savings.

Ready to compare local pros? It's quick and free.

How to choose a sprinkler or irrigation contractor

A good contractor blends horticulture, hydraulics, and code knowledge. When narrowing options on Landscape Atlas, look for:

• Proper licensing and insurance for irrigation work in your state or city
• Demonstrated design approach (head-to-head coverage, matched precipitation, proper zoning)
• Experience with your property type (residential, commercial, sloped sites, reclaimed water)
• Familiarity with local codes, permits, and backflow requirements
• Ability to provide brand and model specifics-not just "rotors" or "smart controller"
• Clear warranties on parts and labor, plus service and maintenance options
• Photos or addresses of recent, comparable projects
• Responsive communication and documented quotes
• References or verifiable reviews

Note: Landscape Atlas does not pre-screen or endorse providers. Always verify licenses, insurance, and references before hiring.

Typical costs and what affects them

Every property is unique, but these ballpark ranges can help you plan. Actual prices depend on local labor rates, site conditions, and the gear you choose.

New installation (typical residential)

• Small to mid-size lot (e.g., front and back lawn with beds, 4-8 zones): $2,500-$6,500
• Larger or complex landscapes (more zones, long runs, hardscape crossings): $6,000-$12,000+
• Drip zones for beds: $300-$1,200 per zone, depending on length and plant density
• Smart Wi-Fi controller: $150-$400 for hardware, plus installation
• Backflow preventer: $200-$600 (device only; testing extra)
• Optional flow sensor: $150-$400, plus integration

Common repairs and services

• Replace a broken head and nozzle: $75-$200 per head (parts and labor)
• Replace a valve: $120-$300 each, depending on access
• Fix lateral line leak: $150-$450; mainline leak: $250-$800+
• Controller replacement: $250-$700+ installed (basic to smart)
• Wiring/solenoid troubleshooting: $150-$400+
• System diagnostic/audit: $75-$200
• Seasonal services: spring start-up $75-$150; winterization/blowout $60-$120; backflow test $40-$90

What drives price up or down

• Lot size, number of zones, and irrigation method (spray, rotor, drip)
• Water pressure/flow at the meter or well (may require design adjustments)
• Soil type and slope (affects head selection and cycle/soak programming)
• Access for trenching or vibratory plow; hardscape crossings or boring
• Planting density, trees, and obstacles
• Local permits, inspections, and backflow requirements
• Choice of brands, pressure-regulating heads, and smart features
• Turf/landscape restoration and clean-up scope
• Regional labor rates and scheduling demand
• Rebates from your water district (often available for smart controllers and high-efficiency nozzles)

Tip: Ask each contractor to break out equipment, labor, permits, and restoration so you can compare apples to apples.

Installation and service timeline

Here's a typical flow for a residential project. Larger or commercial sites will take longer.

1. On-site consultation and measurement (30-90 minutes)
2. Utility locate (call 811) and design finalization (2-7 days)
3. Permit application if required (varies by city)
4. Installation (often 1-3 days for average yards; more for complex sites)
5. Programming, coverage testing, and walk-through (same day as install completion)
6. Inspection/backflow testing if required (1-3 days depending on scheduling)
7. Final clean-up and restoration planning (sod/seed, minor hardscape touch-ups)

For service calls, many companies offer next-day or same-week scheduling; emergency leak repairs may be available sooner.

Preparation tips to get the most value

A little prep makes quotes more accurate and installation smoother.

• Gather a simple sketch or plat map with rough measurements
• Note sunny vs. shaded areas, slopes, and any future planting plans
• Check Wi-Fi coverage where a smart controller would mount
• Identify hose bibs, the water meter, and electrical access
• Perform a quick bucket test to estimate flow (e.g., time to fill 5 gallons)
• Clarify priorities: front curb appeal, edible garden, high-value trees, etc.
• Ask your city about permits, watering restrictions, and rebates
• If you have an HOA, review any rules on irrigation or controller placement
• Mark any invisible dog fences or private lines the utility locate won't catch
• Schedule around new sod/seed or landscape installs so irrigation is ready when plants arrive

Smart ways to compare quotes

Aim for consistency across proposals so you can judge true value, not just the lowest price.

• Specs: zone count, head counts and types, nozzle models, drip line length and emitter rates
• Hydraulics: expected pressure and flow per zone; use of pressure-regulating heads or valves
• Controller: brand/model, Wi-Fi/smart features, rain/freeze sensor, flow sensor, master valve
• Backflow preventer: type and whether testing is included
• Materials: pipe type and size, fittings, manifolds, valve boxes, filtration for drip
• Installation method: vibratory plow vs. trencher; how they'll handle sidewalks/driveways
• Restoration: sod/seed, cleanup, and how trenches are backfilled/compacted
• Warranty: parts and labor, what's covered, and for how long
• Services included: start-up, first-season tune-up, winterization, and a post-install check
• Documentation: as-built drawing, zone map, and controller programming sheet
• Exclusions and change-order process: know what could add cost later

Request that each company provide brand and model numbers in writing so you can make a true side-by-side comparison.

Questions to ask prospective contractors

Use these to interview pros you find on Landscape Atlas:

• Are you licensed and insured for irrigation work in this jurisdiction?
• How do you ensure head-to-head coverage and matched precipitation rates?
• Will you separate turf, shrubs, and drip into distinct zones?
• Do you use pressure-regulating heads or valves to improve uniformity?
• What backflow device will you install and who performs required testing?
• Which controller model do you recommend and why? Does it support local rebates?
• Where will manifolds and valve boxes be located for easy service?
• How will you cross hardscapes and protect existing utilities and tree roots?
• What is your parts and labor warranty? Do you offer maintenance plans?
• Can I see recent, similar projects and speak with a reference?
• What's the estimated water use and watering schedule for my plant palette?

Signs you might need sprinkler repair or an upgrade

If you're noticing any of these, it's time to call a pro:

• Dry patches, wilting plants, or uneven growth
• Soggy areas, runoff onto sidewalks, or puddling after short run times
• Frequent head breakage or heads that won't retract
• Hissing, sputtering, or "misting" from heads (often high pressure)
• Zones that won't turn on/off, or a controller showing error codes
• Sudden spike in water bill or meter movement when system is off (possible leak)
• Visible drip from the backflow preventer relief or test ports
• Plant beds watered by sprays instead of drip (wasteful and often ineffective)
• Winter damage after freezing weather

Safety, codes, and permits

Irrigation systems interface with your drinking water, so safety and compliance matter.

• Backflow prevention: Most cities require a specific device type and periodic testing by a certified tester.
• Electrical: Controllers and any pump wiring should follow electrical codes and manufacturer specs.
• Trenching and depth: Minimum burial depths and pipe materials may be specified by local rules.
• Reclaimed/purple pipe systems: Require clear separation and signage from potable lines.
• Watering schedules: Many municipalities set day/time restrictions-check before programming.

Ask each contractor how they will handle permitting and code requirements. For legal guidance, contact your municipality or a licensed professional.

Maintenance calendar for reliable performance

A little routine attention keeps your system efficient year-round.

• Spring: Start-up, controller updates, inspect coverage, test sensors, repair winter damage
• Summer: Mid-season audit to adjust for heat and plant growth; cycle/soak to prevent runoff
• Fall: Winterization/blowout in cold climates; reduce schedules in warm regions
• Monthly: Quick walk-through to straighten heads, clean filters, and watch for leaks
• After changes: Re-check coverage whenever you add plants, hardscape, or mulch

How to use Landscape Atlas to find the right pro

Finding the right fit is simple:

1. Search by "sprinkler installation," "sprinkler repair," or "irrigation" plus your city or ZIP.
2. Filter by services offered, years in business, or brands supported.
3. Read recent customer reviews, view photos, and shortlist a few companies.
4. Message or call providers directly from their profiles to request quotes.
5. Compare at least two to three proposals and verify licenses and insurance before you hire.

Landscape Atlas is a directory to help you connect with local businesses. We don't pre-screen, rate, or guarantee providers-so use the tips above to choose with confidence.

Ready to get your lawn and landscape the consistent, efficient watering they deserve? Explore local sprinkler and irrigation providers on Landscape Atlas, compare quotes, and move forward with a plan that fits your yard, your budget, and your schedule.

Frequently asked questions