How Much Does Sprinkler Head Replacement Cost?

Sprinkler Head Replacement Cost

On average, sprinkler head replacement costs between $65 and $90 to hire a professional, or $2 to $12 per head if you replace them yourself. The cost to install additional sprinkler heads is between $94 and $103 or about twice as much as replacing or relocating one. Replacing or relocating sprinkler heads for your entire lawn will cost about $400.

Table Of Contents

1. Sprinkler Head Replacement Cost
2. Average Cost to Replace Sprinkler Heads
3. Sprinkler Head Prices
4. Sprinkler Head Types
5. Sprinkler Head Repair Costs
6. Best Sprinkler System Head Types
7. How to Replace a Sprinkler Head
8. How to Adjust Sprinkler Heads
9. Frequently Asked Questions
10. Sprinkler Repair Near Me

A beautiful green lawn epitomizes the American Dream, which is why you installed that inground sprinkler system in the first place—it’s the easiest way to keep your grass green and healthy, increases the resale value of your home, and boosts your curb appeal.

However, one of the greatest annoyances with sprinkler systems is the way the heads repeatedly break. Regular replacement doesn’t cost much though, and frequent checking of which ones are broken and replacing them will ensure an even watering of your lawn every time.

Average Cost to Replace Sprinkler Heads

If your sprinkler heads are leaking or broken, the cost to replace or repair them is around $70 to hire a professional, or $5 each if you do the repair yourself. Cost factors depend on how many heads need to be replaced, which kind of heads you buy, sprinkler head prices, and the labor cost for sprinkler head replacement.

• Professional repair of your heads can run from $65–$90. ^[1]
• If you replace them yourself, you can buy them at a home improvement store for $2–$12 each, depending on what kind you buy.
• Replace all the heads in the system for about $400.

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Sprinkler Head Prices

Sprinkler head replacement does not have to be an expensive proposition, because the head prices are very reasonable.

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Sprinkler Head Types

Your sprinkler system will use one or a few of the following heads. We’ve put together a guide to help you figure out which is which and particular sprinkler head prices.

Pop-Up Sprinkler Heads

Cost to install: $8–$21

A pop-up sprinkler stays at ground level until it’s turned on, and then it pops up, spraying water to irrigate your lawn. When the water is turned off, or the timer shuts it down, the pop-up goes back to ground level where it is unseen. This is both a safety and aesthetic gain since the lawnmower can’t damage it and no one can trip over it.

Fixed-Spray Sprinkler Heads

Cost to install: $12–$16

These heads provide a steady fan-type of spray and are suitable for small lawns, ground cover, and shrubs. They stay in one position.

Gear-Driven Sprinkler Heads

Cost to install: $12–$16

A quiet but powerful head, perfect for medium-large residential lawns. It has internal gears that work inside the enclosed head. Since the gears are inside, they are not subjected to dirt and lawn muck after mowing. This leads to a low maintenance head.

Flood Sprinkler Heads

Cost to install: $8–$11

Also called a bubbler, this head is best used in small areas. It provides a steady flow of water which soaks the ground. These heads work well in the garden and in shrub areas.

Shrub Sprinkler Heads

Cost to install: $6–$8

As the name suggests, these heads are perfect for shrubbery areas. They are mounted on extensions, raising them above the ground. They can be programmed for different spray patterns. Use them in garden areas.

Rotary Sprinkler Heads

Cost to install: $12–$16

Instead of a spray pattern, rotary heads shoot out water in a single stream as the head rotates so water doesn’t pool in one place. This system delivers water slower than other heads.

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Sprinkler Head Repair Costs

Although sprinkler head prices are low, other issues can always pop up, altering the original replacement plan. It’s possible your heads just need to be cleaned rather than replaced. Clean one to find out just how easy it is and you will also save money.

How much does sprinkler repair cost?

Of course, the costs of sprinkler system repair depends on the problem. The most common fixes to sprinkler systems are:

• Replacing sprinkler heads $5.50–$12.07
• Leaky valves $20-$40 per valve
• Backflow preventer is damaged $25–$420
• Broken pipes – A broken pipe could end up costing $150–$500, which can happen if you slice open the water line when you’re digging around the sprinkler head.
• Controller doesn’t work $60–$225
• Additional heads – The cost to install extra sprinkler heads is $94–$103. ^[2] Adding a sprinkler head will cost twice as much as replacing or relocating one.

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Best Sprinkler System Head Types

Which type of sprinkler head is best? A professional sprinkler system installation company will have the best advice because they can see the whole picture re what your lawn needs based on size, grass type, shrubbery, climate, etc.

• Pop-up heads – Pop-up heads are best for your lawn if the yard gets a lot of use and it’s highly possible regular heads will be damaged.
• Fixed-spray heads – Fixed-spray heads are useful if the yard is enjoyed by careful owners.
• Gear-driven heads – Gear-driven heads don’t need much maintenance and are less likely to break.
• Bubblers – Bubblers and shrub heads are great in the flowerbeds and under shrubbery.
• Rotary heads – Rotary heads are useful in areas that need a lot of water in a targeted area.

Advantages of choosing the right sprinkler heads:

• Adequately watered sod, plants, and shrubs
• No overwatering
• Water reaches all the areas of the lawn that need it.

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How to Replace a Sprinkler Head

It would be cheaper and easier just to fix a sprinkler head rather than replace it, which you can often do just by blowing out debris caught in the head container, but when you need to change a sprinkler head,

1. Clear the sod from around the head.
2. Grab hold of the head with pliers and turn it to loosen the head from the riser.
3. Remove the head – don’t just remove the cap, be sure to get the canister with it too.
4. Make sure you’re replacing the sprinkler head with one of the same sizes.
5. Put in the new head, first making sure no debris has fallen into the hole. Screw it into the riser.
6. Give it a few small turns with the pliers to make sure it’s tightly in place, but not so far it cracks.
7. Flush/blow out the line in case any debris fell into the pipe while the old head was off.
8. Screw the new nozzle into the head.

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How to Adjust Sprinkler Heads

It will depend on the type of sprinkler head you have, but adjusting heads is often a simple job.

1. Turn the sprinklers on.
2. Using a small, flat-head screwdriver, turn the adjustment screw counterclockwise to widen the spray pattern or clockwise to decrease the spray pattern. This screw is usually on top of the sprinkler head.
3. Some sprinkler heads have clamps that can be adjusted.

All sprinkler heads come with information on how to adjust that specific model. Refer to the manual for specific directions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to replace fire sprinkler heads?

The average cost to replace fire sprinkler heads is $3.40 each. You should take care to keep your fire sprinkler system well-maintained, finding problems with the sprinkler heads before they are needed. Schedule regular inspections with your fire sprinkler service provider.

How long do sprinkler heads last?

A high-quality system that has been properly installed and is well-maintained should last up to 20 years. Sprinkler heads will only last as long as they are protected. Most break because of lawnmowers, dog’s teeth, or playing children.

How much does a sprinkler pump cost?

At Home Depot, a sprinkler pump will cost between $164–$349. Variables include horsepower—from 1-2HP, and being made from plastic or cast iron.

How much does it cost to have your sprinkler system blowout?

It will cost from $50–$150 to have 8 zones blown out before winter, which is necessary because any water left in the pipes will freeze and possibly crack those pipes.^{[3] [4]} If one has already cracked, repair costs could be as much as $400 or more, depending on the damage.

• Valves that crack due to frozen water $125 each
• Broken manifold costs $125–$200 to rebuild
• Broken manifold with all the valves cracked costs $400–$800
• Cracked backflow $175–$300

How much does it cost to maintain a sprinkler system?

A good maintenance schedule should include three checks: the spring turn-on, backflow testing, and winterizing. Those three things should cost about $175 per year.^[5] However, you can save some money by doing your backflow testing during the spring turn-on, since you’ll be saving your technician a separate trip to your home.

Will I waste water using a sprinkler system?

No, you may actually save water because your sprinkler system can be set up with timers to water for precisely the right length of time for your area. Compare that to setting the hose and sprinkler on the corner of the lawn and then forgetting it was on, only to find that it ran all night.

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