Sprinkler System Repair: Common Problems and Typical Costs

A struggling sprinkler system can waste water, damage your lawn, and drive up your utility bill. The good news: many common issues are fixable if you catch them early. This guide walks through typical sprinkler problems, what repairs usually cost, and how to decide between a quick fix, a tune-up, or a bigger upgrade.

Key takeaways

• Most repairs are relatively affordable – Many single-issue fixes (like a broken head or minor leak) fall in the $75–$250 range when handled by a pro, depending on access and parts.
• Water leaks add up fast – Even a small underground leak can waste hundreds of gallons over a season, so don’t ignore soggy spots, low pressure, or sky-high water bills.
• Broken heads are the most common issue – Misaligned, clogged, or broken sprinkler heads are usually simple to repair or replace, but ignoring them can cause dead patches or erosion.
• Controller and wiring problems can be sneaky – If zones won’t turn on/off, or your schedule keeps “resetting,” the controller, valves, or wiring may be to blame, not the heads.
• A full tune-up can save money long-term – Adjusting heads, checking coverage, updating the schedule, and fixing minor leaks at once can reduce water waste and future repair calls.
• DIY is okay for simple, above-ground fixes – Replacing a head or cleaning a filter is often manageable; digging into wiring, valves, or backflow devices is better left to pros.
• Consider upgrades if your system is older – If you’re doing repeated repairs on an older setup, smart controllers, high-efficiency nozzles, or partial redesigns may pay off in lower water use and fewer headaches.

Typical costs / fees

Actual prices vary by region and company, but here are typical US ballpark ranges for sprinkler system repair and maintenance:

Common repair costs

• Service call / diagnostic visit

  • Roughly $75–$150 for a basic visit, often including the first 30–60 minutes
  • May be waived or credited if you approve repairs on the spot

• Broken or leaking sprinkler head

  • About $15–$40 per head for parts
  • With labor, expect $75–$150 per head depending on:
    • Type of head (spray vs. rotor vs. specialty)
    • Accessibility (buried deep, under roots, or in hardscape)
    • Whether multiple heads are done in one visit (often lowers per-head cost)

• Leaking or damaged pipe

  • Small, shallow PVC repair: roughly $100–$300
  • Costs increase with:
    • Depth of pipe and how much digging is needed
    • Location (under sidewalks, driveways, or mature landscaping)
    • Extent of damage (simple crack vs. long broken section)

• Valve repair or replacement

  • Parts: typically $25–$80 per valve
  • With labor: around $125–$300 per valve
  • More if valves are hard to access (deep boxes, tree roots, or concrete nearby)

• Controller (timer) repair or replacement

  • Simple reprogramming or minor wiring fix: $75–$150
  • New basic controller installed: roughly $150–$350
  • Smart/Wi‑Fi controller installed and set up: often $250–$600+ depending on features and complexity

• Backflow preventer issues

  • Testing (where required): about $50–$125
  • Repair: $100–$300+ depending on parts
  • Full replacement: can run $300–$800+
  • Because backflow devices protect your drinking water, repairs and replacements should be done by licensed pros.

Maintenance and tune-ups

• Seasonal inspection / tune-up

  • Typically $75–$200 for:
    • Running all zones
    • Adjusting heads
    • Checking for visible leaks
    • Basic schedule optimization
  • Repairs and parts are usually extra.

• System optimization or partial redesign

  • Adjusting zones, relocating a few heads, or adding drip lines: often a few hundred dollars to $1,000+, depending on:
    • Number of heads moved/added
    • Trenching or digging required
    • Complexity of the yard layout

What drives costs up or down?

• Size and complexity of your system – More zones, more valves, and more types of heads = more time to diagnose and repair.
• Accessibility – Repairs under hardscape, dense shrubs, or tree roots take longer.
• Age of the system – Older or mismatched parts may need more extensive work or upgrades to be reliable.
• Water pressure and supply issues – Low or fluctuating pressure can complicate repairs and may require additional components (like pressure regulators).
• Local labor rates and licensing requirements – Areas with higher labor costs or strict irrigation/backflow rules will typically be on the higher end of ranges.

What to expect (process overview)

1. Initial call and scheduling

• What you’ll do:

  • Describe symptoms: dry spots, soggy areas, zones not turning on, unusually high water bill, etc.
  • Share any photos or videos if the company offers text/email estimates.
  • Ask if there’s a trip charge or minimum fee.

• Watch-outs:

  • Be wary of anyone who quotes a full repair price sight-unseen for complex issues like underground leaks or wiring problems.

2. On-site inspection and diagnosis

• What the pro will typically do:

  • Locate and inspect the controller, valves, and backflow device.
  • Run each zone to check:
    • Coverage and spray patterns
    • Pressure and flow
    • Heads that are clogged, tilted, broken, or buried
  • Look for wet spots, bubbling, or erosion that suggest underground leaks.
  • Test valve operation and wiring if zones don’t behave correctly.

• Your role:

  • Point out problem areas you’ve noticed.
  • Share any recent changes (new landscaping, digging, construction, pets digging, etc.).

3. Repair options and estimate

• What you should receive:

  • A clear explanation of what’s wrong (e.g., “three broken rotors in the back yard,” “leaking lateral line in zone 4,” “controller not sending signal to valves”).
  • Itemized options, such as:
    • Fixing only the immediate problem
    • Doing a full tune-up while they’re there
    • Optional upgrades (nozzles, smart controller, drip lines)

• Watch-outs:

  • If your system is very old or poorly designed, a reputable pro may recommend phased upgrades instead of endless small repairs. That’s often a sign of honesty, not upselling.

4. Performing the repairs

• Typical steps:

  • Shut off the water supply to the irrigation system.
  • Carefully dig around problem areas (heads, valves, or suspected leaks).
  • Replace or repair heads, fittings, valves, or pipe sections.
  • Make any controller or wiring fixes and reprogram schedules if needed.
  • Backfill and restore the soil and turf as neatly as possible.

• Your role:

  • Confirm what’s being done before they start, especially:
    • Number of heads to be replaced
    • Any landscape disruption (digging in flower beds, near trees, etc.)
  • Ask them to show you the old parts if you’re curious about what failed.

5. Testing and fine-tuning

• What should happen before they leave:

  • Run all affected zones to:
    • Confirm leaks are fixed
    • Adjust spray patterns and arc
    • Ensure no overspray onto sidewalks, driveways, or structures
  • Confirm the controller schedule:
    • Start times
    • Run times per zone
    • Days of the week

• Watch-outs:

  • Don’t accept a repair if they don’t test the system under pressure.
  • Make sure you know how to operate the controller, at least for basic changes.

6. Aftercare and follow-up

• What you can do:

  • Check the repaired areas over the next few days for:
    • New wet spots
    • Settling soil around heads
    • Heads that have shifted or clogged
  • Keep an eye on your next water bill for any major changes.

• Good practice:

  • Schedule a yearly tune-up to catch small issues early.
  • If you live in a freeze-prone area, ask about proper winterization and spring startup (often a separate service).

DIY vs. hire a pro

Tasks many homeowners can DIY

If you’re reasonably handy and comfortable working with basic tools, you might tackle:

• Replacing a sprinkler head
  • Unscrew the old head, keep dirt out of the line, install the same type/size, and adjust the arc.
• Cleaning or replacing filters and nozzles
  • Clearing debris that causes clogs or uneven spray.
• Minor head adjustments
  • Straightening tilted heads, adjusting spray direction and radius, trimming grass around heads.
• Basic controller tasks
  • Replacing backup batteries, updating schedules, and labeling zones.

These DIY tasks can save on labor if you’re careful and follow manufacturer instructions.

When you should hire a professional

For safety, code compliance, and to avoid costly mistakes, it’s wise to call a pro for:

• Backflow preventer repair, replacement, or testing
  • This device protects your drinking water from contamination; many areas require licensed pros for work and testing.
• Electrical and wiring issues
  • Faulty wiring between the controller and valves can be tricky and may involve low-voltage electrical work.
• Underground leaks and major pipe repairs
  • Misdiagnosing leaks can lead to unnecessary digging, damaged landscaping, and repeat problems.
• Valve manifold repairs or replacements
  • Valves are often clustered in tight spaces; incorrect work can cause multiple zones to fail.
• System redesigns or major upgrades
  • Adding zones, drip irrigation, or significant rerouting is best planned and executed by someone with irrigation design experience.
• Any work that might require permits or inspections
  • In some areas, irrigation tie-ins, backflow devices, or connections to potable water systems must meet specific codes.

If you’re unsure whether a job is DIY-safe, it’s usually more cost-effective to get a professional opinion first than to fix a bigger problem later.

Questions to ask before you commit

Use these questions to compare companies and avoid surprises:

• Do you charge a diagnostic or trip fee, and is it applied to the repair if I proceed?
• Can you provide a written estimate with parts and labor separated?
• Are you licensed and insured for irrigation work in this area?
• Do you have experience with my type of system and controller (spray, rotor, drip, smart controller, etc.)?
• Will you perform a quick system check on all zones, or just fix the obvious issue?
• How do you handle hidden problems found during the repair (e.g., additional leaks or bad valves)?
• What kind of warranty do you offer on parts and labor, and for how long?
• Will the repair disturb my lawn, beds, or hardscape, and how will you restore those areas?
• Do you recommend any efficiency upgrades, and what kind of water savings should I realistically expect?
• How soon can you schedule the work, and how long will the repair visit typically take?
• Can you show me how to adjust my controller and heads before you leave?
• Do you offer ongoing maintenance or seasonal tune-up plans, and what do they include?

Quick FAQ

How do I know if I have a sprinkler leak?

Common signs include soggy or constantly wet areas, unusually high water bills, mold or algae near heads, or zones that lose pressure. If your meter moves when all fixtures are off except irrigation, you may have a leak.

Should I repair or replace my sprinkler controller?

If your controller is very old, unreliable, or missing basic features, replacement often makes more sense than repeated repairs. Newer controllers can offer better scheduling, rain delays, and sometimes smart features that help reduce water waste.

How often should I have my system checked?

A once-a-year tune-up is a good baseline for most homes. If you have large landscapes, complex systems, or harsh weather, a spring startup check plus a mid-season check can be worth it.

Will repairing my sprinklers lower my water bill?

Fixing leaks, correcting overspray, and optimizing run times can significantly reduce water use, especially if your system has been neglected. The exact savings depend on how inefficient things were to start with.

Wrap-up / next steps

A well-maintained sprinkler system keeps your lawn healthy, avoids water waste, and helps prevent costly landscape damage. Whether you’re dealing with a single broken head or a system that’s clearly struggling, a clear diagnosis and a thoughtful repair or upgrade plan will pay off over time.

Before you commit, it’s smart to compare at least 2–3 quotes or offers so you can weigh repair options, warranties, and upgrade suggestions. You can use Home Services Scout to quickly compare local sprinkler and irrigation pros, see who fits your needs and budget, and move forward with confidence.