How do I hire the best company to work on my irrigation system?
When looking for a professional to install or fix your sprinkler and irrigation system, it’s a good idea to complete the following steps:
Verify their license and insurance: Irrigation licensing varies by state, but it’s important to hire a pro who has the appropriate license and insurance. You can also look for pros who have an Irrigation Association (IA) certified professional on the IA website.
Get several estimates: Knowledgeable irrigators will often customize estimates for each property, but all quotes should include labor and materials.
Read their reviews: Reviews should be overall positive and should mention timeliness, professionalism and honoring warranties.
Look at their portfolios: Look for clean work, well-spaced sprinklers and healthy plants.
Find out if they have warranties: Prioritize lawn irrigation companies that offer warranties that include both parts and labor.
Ask important questions: Get clear about what you can expect in terms of timeline, equipment and cost. Find out about their experience — are they irrigation specialists or landscape generalists? Always about warranties. And pro tip: request references to be completely sure about the quality of the services they provide.
For more tips, visit Thumbtack’s Smart Hiring page.
What services do irrigation companies offer?
Irrigation professionals offer a range of services, but most typically include:
Design and installation: They can install a new sprinkler and irrigation system that’s tailored to your yard's specific needs.
Inspection: Inspections are usually recommended twice a year.
Maintenance and repairs: Regular service, including winterization and spring start up help ensure system longevity. Pros can also help repair sprinkler leaks and valve issues.
Emergency service: A reputable irrigator will often respond quickly to urgent calls.
A licensed irrigator typically will not offer the following services:
General landscaping: Licensed irrigators are typically specialists who focus exclusively on irrigation systems. However, you may encounter landscapers who are qualified to work on irrigation systems.
Lawn diagnostics: Diagnosing and treating lawn issues is usually a job for a landscaper or lawn care service professional.
Lawn maintenance: Despite playing a critical role in lawn health, irrigators generally don’t offer lawn care services.
How much will I be charged for irrigation services?
The cost of irrigation services varies depending on your project’s scope and details. The national average cost of sprinkler repair ranges from around $172 to $649,* according to Thumbtack data. The national average cost for sprinkler installation ranges from around $1,288 to $4,683*.
Several factors might impact the cost of this project, including:
Sprinkler type
Lawn size
Extent of the repair
Minimum service fees
Parts, materials and labor costs
*Data on file at Thumbtack. For a personalized cost estimate, request a quote from a professional.
How do I know if my irrigation system is failing?
If your sprinkler and irrigation system is going south, you might start to notice these signs:
Pressure issues: Sprinkler heads spewing excessively or barely sputtering are usually indications of water pressure issues.
Stuck sprinkler heads: Sprinkler heads that don't pop up could be a sign of system problems. But before calling the pros, make sure nothing is obstructing their movement.
Pooling water: Excessive water around the sprinkler heads can be a sign of a broken head or water leak. Both situations need to be remedied.
Water won't shut off: All of these problems can be caused by a bad solenoid, but water that won't shut off is the most obvious sign of this issue. Shut the water off at the controller or main water shut-off valve, and call an irrigation pro.
Once you’ve assessed and completed a preliminary troubleshooting, you may need to schedule a pro to repair or replace your irrigation system.