Gardens & grounds / Irrigation
Price an irrigation installation
Enter your zones and price per zone. Add a controller or extra groundwork only if it is outside that rate.
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Irrigation installation
Enter price per zone.
How it works
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Use your own rates, times and measurements.
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What it covers: Price sprinkler or drip systems by zone, with optional controller and groundwork costs.
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How to price an irrigation installation
Irrigation systems are commonly priced by zone, where each zone is an area watered separately by its own valve. Your zone rate should cover the usual pipe, emitters or sprinklers and installation. Controllers, extra trenching, water connection and surface repairs are added only if they sit outside your zone rate.
- Choose the system type: lawn sprinklers, garden drip lines or a mixed system. It labels the quote and does not change the price. Plan the layout with the client.
- Count the zones. Each separately controlled watering area counts as one zone, usually grouped by plant type, sun and water needs.
- Enter your price per zone. Make sure that rate includes your usual pipe, emitters and labour. The calculator multiplies it by the number of zones.
- Add the controller and setup if your zone rate does not include it, plus any extra trenching beyond your standard work.
- Add a water connection charge if it is separate, and surface restoration for repairing paving or lawn after the work.
- Add a single travel charge and tax at the rate that applies to your business.
Tips and common mistakes
- Check the water supply pressure and flow on site before quoting. They decide how many sprinklers or emitters each zone can run.
- Do not mix lawn and garden beds in one zone. They need different amounts of water, so separate zones give better results.
- Find out what is under the ground before you dig. Services, roots and rock can slow trenching and add cost.
- Price surface restoration clearly. Lifting and relaying paving or patching lawn is real work and should not be a surprise for the client.
Questions
How much does it cost to install an irrigation system?
The cost depends mainly on the number of zones, the system type and the site. Installers usually multiply the number of zones by a zone rate, then add the controller, trenching, water connection and surface repairs if needed. Ask for a quote based on a site visit.
How many zones do I need for my irrigation system?
That depends on your water supply and how many areas need different watering. Lawns, garden beds, pots and shaded areas usually go on separate zones. The flow and pressure available limit how many outlets each zone can run at once.
How do I price irrigation installation per zone?
Work out the typical materials and labour for one zone, including pipe, fittings, emitters or sprinklers and the valve, then add your margin. Use that as your zone rate and multiply by the number of zones. Price controllers and unusual groundwork separately.
Is drip irrigation cheaper to install than sprinklers?
It depends on the layout. Drip suits garden beds and can use less trenching, while sprinklers usually suit lawns. Price each zone for the system that fits the plants, then compare the totals.
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