Are you wondering if an irrigation system is worth the cost that you need to pay? A lot of people are hesitant to install an irrigation system because it can be expensive depending on the type of irrigation system that you choose. Aside from that, homeowners are also worried that their monthly water bill. In this article, we will share information about irrigation systems to help you determine if the costs are worth it.
Is an irrigation system worth the cost? An irrigation system is worth the cost for those who want to have an efficient and convenient watering system for their lawn and garden. While the upfront cost of installing an irrigation system can be overwhelming, it can actually save you money in the long run. An irrigation system distributes water evenly in your yard and can be configured to set the time and duration of each watering. Hence, it saves water and also makes your lawn watering more efficient.
Does your wide lawn make it challenging to water your plants regularly? Are you tired of pulling out the hose or carrying a watering can? If you are dealing with such problems, think about having an irrigation system. The installation cost can be expensive, but the benefits that you can get from having such a system on your lawn will be worth every penny that you spend in the long run.
How Much Does An Irrigation System Cost?
The cost of an irrigation system depends on various factors. The type of irrigation system that you choose will affect the cost. The average cost is about 500 to over 10,000 dollars. Moreover, the size of your lawn will also affect the cost of your irrigation system installation. You also need to pay the professional that you hire for installing the system. An above-ground sprinkler system can cost about 1,500 to 2,000 dollars, a drip irrigation system can cost about 1,800 to 2,150 dollars, and an in-ground sprinkler system can cost about 11,000 to 13,000 dollars.
What Affects the Cost of an Irrigation System?
The installation, repairs, maintenance, and winterizing of your irrigation system affect its cost. When it comes to installation, hiring the services of a professional is more costly as compared to a DIY approach. However, hiring professionals will guarantee that your irrigation system is properly installed. The repairs and maintenance also affect the cost of the system. Through the years, damages can occur and you need to repair leaks and other malfunctions. Moreover, you should winterize your irrigation system. This will add to the cost, but it is important to avoid frozen pipes.
Different Types of Irrigation Systems
There are four different types of home irrigation systems for lawns which are the above-ground surface irrigation, in-ground sprinkler system irrigation, drip irrigation systems, and rotor irrigation systems. There are more options available for a commercial agricultural environment, but we will only discuss residential irrigation systems.
Above-Ground Surface Irrigation
This is commonly used on residential lawns and is considered the traditional method. This irrigation method liberally waters the surface of the soil. The water is then soaked down into the ground. The downside is that water is still being wasted. This is because some areas will receive too much water and other areas do not receive enough. This irrigation system is not that expensive and you can choose a DIY approach.
Rotor Irrigation Systems
This type of irrigation system functions as the traditional sprinkler system. The difference is that it works on a larger scale. Water is released via pressure in a spray. The amount of water is regulated using a screw located on the nozzle of the sprinkler head. Make sure that you place the spray heads strategically so that it targets the areas that require the water the most. See to it that the water from every head reaches the head next to it.
In-Ground Sprinkler System Irrigation
Another type of irrigation system that you can choose is the in-ground sprinkler system irrigation. This is an efficient way of watering your lawn since it provides the right amount of water at the scheduled time. For this system, the pipes are buried underground and the sprinkler heads sit above the lawn. You can also choose pop-up heads for easy grass mowing and to avoid damaging the sprinkler. The good thing about this system is that it shuts off when it is raining so you can save water. The cost of an in-ground sprinkler system varies depending on the features and size that is needed for your lawn. You can also check out this article that we have shared titled, what is an in-ground irrigation system? We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.
Drip Irrigation System
This system is also called trickle irrigation. In this system, the water drips from a tube that that is lying on the ground. The good thing about this system is that it comes with water emitters that you can place in areas of your lawn where more water is required. Take note that the water comes out slowly which allows it to seep directly into the soil. Furthermore, the drip irrigation system uses less water as compared to other types of irrigation systems.
✅ Video – How to Set-Up Drip Irrigation
Farmers Friend shared the video below on YouTube. It shows how to set-up a drip irrigation system. In the video, the step-by-step process of installing drip irrigation is demonstrated. You can check out the video below for more information.
How to Get the Most Benefits from Your Irrigation System
To get the most benefits from your irrigation system, you need to decide on the type of irrigation that you would like to have for your home, install an irrigation meter, and follow efficient watering practices. Let us learn more about this below.
Choose the Right Irrigation System for Your Lawn
You need to think about the type of irrigation system that you will install in our lawn or garden. There are many options that you can choose from which includes drip, surface, sprinkler as well as subsurface irrigation systems. You also need to consider the different sprinkler heads available such as the revolving, oscillating, and stationary ones. Every sprinkler head has its benefits so you need to compare one product to another so you can decide on the best one that suits your lawn.
Opt for an Irrigation Meter
You also need to consider installing an irrigation meter. Check with your city if they allow the use of an irrigation meter for residential properties. Many municipalities permit both residential and commercial owners to install irrigation meters.
Practice Efficient Watering
Make sure that you practice efficient watering. You can research the irrigation requirements in your area. Adjust your sprinklers properly so that it waters your grass and plants and not hit the sidewalk.
Lawn Irrigation System Cost
The cost of a lawn irrigation system varies depending on different factors. The size of your lawn and watering needs will determine the type of irrigation system that you will need. Get in touch with a professional irrigation system company for a quote. They will inspect your lawn to determine the right system. Aside from the cost of the irrigation system, you will also pay for the labor cost if you hire them for installation. They should offer this consultation at no charge and with no expectation that you will give them the job.
Does an Irrigation System Add Value to a Home?
An irrigation system can add value to your home. It can increase the curb of your property. Having dry grass on your lawn and dying plants in your garden is not attractive and definitely not the aesthetic look that you are looking for. Moreover, if you are planning to sell your home, take note that most homebuyers prioritize convenient irrigation.
How Much Does it Cost to Run an Irrigation System?
The cost to run an irrigation system depends on various factors like the type of irrigation system that is installed, the watering schedule, and the size of your lawn. Usually, the cost is between .20 to 1 dollar per square foot of lawn. Furthermore, replacing an old irrigation system can be more expensive because you also have to pay for the labor to remove the old system and install the new one.
Do I Need a Lawn Sprinkler System?
If you have a wide lawn that needs to be watered, then you need a lawn sprinkler system. The sprinkler system is a convenient way to maintain a scheduled watering. It is a good option if you have a busy schedule and do not have the time to water your plants manually.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed if an irrigation system is worth the cost. We have found out that the benefits that you can get from installing an irrigation system for your home are worth the cost. You will save money in the long run. Aside from that, it will save you time and effort because you do not have to manually water your plants. Thank you for reading!