Backflow Preventer Replacement
Installing a new backflow preventer costs $125 to $900 for the part, plus $25 to $250 for professional installation. This tool keeps water from flowing back toward the supply source. Annual testing ranges from $50 to $100 and can help ensure that the preventer continues to perform.
Broken Pipe
The price to replace a punctured sprinkler line runs from $1 to $3 per foot of PVC pipe and $1 to $7.50 per connecting piece, such as elbows, not including labor.
In colder temperatures, an improperly-winterized system can cause a pipe to freeze or break. The cost to repair a burst pipe ranges from $150 to $350, not including the expense of fixing water damage. This system consists of interconnected pipes both above and below ground, so the location of the burst pipe will impact the price. You'll need to find a plumber who can locate the problem and complete the repair.
Zone and Timer Rewiring
Replacing a sprinkler system timer costs $40 to $450, plus labor. Your pro may only need to reprogram or rewire this component instead of replacing it at an average rate of $50 to $100 per hour. Putting in new wiring for the sprinkler system ranges from $0.50 to $1.50 per foot, in addition to labor charges.
In most cases, your plumber should be able to repair or replace this for you. Sometimes, you may need an electrician. The cost to hire an electrician runs $50 to $100 per hour.
Before making the call, confirm that the timer program is set correctly for each zone. If you feel comfortable doing so, turn off power to the circuit and check the wiring on the controller. Loose or dangling wires may work properly once reconnected. If manual operation of the valves works but the timer does not trigger correct function, you might have a problem with the wiring.
Valve Box Replacement
Sprinkler valve repair costs $50 to $85, on average. This box protects your sprinkler system's valves from the elements and gives you easy access when you need to adjust the settings.
The boxes can get brittle and crack or smash over time or if they receive any accidental impact damage. To keep the valves in good condition, you must patch or replace a damaged valve box as soon as possible.
Manifold Replacement
Manifold replacement costs $75 to $200. The manifold is the pipe that lets water from the main line branch off to different lines. Usually made of plastic, it can crack or turn brittle with exposure over time. Pros can patch minor damage, but if the problem is old age or excessive damage, it needs replacement instead of repair.
Pump Repair
The price to repair a sprinkler pump is $100 to $200. Because the pump controls water pressure, it needs prompt attention if it fails. Common problems include blown fuses and loose wires, or the pump's motor may simply have excessive wear.
Sprinkler Repair Cost Factors
How much you'll pay for sprinkler repair depends on the problem, whether you need repair or replacement, the season, and more. Take a look at the most common cost factors determining the price to repair your sprinkler system.
Call Out and Travel Fees
In general, expect to pay an average of $75 per hour for sprinkler repair, with a one-hour minimum callout fee. You can pay as little as $50 or as much as $100 per hour, depending on the pro you choose, the season the repair occurs, and where you live.
Many pros also charge a travel fee, so it makes good financial sense to hire a local sprinkler repair company to minimize those fees.
If you have a sprinkler emergency, such as a leaking pipe causing pooling water on the lawn, or if your sprinkler heads won't retract or turn off, you'll pay more. An emergency callout fee is generally $100 to $200 on top of the regular minimum cost, hourly rate, travel fees, and parts. You may pay more for an emergency callout on certain holidays, too.
Season
For non-urgent repairs and system maintenance, you may get a better deal if you wait until late fall or winter to call in a pro. Many companies increase their prices during spring and summer because that's when they're busiest and there's the greatest demand for their services.
Extent of Damage
The extent of the damage impacts cost. If you have more than one sprinkler head to replace, for example, you may get a discount. Instead of paying a flat fee per sprinkler head, you'll pay based on the cost of parts and the time it takes to repair all of the heads.
Having multiple parts taken care of at once can save you money; you'll only pay one callout fee and one lot of travel expenses.
Additionally, it’s not always economical to repair a particular part. Cracked or sun-damaged plastic parts, for example, will still wear out rapidly, even if you patch or repair them. In these cases, replacing those parts makes more sense than attempting a repair.