How Much Does a Drip Irrigation System Cost to Install in 2025?
Drip irrigation systems cost an average of $350
Installing a drip irrigation system costs an average of $350, or between $200 and $850.
Costs can be as low as $20 for DIY solutions or as high as $4,000 for large, complex systems.
Location, size of the area, type of system, and labor affect the cost of your drip irrigation system.
Drip irrigation systems conserve water and provide efficient watering directly to plant roots.
Hiring an irrigation professional ensures proper installation and long-term savings.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Installing a drip irrigation system is a smart way to water your landscape efficiently while conserving water. On average, drip irrigation system installation costs $350, with most paying between $200 and $850. DIY solutions start as low as $20, while large systems covering multiple acres can cost up to $4,000.
You'll need to choose between above-ground and subsurface irrigation, with the latter costing a bit more. Factors like location, size of the area, and quality of materials affect the cost. It's important to hire an irrigation professional to ensure your system is properly installed for optimal results.
Drip Irrigation Installation Cost Factors
Several factors affect the cost of installing a drip irrigation system:
Quality of materials: Higher-quality materials may cost more upfront, but offer better durability over time.
Timing of installation: You may find better deals during the off-season.
Type of system: Subsurface (below-ground) systems are typically more expensive than above-ground systems.
Project size: Larger areas cost more. For example, installing drip irrigation for a row of shrubs costs less than for a half-acre garden.
Coverage density: Systems with more water lines and denser coverage increase the price.
Area Size
Drip irrigation systems cost between $0.50 and $5 per square foot or between $450 and $5,000 per acre, depending on the project size and type of irrigation.
Residential above-ground: $0.50–$3 per square foot
Residential subsurface: $2–$5 per square foot
| Acres | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 1/4 | $450–$600 |
| 1/2 | $900–$1,250 |
| 1 | $1,800–$2,500 |
| 2 | $3,600–$5,000 |
Sprinkler Conversion Costs
Converting your current in-ground sprinkler system to include a drip irrigation extension costs between $300 and $1,200 per zone. Alternatively, you can opt for a DIY sprinkler system for $50 to $75. This method allows you to extend your existing watering system to reach distant landscaping or a garden without needing to run a new line.
Foundation Drip System Costs
Drip systems for a foundation cost $1.50 to $5 per linear foot, including the sprinkler system installation costs. They maintain moisture content near the foundation, avoiding erosion and settling. You can also use a soaker hose, but these don’t always infiltrate lower depths.
Lawn Drip Irrigation vs. Agricultural Systems Prices
Residential lawn drip irrigation is less expensive to install than an agricultural or farm system. It’s easier to install a drip system on a small, residential plot than on an acreage or farm. It can cost $50 to $100 to professionally install a small home garden drip system.
Drip Irrigation System Cost by Type
Drip irrigation systems can cost anywhere from $0.50 to $3 per square foot, depending on the type. Most homeowners pay up to $4,000 in rare cases for large systems. Subsurface systems are more expensive and are often used in agricultural applications.
| Type of System | Average Cost per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|
| Subsurface | $2–$5 |
| Above-ground | $0.50–$3 |
Subsurface
A subsurface drip system costs between $2 and $5 per square foot on average. In this system, professionals place tubes beneath the ground, making it ideal to install during landscaping or garden installations. While subsurface systems are more expensive and commonly used in agricultural settings, they can be beneficial for residential properties seeking efficient irrigation.
Above-Ground
For most home gardens, above-ground drip systems cost between $0.50 and $3 per square foot. These systems are more affordable and easier to install, making them a popular choice for residential landscapes.
Pros and Cons of Drip Irrigation
Before installing a drip irrigation system on your property, consider the advantages and disadvantages.
Pros:
Water goes directly to the plant roots without evaporation
Minimizes runoff and water waste
More efficient than a regular sprinkler system
Cons:
Doesn't wet the leaves, which some plants require
Above-ground systems can pose a tripping hazard
More prone to clogging
DIY vs. Hiring Irrigation Professionals
You can install a drip irrigation system yourself for a small area by purchasing a kit starting as low as $20. However, for larger areas or commercial projects, it's best to hire a professional irrigation installer. For optimal results and long-term savings, hire a local irrigation professional to install your drip irrigation system.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
While drip irrigation systems have higher upfront costs, they can save you money in the long run. By delivering water directly into the soil with minimal evaporation and runoff, drip irrigation systems conserve water and improve efficiency. This means better performance and results for your landscaping, and cost savings over the system's lifespan.
Yes, irrigation systems can add value to your home, especially when installed with high-quality materials and a solid design. A well-irrigated landscape enhances curb appeal and can attract potential buyers. However, poor design or installation may reduce performance and even decrease your property's value. Hiring an expert for installation and performing regular maintenance is key to securing the long-term benefits.
A local irrigation professional can help you check your drip irrigation system to make sure it's in good shape. You'll want to make sure the water pressure is in a good range, repair any leaks as soon as possible, and cover the cost to winterize your sprinkler system as recommended by your irrigation contractor.
A drip irrigation system lasts between 10 and 15 years. This lifespan is determined by the quality of materials, the precision of installation, and regular professional maintenance. Unlike traditional sprinkler systems that can last up to 50 years, the thinner piping used in drip systems is more sensitive to UV exposure and environmental wear. Proper upkeep and timely repairs enhance durability and ensure consistent irrigation performance.
Drip irrigation is best suited for plant beds, containers, greenhouses, and row crops. It supplies water directly to individual plants, ensuring precise moisture control where it is needed most. For areas with simple layouts, above-ground systems work efficiently, while subsurface installations may be cost-prohibitive in spaces with extensive tree roots or irregular terrain. Proper planning maximizes the benefits of drip irrigation across a variety of applications.
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