How Much Does It Cost to Winterize or Activate a Sprinkler System in 2025?
This project can cost anywhere from $40 to $345, so take a look at what could affect this price and get a quote from a pro.
Winterizing or activating a sprinkler system costs an average of $91, with a typical range between $56 and $133.
Blowing out your sprinkler system before freezing temperatures can prevent costly repairs due to frozen pipes.
Cost factors include the number of zones, property size, and whether you choose professional services or DIY.
Regular maintenance ensures your sprinkler system operates efficiently and extends its lifespan.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Winterizing your sprinkler system costs an average of $91, with most homeowners spending between $56 and $133. Factors like location, number of zones, and property size affect the cost. Regular winterization prevents damage from freezing temperatures and saves you from costly repairs. Hiring a professional ensures the job is done correctly and safely.
Winterize Sprinkler System Cost
Winterizing your sprinkler system costs $91 on average, typically ranging between $56 and $133, with a possible low end of $40 and a high end of $343. Large properties with five or more zones may cost a bit more. Winterizing a sprinkler system typically includes:
Blowing out the pipes
Shutting off the main water supply
Inspecting the box
Turning off any injection systems
Draining the backflow preventer
Typically, you’ll hire your landscaper to do this, and in some cases, they’ll include it in your seasonal landscaping and snow removal subscription. During the process, they’ll also check the box and make sure all the water is turned off to your system. Unless your pro finds something broken, all the money comes from paying for labor and overhead. Overhead includes driving to the site, insurance, and any licenses needed in your area.
Cost to Blow Out Sprinkler System
Blowing out your sprinkler system costs an average of $100 to $250. Since excessive air pressure can damage the pipes, it's best to hire a professional for this task. This service is often included in end-of-season landscaping contracts.
If you're considering a DIY approach, keep in mind:
Renting an air compressor costs $30 to $60 per day.
Exceeding 50 PSI on the air compressor can harm your sprinkler system.
Drain all components of your system.
Turn off the main water supply.
Given the risks and costs, hiring a professional is a safer and more cost-effective option.
Costs by Number of Zones
The number of zones in your sprinkler system affects the cost of winterization. Each zone allows you to water specific areas of your yard. Homes with lower water pressure often have more zones. Here's a breakdown of average costs based on the number of zones:
| Number of Zones | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 1–2 | $50–$75 |
| 3–4 | $80–$100 |
| 5–6 | $100–$130 |
| 7–8 | $150–$250 |
Other Sprinkler Winterization Costs
Once your irrigation system is free of standing water, turn off the water supply valve and the controller. These tasks take only a few minutes, and your plumber or landscaper may include them in the winterization service. If you're unsure about doing it yourself, ask your professional to handle it.
Sprinkler System Winterization Cost Factors
There aren’t many things you can do to reduce the cost of winterizing your sprinkler system, but a few cost factors may come into play. Always check with your landscaping service provider to see if they have any deals.
Blow Out vs. Manual or Automatic Drain Valves
Automatic drain valves cost $5 to $80 a piece, not including installation. If this is the only method, winterization might cost you only $50 to $150, as it involves simply shutting off the water and backflow preventer. The same is true for manual valves since they’re easier to access.
However, they shouldn’t replace the need to blow out the pipes at the end of the season, but they do help in case you get a late or early freeze.
You’ll want these installed when you put in a new system.
Professionals recommend still getting a blowout before the winter. They work by opening when the water pressure in your lines drops, so they continuously drain the pipes after use.
Since they’re underground, they can become clogged or malfunction, putting your pipes at risk.
Timeframe
Professionals know the optimal time to blow out your sprinklers and often offer deals during a specific period in the fall when servicing multiple customers. Grouping services allow them to save money, which can translate into savings for you. Actual savings vary between companies.
Above- vs. Below-Ground Systems
The only real difference between an above- and below-ground system is the need for insulating the pipes. Although not always the case, which depends on the type of material being used, your professional might recommend insulating them. Everything else about the process remains the same.
Irrigation System Activation or Opening Costs
In the spring, you’ll need your pro to come out and reactivate the system, which they often offer as part of a summer landscaping service contract. Activating your sprinkler system typically costs between $40 and $150 on average, and the service often comes at a flat rate. The process entails much more than just turning on the water main and hoping for the best.
A tune-up costs $100 on average and can help pros spot problems before they become emergency issues, like seeing a leak before it becomes a completely broken system.
Your professional will:
Inspect and clean the backflow preventer
Visual inspection of the sprinkler heads and valves
Turn on your water supply
Build pressure slowly to avoid damaging the valves and heads
Identify possible leaks
Test your sprinkler system by zone
Cleaning and redirecting heads
Plan for repairs, if needed. It may not include additional charges for repairs or necessary upgrades.
The cost to repair sprinklers averages between $130 and $420, which a tune-up may help avoid. This includes replacing broken parts like sprinkler heads. During the spring and summer, you might start to see an area of your lawn or garden that looks drier than other areas. If so, it might be a good idea to check and see if that sprinkler head is clogged. Dirt and debris can easily block these parts, trapping them in the ground. Your professional can clean out the heads so they work properly.
When you open up your sprinklers in the spring, consider adding other services as part of a service contract to lower your overall costs. Your professional might offer deals to bundle services like landscaping maintenance or lawn aeration. Bundling services can help keep your lawn healthy and save you money in the long run.
Sprinkler System Replacement Costs
Activation occasionally shows problems in the sprinkler system that require replacement. Plumbers may charge a flat rate per item or divide up the estimate into parts and labor. In addition to the average hourly labor charge of $50 to $200 for removal of broken parts and installation of equipment, homeowners can expect to pay these prices for new pieces:
| Part | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Sprinkler Heads | $2–$25 each |
| Valves | $5–$40 each |
| PVC Pipe | $0.50–$2 per linear foot |
| Connectors | $0.50–$5 each |
Lawn Care Cost Considerations
When you open up your sprinklers in the spring, consider adding in other services as part of a service contract to lower your overall costs. Your professional might offer deals in the winter to sign up for a bundle of services for the spring and summer.
| Landscaping Maintenance | $50–$210 per visit |
| Lawn Aeration | $100–$350 |
| Sod Replacement | $1,100–$3,000 |
Sprinkler system obstructions require a little clever pruning and maintenance. Your lawn and shrubs may grow, but your sprinklers don’t move. You can trim the shrubs back or relocate the heads, a much costlier option.
Lawn aeration costs $125 on average and won’t affect your sprinkler needs or costs. But, it will help your lawn grow more green and lush.
New sod installation costs $1–$2 per square foot. With regular irrigation, you generally won’t need this service, but it’s a good way to get a jump start on a lush, green lawn. It’s also great to pair with additions or repairs to subsurface irrigation systems.
Lawn Sprinkler Tune-Up Costs
A tune-up costs $100 on average and can help pros spot problems before they become emergency issues, like seeing a leak before it becomes a completely broken system.
A tune-up includes:
Visual inspection of the sprinkler heads and valves
Testing system for pressure and function
Cleaning and redirecting heads
A tune-up may help avoid the cost of repairing sprinklers, which averages between $130 and $420. This includes replacing broken parts like sprinkler heads. During the spring and summer, you might start to see an area of your lawn or garden that looks drier than others.
If so, it might be a good idea to check and see if that sprinkler head is clogged. Dirt and debris can easily block these parts, trapping them in the ground. Your professional can clean out the heads so they work properly.
DIY vs. Hiring an Irrigation Service
Renting an air compressor for $30 to $60 per day can cost almost as much as hiring a professional, who charges around $75 on average. Some sprinkler systems automatically force out water when the controller shuts down, simplifying the process. If you're unsure about your system or uncomfortable opening valves, it's best to hire a professional.
Sprinkler System Service Agreements
Many companies offer prepaid service plans for yearly sprinkler maintenance, which are often cheaper than paying per visit. These agreements may include:
Lower fees for flat-rate services
Discounts on additional work like repairs
Options to choose plans by individual service or annually
DIY Fall Sprinkler System Maintenance
Handy homeowners can save money by handling tasks themselves:
Drain the valves manually or automatically
Turn off the water supply
Shut off the controller
Test each system zone
Clean and reposition sprinkler heads
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. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project 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
Winterize your sprinkler system before the first deep freeze in your area, typically from late September to early October. This ensures no water remains in the pipes to freeze and cause damage, preventing costly repairs and preserving your system's integrity.
You should open your sprinkler system in spring only after the last hard freeze has ended. Begin by testing the system once temperatures remain robustly above 32°F and the risk of frost has completely dissipated. This method protects your system from pressure shocks and minimizes repair risks, ensuring optimal performance for the new season.
The cost to run an irrigation system depends on factors such as water usage, local water rates, and the efficiency of your system. On average, homeowners may spend between $10 and $50 per month on irrigation water. To minimize costs, consider installing a water-efficient system and scheduling watering during cooler times of the day to reduce evaporation. Regular maintenance also helps ensure your system operates efficiently.
If you live in a warm climate where freezing temperatures are rare, you do not need to winterize your sprinkler system. In regions where temperatures consistently remain above freezing, water will not remain in the pipes long enough to cause freeze damage. However, it's still important to perform regular maintenance to keep your system running efficiently. Reviewing local weather forecasts and consulting a professional ensures that your system operates effectively without unnecessary maintenance.
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