Sprinkler System Cost Guide for Toronto and GTA
Find Out Your Sprinkler System Cost for Your Home by booking a free consultation with one of our irrigation specialists today:
How is the Sprinkler System Cost Determined?
Every lawn is different, which makes coming up with an exact sprinkler installation cost pretty much impossible without seeing your yard first. The best way to determine a sprinkler system cost for your property is to schedule a free, no-obligation lawn audit with an irrigation specialist from GTA Irrigation and Lighting. You can also learn more about what contributes to the irrigation installation cost so you can set realistic expectations and ask smarter questions during your lawn audit.
- Variance in the landscape – If your landscape has a mix of sun and shade, lawn and garden, and maybe even displays some exotic, delicate vegetation, you will likely need a more complex system design.
- Property Obstacles – Despite what you might think, smaller lots found in older Toronto neighborhoods tend to be more labour intensive than large, open properties. Working around walkways, driveways, retaining walls, and raised gardens can make the installation more challenging.
- Type of Equipment – There are many watering choices when it comes to lawn irrigation, picking your perfect match can have a big effect on your final price.
- Smart Timers and Other Add-ons – Depending on how efficient and high tech you want your irrigation system to be, optional features can quickly change the cost of in-ground sprinklers.
- The Number of Zones – When designing an irrigation system, professionals “zone” the property to ensure optimal watering for all of your plants, grass, gardens, flowers, trees, shrubs, and more. The final cost is also determined by adding up the price of each zone.
How Much Does a Sprinkler System Cost Per Zone?
In the Greater Toronto Area, the average irrigation installation cost per zone usually starts around $500, with most homes ranging between 4 to 7 zones. However, it’s imperative to understand that the number of zones your property will have (and what each zone will cost) will vary greatly—and isn’t determined by the size of your lot alone. Just because you have a large property doesn’t mean your cost will be through the roof, and equally, if you live on a small lot doesn’t mean your entire system will only cost you $500.
Zones are determined by a mix of size and the individual watering needs of your lawns. For instance, a patch of grass that spends most of the day in the shade may have different watering needs than turf that is continuously exposed to direct sunlight. Similarly, a vegetable garden will require different nourishment than shrubs marking your property line. Overall, zoning allows your irrigation experts to design a perfect system that will keep your lawn, gardens, trees, and other vegetation growing healthy and strong.
Typical Sprinkler System Cost Installation Requirements
Some of the main components of a sprinkler system cost include:
- Sprinkler Heads – At GTA Irrigation & Lighting, we work with manufacturers like Hunter, Rain Bird, Toro, and Orbit, who can provide both quality and affordability.
- Lines and Valves – Lines and valves need to be installed underground with precision to prevent leaks, backflows, and other costly or dangerous damages.
- Timer/Controller – Timers and controllers vary greatly. From manual switches to mobile apps, there are lots of options on how to manage and monitor your irrigation system. You can view different options from Hunter, Rain Bird, Toro, and Orbit.
- Drip Lines for Gardens – Different from the pop-up sprinkler heads you’ll find in your lawn, drip lines are small, hidden lines that deliver water straight to the roots of trees, shrubs, gardens, potted plants, and more.
- Labour – The intricacy of your property will play a big role in how long and how much work it will take to complete the installation.
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Other Sprinkler System Costs to Consider
The cost of in-ground sprinklers doesn’t stop at installation. Upkeep, repairs, maintenance, and water costs associated with your system should be considered as well.
Seasonal Operating Costs
- Cost of Water – In most cases, if you’ve been watering by hand, you can expect your water bill to go down, as professional irrigation provides precise, efficient watering to reduce water waste.
- Cost of Electricity – Your controller, timer, and other functions of the sprinkler system need power to operate, which can cause a slight increase in your monthly utility bill.
- Cost of Repairs (Outside of Warranty) – Professional installation and maintenance can prevent costly repairs. Still, parts can become worn out over time and unexpected accidents can occur, like striking a pipe while digging or animals chewing on the system. All of these damages would require professional repairs.
Keeping your system running smoothly and efficiently requires proper maintenance. At the minimum, you should have two professional visits per year: a spring start-up and a fall winterization.
The spring start-up checks the functioning of the system, looks for any damage that may have occurred over the winter, and tests for proper water flow. The fall closing winterizes your system by clearing water out of the system, shutting down machines, and ensuring that nothing becomes frozen or vulnerable to the cold Toronto winter weather.
Depending on your system, you may want more than just closing and opening, which is why we offer various maintenance programs to choose from that range from 2 to 12 visits per season. Contact us Today for a Free Consultation and we will help you determine the ideal maintenance program for your irrigation.
Keeping your irrigation system running smoothly and efficiently requires proper maintenance. At the minimum, you should have two professional visits per year: a spring start-up and a fall closing. This will help save you repair and operational costs in the long run.
Find Out YOUR Sprinkler System Cost Cost Today
Instead of guessing what an irrigation system might cost for your home, contact the professionals. We provide free, no-obligation consultations to provide you with pricing that is accurate for YOUR home and commercial property. Stop guessing. Contact the Irrigation Pros from GTA Irrigation & Lighting today.
Mike Moran
Hello! I'm one of the co-owner's of GTA Irrigation & Lighting. I write about topics that will help you get the most of of your outdoor living spaces. You can get all of my new articles sent direct to your inbox, just subscribe below.