How Much Do Garden Watering Systems Cost in 2024?
How Much Do Garden Watering Systems Cost?
If your garden is your pride and joy, installing a garden irrigation, watering, or sprinkler system can be a tremendous help in keeping your garden’s appearance up to scratch. These systems massively reduce the need for manual watering and can be fully relied upon to give your lawn and plants the exact nourishment they need.
Our comprehensive guide takes a closer look at garden irrigation, watering, and sprinkler systems. We will break down the price differences between the three, explain what is most likely to impact your overall costs, share expert money-saving tips, and guide you on the best way to hire a qualified professional to fit your new setup.
As you might expect, there can be quite a dramatic price difference between these systems depending on several key factors. On average, you will be looking at between £200 and £800 for the system equipment itself, with labour costs ranging anywhere from £500 to £10,000 depending on the complexity and scale of the job.
The tables below provide a clear breakdown of the estimated costs for both a sprinkler setup and a standard drip irrigation system cost across various garden sizes, including links to our drip irrigation products and sprinkler system categories.
Drip Irrigation Systems
A drip irrigation system is laid above ground and uses long, flexible plastic pipes to drip water directly onto the soil, usually targeting the base of individual plants. Drip irrigation systems are incredibly efficient at reducing water waste, making them a highly cost-effective and eco-friendly choice when it comes to keeping your flower beds and borders perfectly watered.
| Garden Size | Supply Cost for a Multi-Zone Drip Irrigation System | Labour Costs | Time Required | Estimated Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supply cost for a medium garden (50 feet long) | £200-£300 | £500-£1,000 | Two to three days | £700-£1,300 |
| Supply cost for a large garden (100 feet long) | £300-£700 | £1,000-£5,000 | Two to four days | £1,300-£5,700 |
| Supply cost for an extra-large garden (150 feet long) | £700-£1,000 | £5,000-£10,000+ | Three to five days | £5,700-£11,000+ |
Sprinkler Systems
A sprinkler system features piping buried securely below ground, with only the pop-up sprinkler heads showing when active. Sprinklers spray larger volumes of water over wider areas, making them the ideal solution to water your entire lawn evenly if laid correctly. These systems can easily be run on automated timers and are generally less prone to clogging than surface-level irrigation systems.
| Garden Size | Supply Cost for a Multi-Zone Pop-Up Sprinkler System | Labour Costs | Time Required | Estimated Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supply cost for a medium garden (50 feet long) | £300-£450 | £750-£1,500 | Two to three days | £1,050-£1,950 |
| Supply cost for a large garden (100 feet long) | £450-£1,050 | £1,500-£7,500 | Two to four days | £1,950-£8,550 |
| Supply cost for a large garden (100 feet long) | £1,050-£1,500 | £7,500-£15,000+ | Three to five days | £8,550-£16,500+ |
As you can see, the final drip irrigation system cost and sprinkler setup fees will vary significantly based on the size of your garden and the specific layout of your outdoor space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install a drip irrigation system myself?
Yes, small garden kits are relatively simple to install as a DIY project. However, for larger multi-zone systems or pop-up sprinklers that require underground trenching, hiring a professional ensures proper water pressure and backflow prevention.
How long do automated watering systems last?
With basic winter maintenance and regular cleaning of filters, high-quality irrigation components can easily last between 10 to 15 years in typical UK weather conditions.
Contact the team at MB Irrigation today for expert advice on choosing the perfect watering setup and keeping your project within budget.
