Irrigation System Installation Cost

The average cost to install an irrigation system in the UK is around £2,500, although the final price can vary depending on the size of the garden, the type of system, the number of watering zones, and the complexity of the installation.

Homeowners can choose from a range of irrigation options, including drip irrigation systems, sprinkler systems and fully automated set-ups, with costs differing depending on the layout and level of control required.

Irrigation systems have become increasingly popular because they make it much easier to keep gardens, lawns and planted areas properly watered. By delivering water directly where it is needed, these systems can help support healthier plants, reduce water waste, and save homeowners time and effort, particularly during warmer weather when regular watering is essential.

Smaller irrigation kits may be suitable for DIY installation, but larger or fully automated systems are usually best installed by a professional landscaper or irrigation specialist to ensure the system is efficient, reliable and suited to the space.

In this guide, we’ll explain the average irrigation system installation cost, the main factors that affect pricing, and what you can expect to pay for different types of irrigation systems in the UK.

How Much is Irrigation System Installation?

In the UK, the cost of installing an irrigation system will generally fall in the range of between £500 and £5,000, but this depends on a wide range of factors, including size and the complexity of the system.

There are smaller systems that are designed for flower beds and vegetable patches, which will fall on the lower end of the scale, while larger systems that involve a lot of groundworks and automated controls will cost a lot more.

Also, take into consideration the size of the space you plan to water, the type of irrigation system being installed, the number of separate zones you require, and the price can be impacted a great deal. Add to this ground conditions, as uneven terrain will require more preparation work, and labour costs also vary from region to region.

Irrigation System Installation Prices

Below is a breakdown of typical irrigation installation costs based on system type and garden size:

Supply Costs

The costs of supply for irrigation system installations will take up a significant portion of the total cost. Irrigation systems rely on a combination of different components, working together to serve a single purpose.

This includes everything from pipes, controllers and valves, not to mention things like sprinkler heads, so this all adds up. As with any home renovation project, the quality of the materials you specify will have an impact on the total cost; however, high-level components will usually offer the best performance and lifespan.

Alongside the basic pipework and emitters, most systems will also require filters for purification and pressure regulation equipment to ensure a steady and safe water flow. Choosing more advanced or robust materials can increase upfront costs but may reduce maintenance and replacement expenses in the future.

Irrigation Controllers and Timers

The majority of reliable irrigation systems will be reliant on timers and controllers to automate the water schedules. Basic manual timers will be the most cost-effective and are suitable for smaller systems, but digital controllers will offer much greater flexibility and precision, albeit at a more expensive option.

There are even more advanced smart irrigation systems that can connect with local weather data and adjust schedules automatically based on temperature and rainfall - again, these are more expensive, but offer a much greater performance.

Although smart systems increase the initial installation cost, they can help reduce water usage and improve efficiency over time. This makes them a popular choice for homeowners looking to minimise long-term running costs and environmental impact.

Water Source for Irrigation Systems

Irrigation systems in general can be connected to a range of different water sources, and the choice of this source will impact the installation complexity and therefore also the cost.

The most commonly used source is to connect the system to the household's main water supply, which is generally the most straightforward installation method, but this will require compliance with local water regulations.

Alternatively, homeowners could utilise a rainwater harvesting system, water butts or water tanks to reduce the reliance on the mains systems. Of course, this is the most sustainable option in an environmental sense, but it will require additional equipment such as filters and pumps.

In less common cases, boreholes may be used, although these are typically found in larger or rural properties.

Types of Irrigation Systems

There are several types of irrigation systems available, each suited to different garden layouts and watering needs:

Drip Irrigation

Drip irrigation systems will deliver water slowly and directly to plant roots to ensure they remain healthy and thriving. This is a highly efficient system that is ideal for vegetable patches and flower beds.

Sprinkler Irrigation

Sprinkler systems are the opposite of drip irrigation systems as they distribute water much more widely and externally, making them perfect for lawns, particularly when installed underground.

Soaker Hose System

Soaker hose systems are similar to drip irrigation as they provide a gradual water supply along the length of a porous hose, and are usually used in garden borders and flower beds. They offer a little less control than drip irrigation, but are simpler to install.

Automated Irrigation System

Fully automated irrigation systems combine these methods with timers or smart controllers to provide scheduled watering with minimal effort. However, more advanced systems typically cost more to install due to their additional components and technology.

Ground Preparation Costs

A crucial element of an irrigation system installation is the ground preparation, especially if you opt for a system with underground pipework.

These works generally include the digging of trenches, levelling of surfaces and ensuring the proper positioning of pipework across the space. The extent of preparation required depends on the size and layout of the garden, as well as the type of system being installed.

If the garden is uneven, with compacted soil, or there is limited access in certain areas, there may be a requirement for additional groundworks, which can increase the overall cost due to the additional labour required.

Ultimately, proper preparation is essential to ensure the system operates efficiently and avoids issues such as leaks or uneven water distribution.

Additional Costs

Aside from the basic components of an irrigation system, some projects will have some additional costs that are necessary, adding to the overall project cost. These additional costs can be things like rain and soil moisture sensors for highly automated and smart systems, additional water pumps and backflow prevention systems.

While these features increase upfront expenses, they can improve system performance, reducing water waste and generally providing a much greater control over watering schedules, which certainly provides a lot of added value for the additional cost.

Irrigation System Design

The most crucial step in the installation of an irrigation system is the planning. Some professionals may offer a design service before this installation to properly map out the garden layout, planning watering zones and pipe routes, and even assessing the available water pressure and flow rates.

A well-designed system will make sure that the distribution of water is even, consistent and effective, along with avoiding some potential issues such as over- or under-watering.

Although system design adds to the initial cost, it can improve efficiency and reduce the likelihood of future maintenance problems, making it a valuable step for larger or more complex installations.

Labour Costs and Timescales

For an irrigation system installer, the cost of labour is typically in the range of £150 to £300 per day, per tradesperson, and this price also depends on the experience and the contractor, as well as the location of your home.

Smaller systems can often be a single-person job completed in a day; larger systems often take a few days to complete, and can even require more than one person on the job.

If this system is especially large or complex, such as those with automated features and many zones, it can take as long as three or four days to complete. The overall timescale depends on factors such as garden size, system complexity, and ground conditions.

Cost Factors for Irrigation System Installation

As you have read by now, there are several factors that impact the overall cost of an irrigation system. The size and layout of the garden are major aspects, as is the complexity of the system installed, with smart systems with multiple zones costing far more than simple systems.

Add to this the differing prices of labour across the country and the level of groundwork required, and the overall cost of a project can vary from home to home.

Irrigation Zones

You may have spotted many mentions of zones, which is typically how irrigation systems are divided to allow different areas of a garden to be watered independently.

If a garden has a mix of flower beds, lawns and vegetable patches, each of these zones will require a different watering schedule, lest one area becomes overwatered, while others need more.

The number of zones required depends on the size of the garden, the types of plants, and the available water pressure. Systems with multiple zones require additional valves, pipework, and control systems, which increases the overall installation cost.

Building Regulations for Irrigation Systems

In the majority of cases, installing an irrigation system will not require planning permission; however, any system that connects to a mains water supply must comply with water regulations. This will include certain safeguards, such as backflow prevention, water efficiency, and safe plumbing connections.

Professional installers will ensure that the system meets all necessary regulations, giving homeowners peace of mind that the installation is compliant and safe.

Alternative Garden Watering Methods

Some homeowners will look to some alternative methods other than a full irrigation system, of which there are a few. Of course, there are manual options like hoses and watering cans, and even sprinkler systems that are much more affordable, but they also require time and effort.

Additionally, these methods may work for smaller gardens, but for larger gardens, they struggle to be as efficient and effective as they need to be.

Portable irrigation kits offer a middle ground, providing some level of automation at a lower cost, although they typically lack the coverage and efficiency of professionally installed systems.

Hiring Contractors Checklist for Irrigation System Installation

When hiring a contractor, you should take certain steps to ensure you select the right person for the job. Firstly, obtain multiple quotes to make sure that the prices you receive are fair compared to the service being offered. From here, you should check that the contractors are fully experienced in the work, checking out reviews and previous examples of installed systems.

You should also ensure that the contractor is fully licensed and insured to work on your property. Ask to receive quotes in writing, with a full breakdown of what is included for the price to avoid any awkward issues down the line.

Using MyJobQuote can make it easier to find and compare trusted tradespeople, and you can use our tool here.

Removing or Replacing an Irrigation System

If you are upgrading an irrigation system, there may be a requirement to remove the old one first. The cost to remove an irrigation system depends on its size, the components installed and how accessible the garden is.

It will typically take a day or two to remove an old system, so bear in mind the cost of labour, which is around £150 to £300 a day, to get an idea of how much you may end up paying.

Running Costs of Irrigation Systems

You must consider the cost of an irrigation system beyond the installation. If connected to the water mains, irrigation systems will increase water usage and therefore water bills.

Again, the cost of this will differ depending on the size of the system and how much water it uses. A good contractor should be able to give you some guidance on how much water will be used over a certain period, which can give you a good insight.

Of course, investing in smart controllers and rain sensors can help reduce unnecessary watering and improve efficiency, ultimately lowering long-term running costs. Over time, these features can help balance out the initial investment in the system.

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