Why Your DIY Sprinkler System Might Be Costing You More Than You Think
May 21, 2025
May 21, 2025
After installing over 500 sprinkler systems throughout Utah County, I've seen firsthand the struggles homeowners face when trying to maintain a lush, green lawn in our challenging climate. Many eager DIYers dive into sprinkler system installation thinking they'll save a bundle, only to call us months later to fix costly mistakes. Today, I'm sharing what I've learned over my years in the sprinkler business to help you make informed decisions about your lawn irrigation needs.
When I started working with sprinkler systems back in 2012, I believed anyone with basic tools could install an effective system. After fixing hundreds of DIY installations gone wrong, I've changed my mind completely.
A typical sprinkler system installation costs between $2,500-$6,000 depending on your yard size, terrain, and system complexity. Many homeowners see this price tag and immediately think, "I could do this myself for half the cost!" What they don't consider are the hidden expenses that often emerge:
I recently helped a family in Lehi who had installed their own sprinkler system. They spent around $1,800 on materials but called us when their water bill skyrocketed to $250 above normal in the first month. Their DIY system had multiple leaks due to improper pipe connections, and their sprinkler heads were creating significant water runoff because of incorrect spacing and pressure calculations.
By the time we fixed everything, they had spent more than if they'd hired us initially, not to mention the wasted water and damage to parts of their lawn that received too much or too little irrigation.
Every effective lawn sprinkler system consists of several key components:
The complexity comes in designing how these components work together. Your water pressure, yard slope, soil type, plant needs, and local climate all affect how your system should be configured.
Just last summer, I worked with a homeowner in American Fork who didn't understand why his newly installed DIY system was leaving brown patches despite running constantly. The issue? He hadn't accounted for different sun exposure across his yard and had used the same type of sprinkler heads everywhere. Some areas were getting drowned while others remained parched.
After fixing over 1,200 sprinkler systems across Utah County, I've identified patterns in DIY installation errors:
Most DIYers place sprinkler heads too far apart, creating dry spots where spray patterns don't overlap. Professional installers use "head-to-head" coverage, meaning each sprinkler throws water all the way to the next sprinkler.
I remember visiting a home in Pleasant Grove where the homeowner couldn't understand why his grass was dying in strange patterns. He had spaced his sprinkler heads 25 feet apart because that's what the packaging claimed for coverage distance. In reality, wind, pressure variations, and other factors reduce that theoretical maximum significantly.
Different sprinkler heads (rotors, spray heads, bubblers) have different precipitation rates. Mixing them in one zone leads to some areas getting soaked while others stay dry.
A client in Orem had installed spray heads for his lawn and drip irrigation for his flowerbeds—all connected to the same valve. The lawn was constantly muddy while his plants withered because spray heads distribute water 3-4 times faster than drip systems.
Your system is only as good as your water pressure allows. Many DIYers install too many heads per zone, reducing pressure so much that no area gets adequate coverage.
Last month, I helped a homeowner in Provo who had installed 15 sprinkler heads on a single zone. His water pressure simply couldn't handle it, resulting in weak spray and uneven coverage. We reconfigured his system into three properly designed zones, and the difference was immediate.
Utah's freezing winters demand proper sprinkler system winterization. Without correctly blowing out all water from the pipes, you risk expensive repairs come spring.
I've lost count of how many spring service calls involve cracked pipes, broken valves, and damaged backflow preventers—all because of improper winterization. Just this April, I repaired a system in Lehi that had seven separate pipe bursts from winter freezing. The repair cost was over $1,200, far more than a professional winterization service.
If your sprinkler system is already installed, knowing how to turn it on correctly after winter is crucial to prevent damage. Here's my step-by-step approach:
Last spring, I responded to an emergency call from a homeowner in Spanish Fork who had simply turned everything on full blast after winter. The sudden pressure surge blew apart three pipe connections in his yard, creating small geysers and a very soggy lawn. Taking just 15 minutes to follow the proper startup procedure would have saved him hundreds in repairs.
Water isn't getting cheaper in Utah, and conservation is increasingly important. Modern sprinkler system technology can reduce your water usage by 30-50% while maintaining a healthy lawn.
Today's automatic sprinkler system controllers can connect to local weather data and soil moisture sensors, automatically adjusting watering schedules based on actual conditions rather than a fixed timer.
I installed a smart controller for a family in Highland last year, and they reported a 40% reduction in their summer water bill compared to the previous year. The system skipped scheduled waterings after rainstorms and adjusted run times during cooler periods—something their old timer couldn't do.
Newer sprinkler nozzles deliver water in larger droplets that are less likely to mist or blow away in wind, improving efficiency by up to 30%.
A client in Cedar Hills switched to high-efficiency nozzles throughout their property and immediately noticed less runoff on their sloped yard. Their system now runs for shorter periods while providing better coverage.
For flowerbeds, shrubs, and gardens, drip irrigation delivers water directly to plant roots, reducing evaporation and runoff.
I helped a passionate gardener in Orem convert her traditional spray irrigation to drip lines for her extensive vegetable garden. She not only saved water but also reported fewer weed problems and healthier plants since water wasn't spraying where it wasn't needed.
Even well-installed systems eventually need maintenance. Here are clear indicators it's time to call for sprinkler system repair:
If some heads barely spray while others work fine, or if you notice dramatic pressure drops when your system runs, you likely have a leak or blockage requiring professional attention.
A sudden increase in your water bill or persistently wet spots in your yard often indicate underground leaks that waste water and damage your landscape.
Last summer, I discovered a leak for a customer in American Fork that had been running undetected for weeks. Their water bill had nearly doubled, and a section of their side yard had become so waterlogged that mushrooms were growing. The culprit was a pipe that had been accidentally punctured during fence installation.
Dead spots in otherwise green lawns typically indicate sprinkler coverage problems that need adjustment or redesign.
If your system runs at odd times, refuses to shut off, or won't turn on at all, your controller likely needs repair or replacement.
When you choose professional sprinkler system installation, here's what the process typically looks like:
A professional begins by thoroughly examining your property's specific needs:
We then design a custom system with appropriate zones, head types, and coverage patterns. This planning phase is critical and often overlooked in DIY installations.
Professional installation typically includes:
After installation, we don't just hand you a controller and leave. We:
Unlike DIY projects where you're on your own if problems arise, professional installation typically includes:
With proper care, a quality sprinkler system can last 15-20 years. Here's my maintenance checklist to maximize your system's lifespan:
I've seen well-maintained systems function perfectly after 15+ years, while neglected systems often need major repairs or replacement after just 5-7 years. The difference comes down to consistent care and addressing small issues before they become large problems.
Not all yards need the same irrigation solution. Here's how I approach different landscape needs:
For standard grass areas, rotor heads or spray heads in properly designed zones provide efficient coverage. The key is appropriate head spacing and precipitation rate matching.
For yards with lawn areas, flowerbeds, and shrubs, a combination system with different zones for each plant type offers the most efficient watering. Each plant type receives exactly the amount of water it needs.
Slopes present unique challenges, including runoff and erosion. I typically recommend:
New homes often have compacted soil and construction debris that affects drainage. I typically suggest:
One of the most painful situations I encounter is helping homeowners who tried to save money with a cheap, improperly installed system—either DIY or from an inexperienced contractor. The long-term costs almost always exceed what quality installation would have cost initially.
A family in Eagle Mountain contacted me after their two-year-old DIY system developed multiple leaks. During inspection, I found they had used improper pipe depths (too shallow, leading to freeze damage), incorrect pipe connections (without proper cement), and had installed no backflow prevention (a code violation). The "fix everything" bill came to nearly $4,000—almost double what professional installation would have cost originally.
Utah's unique climate presents specific challenges for sprinkler systems:
Having installed systems throughout Utah County for years, our team at Local Sprinkler Pros has developed techniques specifically adapted to local conditions. We understand which components resist our hard water best, how to account for our unique soil conditions, and exactly when and how to winterize for our cold seasons.
Whether you're considering DIY sprinkler system installation or hiring professionals, I hope the information I've shared helps you make an informed decision. While there's satisfaction in completing home projects yourself, irrigation systems are complex and have long-term implications for both your landscape health and water bills.
At Local Sprinkler Pros, we take pride in creating efficient, reliable systems that save our neighbors water, time, and money. Our team brings over 30 years of combined experience specifically in Utah County conditions.
If you're ready to discuss your sprinkler system needs or just have questions about your existing system, we're always happy to share our expertise. Contact us for a consultation, and we'll help you create the most efficient irrigation solution for your specific yard and budget.
Professional sprinkler system installation in Utah typically costs between $2,500-$6,000 depending on yard size, terrain complexity, and the number of zones required. While DIY materials might cost less initially, professional installation often saves money long-term through proper design and fewer repairs.
Most Utah homeowners should wait until mid-April to early May to turn on their sprinkler systems, after the risk of freezing temperatures has passed. Starting too early risks freeze damage to pipes and components, while proper activation includes slowly pressurizing the system to prevent water hammer damage.
Quality sprinkler heads typically need replacement every 5-8 years, though some may last longer with regular maintenance. Signs you need replacement include uneven spray patterns, leaking around the head, stuck heads that don't fully retract, or heads that no longer adjust properly.
The ideal watering duration depends on your specific soil type, sprinkler precipitation rate, and grass type. For most Utah lawns with clay soil, watering 2-3 times weekly for about 20 minutes per zone in spring/fall and 30 minutes in summer is a good starting point, though sandy soils need more frequent, shorter waterings.
Freddy Zahn is the founder of Lawn Thumbs and Local Sprinkler Pros, leading lawn care and irrigation companies based in Utah County. With over 15 years of experience, he’s helped thousands of homeowners create healthy, water-efficient landscapes tailored to Utah’s unique climate. What started as a one-man mowing service in 2010 has grown into a trusted team of experts known for practical solutions, exceptional service, and award-winning results.
