Pipes

• The most basic component of any sprinkler system is the pipes that will carry water from the house to the sprinkler heads. Almost all sprinkler systems are installed using either rigid or flexible PVC pipes. The cost of a roll of 100 feet of flexible sprinkler line is about $20. The cost of the same amount of rigid PVC is about the same. Estimate how much pipe you will need by measuring the perimeter of your lawn. For example, a lawn that has a perimeter of 200 feet will require at least 200 feet of pipe, at a cost of about $40.
  
  

Vacuum Breakers

• All sprinkler systems require a pressure vacuum breaker installed above ground. This device stops water from backing up into the main supply line. This is important because water that reaches the sprinkler system is no longer drinkable according to most municipal safety codes. This device is the most expensive single component on the system, at a cost of about $100. The price of the breaker can vary depending on the size of the water line, making large irrigation systems more costly.
  
  

Sprinklers

• The types of sprinklers you purchase will dictate the cost. You can select basic pop-up sprinklers with plastic bodies for about $1 each at most hardware stores. These sprinklers are less durable, however, and must be replaced more often than metal pop-up sprinklers that cost about $4 each.
  
  Also available are gear-drive sprinklers that rotate for an even coat of water. These are generally the most expensive type of sprinkler heads, at a cost of up to $10 each. Estimate the number of sprinklers you will need by multiplying the length of the yard times the width of the yard. This will give you the total area of the lawn. Divide that number by 12, the typical coverage area of a sprinkler, to find out about how many heads you will need.
  
  

Other Expenses

• Other expenses on a typical sprinkler system include the cost of valves, which control the flow of water to zones, as well as a timer to control the valves. You also will need plumber's tape, wrenches and screwdrivers. If you are digging the trenches for the sprinklers yourself, consider renting a trenching machine from your local hardware store. Together, the assorted other expenses of a typical irrigation system should be about $200. The total cost of a system is usually about $2,000 to $3,000 with professional help, but the cost can be substantially less if you do the entire project yourself.