This is a question I get asked all the time: Bob … “How much will a new sprinkler system set me back? How much is this going to be?”
And honestly, it never ceases to amaze me — people will take shortcuts on their lawn, even though it’s one of the first things anyone notices about their home to try and save a dollar when in the long run it cost them 2 dollars. Your lawn is a reflection of your property’s value and curb appeal, yet some folks try to cut corners on the system that keeps it healthy and green.
Here’s the truth: when you install a system the right way, the water savings alone can pay for the difference between a cheap job and a professionally installed one. There’s a reason why experienced lawn sprinkler installation companies in Maryland charge a bit more — we do it right the first time.
And if we ever make a mistake, we stand behind our work. That’s why we offer a seven-year warranty and have proudly been in business for over 42 years — and plan to be here for at least another 42.
💰 Typical Sprinkler System Price Ranges in Maryland
| Yard Size / Complexity | Typical Cost Range | What’s Included |
| Small yards (under ¼ acre) | $4,500–$6,000 | 3–5 zones, controller, standard heads |
| Medium yards (¼–½ acre) | $6,000–$7,500 | 5–8 zones, mixed spray & rotor heads |
| Large or complex lawns | $8,000+ | 9+ zones, drip beds, slope adjustments |
Most Maryland homeowners spend between $4,850 and $8,000 for a professionally installed system, depending on property size and features.
🔧 The Biggest Factors That Affect Sprinkler System Cost
- Plumbing Access
If your main water line is far from the yard or if trenching through existing landscaping is required, that adds labor and materials.
- Sub-Meter Installation
In Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, and parts of Washington, D.C., homeowners are allowed to install a sub-meter — a device that measures only the water used for your irrigation system.
That means when you’re watering your lawn, you don’t pay for wastewater treatment on that water. Since wastewater is one of the most expensive parts of your water bill, a sub-meter can lead to significant long-term savings.
People often ask me, “Hey Bob, is it really worth spending around $2,000 for the permits, WSSC fees, and installation after you rough it in?”
Here’s my honest answer:
- If you plan to stay in your home more than five years, the sub-meter will usually pay for itself in water savings.
- If you’re likely to move within a year or two, it may not be worth the upfront cost.
Now, here’s something most homeowners don’t realize: a lot of our competition won’t even touch the plumbing. They leave that part for someone else — which quickly turns into a mess of finger-pointing and delays. Everyone’s not working in sync, and things fall through the cracks.
We take a different approach. We handle it all.
We take care of the plumbing, the permits, the fees, and the sub-meter setup — everything. It’s one complete, coordinated package so you don’t have to juggle multiple contractors or worry about who’s responsible for what.
After more than 42 years in business, we’ve seen how badly things can go when there’s no accountability. That’s why we only offer turnkey, underground, complete lawn sprinkler systems — start to finish, done right the first time.
- Permit and Inspection Requirements
Maryland counties require a plumbing permit and inspection for any new irrigation system.
The total cost usually ranges from $325 to $975, depending on the county.
| County/City | Typical Range | Includes |
| Montgomery / Howard | $700–$975 | Plumbing permit, backflow inspection, final water-department sign-off |
| Anne Arundel / Baltimore County | $500–$800 | Irrigation permit, inspection, certification |
| Frederick / Carroll / Harford | $325–$600 | Basic plumbing permit and inspection |
| Eastern Shore Counties | $350–$700 | Varies by local water utility |
Pro Tip: Ask your installer if permitting and inspections are included. Some companies handle it all for you; others bill it separately.
- Yard Size and Zones
Larger or more complex lawns require more zones, pipe, and valves.
- Slope, Soil, and Water Pressure
Clay soils, slopes, or uneven pressure often require specialized heads or pressure regulators.
- Smart Technology and Add-Ons
Rain sensors, Wi-Fi controllers, and drip irrigation for beds add convenience and efficiency — usually $150–$800 depending on options.
💡 Optional Upgrades That Add Value
- Smart controllers ($150–$400): Adjust watering automatically based on weather.
- Drip irrigation ($600–$900): Ideal for flowerbeds and gardens.
- Rain sensors ($375–$575): Prevent watering when it rains.
- Pressure-regulating heads ($50–$200 each): Keep watering even across slopes.
🗓 Hidden or One-Time Costs
| Item | Typical Cost | Notes |
| Permit and inspection | $325–$975 | Required in most Maryland counties |
| Backflow preventer certification | $50–$100 annually | Ensures drinking water safety |
| Trenching restoration | $100–$300 | Optional lawn repair after install |
💦 Maintenance & Seasonal Costs
Once your system is installed, you’ll have some ongoing seasonal care to keep it running at peak performance:
| Service | Typical Cost | What’s Included |
| Spring startup & inspection | $150–$250 | Pressurizing system, checking zones, adjusting heads, verifying controller. |
| Winterization (blowout) | $150–$300 | Removes water from lines to prevent freezing and damage. |
| Occasional head or valve repair | $125 and up | Replacing broken or leaking heads or valves; price varies by parts and labor. |
Pro Tip: Regular maintenance saves money in the long run by catching small issues before they become big repairs.
🌱 How to Keep Costs Down
- Schedule installation in late fall or early spring when contractors are less busy.
- Bundle installation and maintenance with one company for loyalty pricing.
- Check for county water utility rebates for efficient irrigation systems or sub-meters.
- Use a smart controller to avoid overwatering and lower your water bill.
🚀 Final Takeaway
The average cost to install a sprinkler system in Maryland is $4,850–$8,000, but the value extends well beyond the upfront investment:
- Healthier, greener lawns that look better year-round.
- Less pruning of shrubs because plants are watered evenly and deeply.
- Reduced risk of lawn fungus, which can be costly to treat when watering is inconsistent.
- Savings on insecticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, since your system waters precisely when needed.
- Your property essentially becomes its own weather station, adjusting automatically for rain and temperature.
- And when it’s installed correctly the first time, your system delivers years of savings, convenience, and lasting beauty.
There’s a reason we’ve been in business for over 42 years — we do it right, we stand behind our work, and we make sure you’re proud of how your property looks.
Request a free on-site estimate today by simply calling our office at 410-721-2342, or
Use our online sprinkler cost calculator to see what your system might cost.