Let’s be honest—you didn’t wake up this morning dreaming about sprinkler systems.
But maybe you walked outside, looked at your dry, patchy grass, or wrestled with a tangle of hoses, and thought:
“There has got to be a better way.”
If you’re curious what a professionally installed underground sprinkler system might cost, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions we get at TLC.
And because we believe in making things clear, easy, and transparent for homeowners, we built our Sprinkler System Estimator.
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It’s simple. It’s free. It’ll give you a ballpark cost based on your property, not some generic national average. But like all tools, it has limits—and that’s what this article is all about.
Let’s walk through what our estimator can tell you, what it can’t, and how to use it to make smart decisions about your lawn.
Why We Built the Estimator
There’s no shortage of companies that try to dodge the price question. “It depends” is their favorite answer.
But we know that before you invite us out, before you spend a dime, you deserve to have a sense of what you’re getting into.
Contact our amazing team at TLC Inc. to claim your FREE lawn system sprinkler plan before the summer months arrive!
So our estimator is here to give you:
- An honest cost range for your project
- Clarity about what goes into that number
- The ability to explore options without any pressure
It’s a tool we made to help people like you make better, more confident decisions.
What the Estimator Does (Really Well)
When you use the estimator, it asks a few simple questions:
- What’s the approximate size of your lawn?
- Which areas do you want to irrigate (front yard, back yard, garden beds)?
- Do you want basic coverage or full-zone automation?
Behind the scenes, we combine your inputs with:
- Real pricing data from hundreds of past installations
- Local conditions (soil, climate, county)
- Typical materials and labor costs in Maryland
That means the number you see at the end is based on real-world experience, not a guess.
It gives you a ballpark range—enough to decide if it makes sense to move forward.
But it’s not a quote. And it doesn’t see what we see when we visit your yard.
What the Estimator Can’t Tell You
Here comes the honest part. Our estimator is helpful, but it has blind spots. Here’s what it doesn’t know:
1. Your Water Pressure & Flow Rate
We can design the best layout on paper, but if your home has low pressure or flow, it may require extra zones, pumps, or adjustments. That changes the price.
2. Obstacles and Landscaping Features
Trees, fences, retaining walls, patios—all of these affect how we run piping and wiring. Some backyards are easy. Some are puzzles. The tool can’t see that.
3. Access for Equipment
Can we get our trenching equipment into your backyard? If not, we may need to hand-dig or use compact tools, which takes longer (and costs more).
4. Soil Conditions
Clay-heavy soil? Sandy loam? Rocky terrain? These affect both design and labor time. A field inspection helps us get it right.
5. System Customizations
Do you want rain sensors, drip irrigation for your garden, or smartphone controls? None of that shows up in the basic estimator—but it can all be discussed in a design consult.
What the Estimator Is Meant to Do
This isn’t a contract. It’s a conversation starter.
If you’re wondering, “Is an underground sprinkler system even in my budget?”—this tool gives you a real answer, fast.
If the number feels doable, fantastic. If not, now you know.
And if you’re on the fence, it helps you get a sense of scale—is this a small upgrade or a major investment?
We built the estimator to be a trust-building tool. It’s part of our philosophy at TLC: say what others won’t, show what others don’t.
What Happens After You Use It
If you like what you see, the next step is a free on-site consultation. One of our experienced techs will:
- Walk your property
- Take measurements
- Test pressure and flow
- Ask questions about how you use your yard
- Create a custom layout that fits your lifestyle
Then we’ll send you a detailed quote—no surprises, no pressure.
If you’re not ready for a visit, that’s okay too. Use the estimator, save the numbers, and come back when you are.
Ready to Try It?
You can try our estimator here. It takes less than two minutes and gives you a solid sense of where your project might land.
And when you’re ready, we’ll be here. No pressure. No hard sell. Just clear answers, good people, and grass you’ll be proud of.
That’s the TLC way.