One of the most common questions we get before a job is: "What's this going to cost me?" It's a fair question. The home service industry isn't always transparent about pricing, and nobody likes a surprise invoice. Here's what you can realistically expect to pay for the most common sprinkler repairs in the DFW area.
Service Call / Diagnostic
Most irrigation companies charge a service call fee to come out and diagnose the problem. This fee typically covers travel and the first 30–60 minutes of diagnostic time. In DFW, expect $65–$100. This fee is often applied toward the repair cost if you proceed.
We charge a flat service call fee and always diagnose before quoting. You'll know the cost before we start any work.
Sprinkler Head Replacement
Single head replacement (including the head and labor): $15–$45 per head, depending on head type. Standard pop-up spray heads are at the low end. Hunter and Rain Bird rotary heads cost more. Gear-drive rotors are in the middle.
If you're replacing multiple heads in a single visit, expect the per-head cost to drop as we're already there and working the zone.
Valve Repair or Replacement
Solenoid replacement (fixes zones that won't turn on electrically): $55–$95 including parts and labor.
Valve diaphragm replacement (fixes zones stuck on or stuck off): $65–$120.
Full valve replacement: $125–$200 depending on valve type and access.
Pipe Repair
Small lateral pipe break (3/4" poly or PVC, easy access): $85–$175.
Main line break (larger pipe, deeper dig): $200–$450 depending on depth and pipe diameter.
Prices go up when the break is under a sidewalk, driveway, or other hardscape.
Controller Replacement
Entry-level timer replacement: $85–$150 installed.
Smart controller (Rachio, Hunter HC, Rain Bird LNK-compatible): $175–$350 installed, depending on zone count and model.
Backflow Preventer Testing
Test only: $55–$85.
Test + minor repair (replace internals): $130–$250.
Full backflow preventer replacement: $225–$450 installed.
System Activation / Spring Start-Up
Full system inspection, zone test, head adjustment, controller check: $85–$150.
What Affects Price
Access: A pipe break under a concrete pad costs more to access than one in open turf.
System age: Older systems with brittle pipe and outdated parts take longer to work on.
Zone count: More zones mean more time for activation and diagnosis.
Emergency timing: Off-hours or same-day emergency calls typically carry a premium.
How to Get the Best Price
Call before it gets worse. Small problems compound. A $75 solenoid fix becomes a $300 valve replacement if water hammers the diaphragm for another month.
Ask what's included in the service call fee and whether it applies to the repair. Most reputable companies, including us, apply it.
Get the diagnosis before you approve work. A trustworthy tech will tell you what's wrong and give you the cost before touching anything.
If something in a quote doesn't make sense to you, ask. We'd rather explain every line than lose a customer's trust over an unclear invoice.