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Guides · Yard and garden

Irrigation / sprinkler system: maintenance schedule and lifespan

What your irrigation / sprinkler system needs and how often, how long it usually lasts, and what replacing it tends to cost.

15–20 yearstypical service life
$3,000–$7,000typical installed replacement, for a 2,000 sq ft house
3 jobsto keep on a schedule

The maintenance schedule

once a year

How often should you blow out and winterize?

Shut off the supply and blow the lines out with air before the first hard frost. A typical schedule is once a year. Only where winters freeze: do it about a month before the first frost.

once a year

How often should you spring startup and head check?

A typical schedule is once a year. Only where winters freeze: do it in spring, once the frosts are over.

once a year

How often should you check the heads and coverage?

A typical schedule is once a year. This one is for where winters don't freeze.

How long does your irrigation / sprinkler system last?

Usually 15 to 20 years. Where yours sits in that range depends on when it went in and how it's been looked after, which is why the install year is the most useful thing to write down. Something past its typical life isn't due for replacing on that account: most things are run until they fail. It's a reason to put money aside, not to spend it.

What does replacing it cost?

Roughly $3,000 to $7,000 installed in the U.S. for a 2,000 square foot house, more or less in proportion to size. Treat it as a range for budgeting until you have a quote.

Generic schedules start from the calendar. Yours should start from your house. Keeping House takes the year each system went in and works out what's due and when, sends the reminders, and keeps the history a buyer or insurer will ask for.

Start your home's record, freeSee a sample report

Related guides

Intervals and lifespans are typical figures for U.S. homes, in line with commonly cited industry ranges; costs are rough installed prices in 2026 dollars. Your manufacturer's manual and local conditions come first.