How much does an irrigation system cost?

A professionally installed irrigation system typically costs $8–$20 per m², with most residential systems landing between $1,500 and $3,500.

Typical price band

$2,200typical

$400 low$8,000 high

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Real-world examples

Drip system for garden beds$400 – $1,100

Pop-up sprinklers for a lawn$1,500 – $3,200

Full multi-zone automated system$3,500 – $8,000

— Area covered. More square metres means more pipe, more heads and more trenching.

— System type. Drip line is cheapest; pop-up sprinklers and multi-zone automation cost progressively more.

— Trenching conditions. Established lawn, clay soil, tree roots and paving all slow the digging down.

— Controller & zones. Each extra zone adds valves and wiring, and smart Wi-Fi controllers cost more than tap timers.

— Water connection. Mains connections need a backflow device installed by a licensed plumber; tank and pump setups add more.

— The mains connection and backflow prevention must be done by a licensed plumber — check it's in the quote.

— Ask for the design on paper showing zones and head positions, so future repairs are easy.

— A rain or soil-moisture sensor pays for itself quickly in water savings.

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Indicative range only, not a quote. Get quotes from local tradies for an exact price. Last updated 13 July 2026.

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