Why Cheap Irrigation Can Cost You a Lot
Use of a low-cost irrigation system can slash costs by 20–40% initially; however, it is often the case that in the long run, their maintenance may exceed $1,500–$3,000 due to broken parts, water wastage, and landscape redoing. Apart from that, such equipment is typically ½ inch cross section whereas for residential research the standard is 1 inch, of low quality and having very little uniformity in dispersing the water which is usually the case in DY less than 50%, and also using wire connections that are not waterproof and become faulty after a span of 1–2 seasons. Without adequate planning of zones and misuse of pressure (optimal PSI: 30–40 for sprays, 40–60 for rotors), running short of water and overwatering of plants will happen simultaneously, hence, causing plant stress, root rot, and brown patches.
Through the WaterSense initiative by the EPA, it is estimated that an inefficient irrigation system may squander up to 25,000 gallons (95,000 liters) of water annually resulting in an extra of $300–$500 per your utility bill annually. It is also to be noted that low budget systems do not have any security against backflow that means there is a probability of contamination of the water which we drink.
In contrast, a professional system, equipped with smart controllers, pressure-regulated heads, and drip lines, is capable of decreasing water consumption by as much as 50%, thereby saving thousands of dollars over its life cycle and guaranteeing a greener and cleaner outdoor environment.
Midhurst Irrigation Sprinkler Contractor
Drip Line Installation:
The Right Way vs. The Wrong Way
The side-by-side visual makes it very clear how the difference between a poorly executed and a successful drip line installation is very big. In the case of the left half, “Bad Installation” is pretty much a textbook example of all the things that can go wrong with a drip system such as emitters not being properly placed, tubing that leaks and has lots of holes, water spilling and a lot of overwatering, and hence flooding and the roots getting rotten. Here, the main reason why the water is not supplied to the plants equally is that the plants are being watered in a very arbitrary and unprofessional way. Watering is not only the act of taking away the humidity but it is also degrading the plant, and the former is not recoverable. In contrast, the “Good Installation” is a visual representation of a very systematic and well-thought design that exhibits the concept of proper spacing, smooth turns, excellent placements of emitters, and the like. The ground is not giving out water from the saturated soil to the gutter and there are no standing pools, therefore, it’s the highest level of resource-saving and plant health at its best. The design is not just aesthetically pleasing but it is also functional and the user can rest assured that it will not require much maintenance. In case you want to make your lawns more secure and water-saving for a longer time, select an elaborate and professionally done drip line. The Sprinkler Company Inc. offers the clients the most suitable solutions concerning drip irrigation systems.
Drip Line Installation:
The Right Way vs. The Wrong Way
The side-by-side visual makes it very clear how the difference between a poorly executed and a successful drip line installation is very big. In the case of the left half, “Bad Installation” is pretty much a textbook example of all the things that can go wrong with a drip system such as emitters not being properly placed, tubing that leaks and has lots of holes, water spilling and a lot of overwatering, and hence flooding and the roots getting rotten. Here, the main reason why the water is not supplied to the plants equally is that the plants are being watered in a very arbitrary and unprofessional way. Watering is not only the act of taking away the humidity but it is also degrading the plant, and the former is not recoverable. In contrast, the “Good Installation” is a visual representation of a very systematic and well-thought design that exhibits the concept of proper spacing, smooth turns, excellent placements of emitters, and the like. The ground is not giving out water from the saturated soil to the gutter and there are no standing pools, therefore, it’s the highest level of resource-saving and plant health at its best. The design is not just aesthetically pleasing but it is also functional and the user can rest assured that it will not require much maintenance. In case you want to make your lawns more secure and water-saving for a longer time, select an elaborate and professionally done drip line. The Sprinkler Company Inc. offers the clients the most suitable solutions concerning drip irrigation systems.
Rotary Sprinkler Installation:
The Right Way vs. The Wrong Way
This picture points out one of the crucial differences between a badly set up and a professionally set up sprinkler head. On the left side, the sprinkler head has dirty water around it as the junction is clear evidence of a failed seal, which is highly probably a cause of the leakage and irregular distribution of water. The pipe has been limited by the tape being just a temporary solution that can break down quickly and still is as well as the head has lost balance, thus the spray coverage is not as it should be. On the other hand, the clean, properly performed installation is clearly seen on the right side with a straight and well-secured sprinkler head connection. The well-compacted and correctly graded soil helps to avoid water accumulation and soil erosion thus providing higher efficiency and less need for maintenance. By this way, through a good installation, you guarantee not only a long-lasting system but also you become a less frequent visitor to the repair shop. However, given a poor installation, the most likely outcome is excessive consumption of water, existing landscape damage, and the necessity of recurrent repairs. For getting such trustworthy long-lived irrigation solutions, employ the service of such suppliers who are both skilled and careful in their work. The Sprinkler Company Inc. will provide you with high quality starting from the very beginning—literally.
The Real Cost of Cheap Irrigation vs. Professional Installation in Toronto and GTA
Yes, one of the pros of paying for a reliable irrigation system installer is the fact that it will involve much more money in the beginning but in the long run, you will benefit from it financially. Professional systems are custom designed, equipped with the correct measures and new technology, hence they ensure that each corner of your property is getting exactly the volume of water it actually needs. This leads to low water usage and up to a 50% saving in the water bill, as a result, the lawns and gardens will be healthier as well. Instead of that, the cheaper ones that may be cheap over a short time contain mainly the most basic parts, thus if some of them are broken, they can cause numerous problems, such as not providing coverage and breaking up the systems.
A network professionally set up during a span of 5 years is capable of helping the owner save over $2000 in costs for maintenance, water supplies, and plant materials. It reinforces the value of property and compliance to municipal regulations e.g. backflow prevention. Evidently, a low-cost system can do double the regular maintenance and be a threat to the safety of the user besides being costly in the end. For a more detailed understanding, below is a comparison chart showing money saving thus the choice between saving money and selecting an option of good quality.
| Feature / Cost Factor | Professional System | Cheap Irrigation |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Installation Cost | $3,000–$5,500 (based on property size & zones) | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Water Usage Efficiency | High — saves 30–50% water | Low — wastes 25,000+ gallons/year |
| Annual Water Bill | $300–$450 (with smart controller & drip) | $600–$800 (due to overwatering and leaks) |
| Maintenance Costs (5 years) | $300–$600 (minimal, mainly seasonal) | $1,200–$2,500 (frequent leaks, head replacement) |
| Plant & Lawn Health | Lush, consistent growth | Patchy lawn, root rot, plant loss |
| Lifespan of System | 15–20 years (with proper servicing) | 3–7 years |
| Backflow Prevention & Compliance | Included (meets city by-laws) | Often missing or non-compliant |
| Controller Functionality | Smart (WiFi, rain sensor, auto scheduling) | Manual or basic timer, no automation |
| Overall 5-Year Cost | ~$3,300–$6,000 | ~$4,000–$6,500 (due to water bills + repairs) |
| Long-Term Value | ✅ High — adds property value | ❌ Low — potential damage and resale concerns |
💡 Conclusion: While a professional system may have higher upfront costs, it saves more in water, repairs, and plant loss, and pays for itself in 3–5 years through efficiency and reliability.
Irrigation System Installation Cost Calculator
How Much Does Cheap Irrigation Sprinkler System Cost In Toronto and GTA?
In Toronto, cheap irrigation sprinkler system will usually cost around $1,460 to $2,840, subject to the scope of the property and the number of zones. Although the first outlay is quite low, these instruments often employ subpar components, do not have an adequate zoning system, and thus are likely to encounter leaks and shortages. If these homeowners were to rely on such a water distribution system, they would incur not only higher water bills but also costs of regular maintenance, at times reaching even $1,340-$3,260 during five years. Eventually, a purchase of a professional system turns out to be more cost-efficient, secure, and water-saving.
Cheap Irrigation Sprinkler System Prices in Toronto and GTA
| Service / Feature | Low-Cost System (Typical Price Range) | Notes / Issues |
|---|---|---|
| Basic 2-Zone System Installation | $1,500 – $2,000 | Minimal coverage, no smart controller |
| 4-Zone System Installation | $2,000 – $2,500 | Often lacks proper zoning or pressure regulation |
| 6-Zone System Installation | $2,500 – $3,000 | Low-grade heads, basic wiring, no rain sensor |
| Sprinkler Heads (each) | $45 – $60 | May leak or fail within 1–2 years |
| Basic Controller | $80 – $180 | Limited programming, no WiFi or weather response |
| Drip Line (per zone) | $150 – $250 | Uneven water distribution, thin tubing |
| Labor (non-licensed installer) | $35 – $45/hour | No warranty, often uninsured |
| Warranty Provided | 0 – 6 months | Limited or none |
| Average Lifespan of System | 3 – 7 years | Frequent maintenance required |
How Much Is Cheap Irrigation Sprinkler System Opening Maintenance In Toronto and GTA?
A cheap sprinkler system opening (spring startup) in Toronto and the GTA typically costs between $60 and $90 when performed by non-certified or budget service providers. This usually includes:
Manual activation of zones
Basic visual inspection
Minor head adjustments (if any)
However, these low-cost services often skip key steps like pressure testing, valve diagnostics, controller reprogramming, or identifying hidden leaks. Many providers also do not offer warranties or follow municipal backflow prevention protocols.
By contrast, a professional spring startup service ranges from $100 to $130 but includes full zone checks, timer optimization, filter cleaning, and water-saving adjustments—ultimately saving money by preventing future breakdowns.
💡 Bottom line: A cheap system opening may save you $30–$50 upfront, but it can miss critical issues that cost hundreds to fix later.
| Service | Cheap Opening ($60–$90) | Professional Opening ($100–$130) |
|---|---|---|
| Zone Activation | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Sprinkler Head Adjustment | ⚠️ Limited or skipped | ✅ All heads adjusted for proper coverage |
| Pressure Check | ❌ Not included | ✅ Included (ensures optimal water flow) |
| Timer/Controller Setup | ❌ Basic or skipped | ✅ Fully reprogrammed based on season |
| Filter & Nozzle Cleaning | ❌ Rarely included | ✅ Up to 5 nozzles/filters cleaned or replaced |
| Leak Detection | ❌ Not performed | ✅ Visual + pressure test for hidden leaks |
| Warranty / Certification | ❌ None or minimal | ✅ Insured, experienced technician |
