How Much Does Garden Irrigation Cost? From DIY Kits to Professional Systems

When considering irrigation, one of the first questions people ask is: “How much will it cost?”

The answer depends on the size of your garden, the type of system you choose, and whether you install it yourself or hire a professional. Here’s a practical guide to help you budget.

1. DIY Leaky or Soaker Hoses

Cost: 

From £25–£50 for a standard 15–30 metre hose.

What’s included?

• Simple, porous hoses that connect to your tap or water butt

• Often include fittings and clips

Extra considerations:

You may need additional hose connectors or timers (around £20–£40 for a basic timer).

Learn more about which irrigation system is best for your garden here.

2. DIY Drip Irrigation Kits

Cost: 

Typically £50–£150 depending on garden size and complexity.

What’s included?

• Pipes, drippers, connectors, stakes

• Ideal for pots, raised beds, or small borders

  
  

Extra considerations:

Timers (again £20–£40) and occasional maintenance to clear blocked emitters.

3. Professional Drip Irrigation Installation

Cost:

From £250–£500 for a small garden system with basic automation to £1,000+ for larger gardens with multiple zones and advanced timers.

What’s included?

• Full design to match plant needs and layout

• Professional installation with pressure regulators and filters for reliability

• Advice on seasonal adjustments and maintenance

Benefits:

Saves water long-term, ensures even coverage, and provides peace of mind knowing it’s installed correctly.

4. Sprinkler Systems

Cost:

Portable sprinklers start from £15–£30, but permanent pop-up lawn sprinkler systems can cost £500–£2,000+ depending on lawn size and plumbing requirements.

Considerations:

Higher water usage than drip or leaky hose systems. Best reserved for lawns or large open beds.

5. Running Costs

Irrigation running costs depend on the water source:

• Mains water: Adds to your bill, but efficient systems use less than hose watering.

• Rainwater harvesting: Installing water butts (from £40–£100 each) with a pump for irrigation can reduce running costs to almost nothing.

Read our main guide to garden irrigation systems and their benefits here.

Is It Worth the Investment?

If you’re away often, have mobility issues, or want to save time and water, irrigation can pay for itself over a few seasons in healthier plants and reduced effort.

Ready to Install Irrigation in Your Garden?

At Marcus Bergin Gardening, we can advise on the best options for your garden layout, budget, and lifestyle – from simple leaky hoses to professionally designed drip systems.

Contact us today for a no-obligation chat about your irrigation needs.

Happy Gardening