Nobody likes calling a service company and getting a vague "we'll have to look at it" non-answer about price. We hear that complaint constantly — usually from people who already called someone else.
Here's the unvarnished version of what stuff costs in our service area, so you know what's reasonable before you pick up the phone.
Service Call / Diagnostic
Most irrigation companies in DFW and Houston charge $65-$95 for a service call. That covers the trip, the first 30-45 minutes of diagnostic time, and a quote on the actual repair. If you proceed with the work, that fee usually rolls into the repair total.
We charge $75 flat. Applied toward the repair if you proceed.
Sprinkler Heads
– Pop-up spray head replaced: $15-$25 each
– Rotary / gear-drive head replaced: $28-$45 each
– Riser/elbow leak repair: $40-$80
Multiple heads in the same zone, same visit? Per-head price drops because we're already there.
Valves
– Solenoid replacement: $55-$90 (15-minute fix)
– Diaphragm replacement: $70-$120
– Full valve replacement: $130-$220
Pipe Repair
– Lateral line break (open turf): $90-$180
– Main line break: $200-$500 (depends on depth)
– Repair under hardscape: add $100-$300 for the saw cut and patch
Controller Work
– Basic timer replacement: $120-$180 installed
– Smart controller (Rachio / Hunter HC): $220-$400 installed
– Programming-only visit: $60-$90
Backflow Preventer
– Annual test only: $55-$85
– Test + minor rebuild: $130-$240
– Full replacement: $250-$450
Spring Startup / Seasonal Tune-up
Full system check, all heads inspected, all zones tested, controller programmed for the season: $95-$160 depending on zone count.
What Pushes Prices Higher
– Hardscape: anything under concrete, brick, or pavers
– Old systems: PVC over 20 years old gets brittle and breaks more during repairs
– Deep mainline: anything over 12" deep takes more time to access
– Same-day emergency: off-hours or after-hours calls carry a small premium
What Pushes Prices Lower
– Bundling: multiple repairs in one visit
– Spring scheduling: during our slower season (March), there's room for slightly better rates
– Returning customer: repeat customers get returning-customer pricing on diagnostics
That's the honest snapshot. If you call us with the symptoms, we'll usually give you a tight range over the phone before scheduling. We'd rather lose a job to honesty than win one with a lowball quote and a surprise invoice.