Irrigation tools
Three free resources are genuinely worth using. EPA's rebate finder lists water utility rebate programs for WaterSense labeled products, though EPA doesn't administer rebates itself and directs you to your water provider. EPA's directory of WaterSense certified professionals is searchable by ZIP code and certification type. And the can test - timing how long your sprinklers take to put half an inch of water in empty tuna cans - is the most accurate runtime calculator there is, and it costs nothing.
Cost calculators are useful for range-checking a bid. LatestCost's per-zone figures of roughly $200 to $700 and Homewyse's May 2026 range of about $1.04 to $1.91 per square foot both give you a frame. Neither can see your soil, your pressure, or the tree roots between the meter and the back fence.
Runtime calculators that ask for your grass type and climate are a starting point, but they assume a precipitation rate your heads may not deliver. The can test measures what your actual system does. Do it once per zone and you'll never need a calculator again.
For rebates, check EPA's finder and then call your water utility directly. Programs change, funds run out mid-year, and some rebates require pre-approval before purchase - buying first and applying later can disqualify you.
Skip any tool that requires your phone number before showing a number. That's lead generation, and what follows is a sales call, not an estimate.
Choosing irrigation tools
The judgement calls that decide the bill, before anyone quotes you.
- Use the can test for runtimes Empty tuna cans, half an inch, time it. More accurate than any online calculator.
- Check the rebate finder, then call the utility EPA lists programs but doesn't run them. Your provider has the current terms and any pre-approval requirement.
- Search the certified pro directory EPA's directory filters by ZIP, certification type and customer type.
- Treat cost tools as range checks $200-$700 per zone is a frame for judging a bid, not a price for your yard.
All irrigation tools
Irrigation Planner
Sprinkler Zone Planner
Water Usage Calculator
Water Savings Calculator
Lawn Irrigation Calculator
Soil Moisture Scheduling Tool
Plant Water Requirement Calculator
Sprinkler Installation Cost Calculator
Irrigation Repair Cost Estimator
Landscape Budget Calculator
Where these figures come from
Sources last checked
- EPA WaterSense - Rebate Finder · retrieved 2026-07-26
- EPA WaterSense - Find a Certified Professional · retrieved 2026-07-26
- EPA WaterSense - Watering Tips · retrieved 2026-07-26
- LatestCost - Sprinkler System Cost Per Zone (2026) · retrieved 2026-07-26
- Homewyse - Cost to Install Sprinkler System (May 2026) · retrieved 2026-07-26
You know more than the last homeowner they quoted.
That is worth something only while you are still choosing. Tell us what is going on and we will match you with a few irrigation pros whose licence and insurance we have already checked - free, no obligation.
Free · No pressure · Only your matched pros get your details