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True Trade Path

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Irrigation Zone Planner

Lawn or bed area, plant water need, and available GPM → zone count, heads per zone, and controller cost band.

sq ft
GPM

Zone plan

5 zones

~6 heads per zone at 9.6 GPM
Controller (band)
$550–$1,300

Shareable summary

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Irrigation zone plan

Zones
5
Heads / zone
6
GPM / zone
9.6

Quick answer

Irrigation zones are limited by available GPM — a typical 10–12 GPM supply might run 4–6 spray heads per zone, so a 5,000 sq ft lawn often needs several zones. Enter area, plant type, and measured GPM below.

What this assumes

  • Uses typical spray head GPM — rotary and drip zones differ.
  • Assumes 80% of available GPM is usable per zone for safety.
  • Does not replace a pressure and flow test at the source.

Important

Backflow prevention and local water restrictions may apply — licensed irrigators pull permits where required.

Understanding the result

GPM limits zones

Each valve zone must not exceed supply GPM at operating pressure — measure at the meter or hose bib with a gauge.

Plant type sets head spacing

Turf uses rotors or sprays on wider spacing; drip uses gallons per hour emitters.

How the math works

Heads ≈ ceil(area / sq ft per head). Zones = ceil(heads / heads per zone). Heads per zone = floor((GPM×0.8) / GPM per head). Controller cost scales with zone count.

Where to find each input

  • Static + dynamic GPM — bucket or gauge test
  • Pressure — PSI at source
  • Hydrozone map — sun vs shade
  • Local watering restrictions — days per week

Worked examples

5,000 sq ft lawn, 12 GPM

Spray heads, lawn type.

Often 4–6 zones — verify with pressure.

1,200 sq ft shrub drip

Drip plant type.

More heads per zone possible — lower GPM per emitter.

Low 8 GPM supply

Older well.

More zones required — smaller valves staggered.

What this does not include

  • Trenching rock
  • Meter upsize
  • Rain sensor wiring

Regional adjustment

Arid states have mandatory smart controllers — check local code.

Accuracy and references

IA best practices; manufacturer nozzle charts.

Counterpart bridge

Pricing this on the contractor side?

This page interprets quotes and budgets from the buyer’s chair. The matching pro tool uses the same scope logic to build a defensible price.

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For trade owners

Pricing this job as a contractor?

Homeowners see national ranges on this page. If you are building the estimate, use the same scope assumptions — then price to burdened labor, overhead recovery and a real margin.

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Find a licensed pro

When you are ready to hire for irrigation zone planner, start with licence verification — not with whoever answered first.

No paid placement

Rankings are never sold. Order reflects verification depth and relevance, not payment.
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Verify any licence yourself before signing: state licensing hub.

Common questions

How many irrigation zones do I need?
Divide total heads by heads per zone at your available GPM — the tool estimates both.
How do I find my GPM?
Bucket test at hose bib or read irrigation gauge — static vs dynamic flow differs.
How many heads per zone?
Often 4–8 sprays per zone depending on nozzle GPM and pressure.
Separate zones for sun and shade?
Good practice — shade needs less water; split for health and compliance.
Drip vs spray?
Select plant type — drip for beds, sprays for lawn.
Smart controller worth it?
Wi-Fi controllers save water with weather adjust — cost band includes basic multi-zone timer.
Do I need a backflow preventer?
Almost always on potable supply — included in pro bids.
Can I add a zone later?
Easier if controller has spare stations — size controller with 1–2 spare zones.
Is this a quote from a contractor?
No — it is a planning band from published medians and engineering rules. Always collect written, itemized bids.
Can I save my results?
Use Print / save PDF on the shareable card or save to your homeowner account when signed in.
Why does my metro change the number?
Labor and permit costs vary by market. We apply a regional cost index from our metro table.
What vintage are the cost ranges?
2024–2026 residential medians cross-checked with True Trade Path cost guides and RSMeans-style repair data.
Does this include tax?
Unless your quote says otherwise, assume sales tax may apply to materials in your state.
Should I get three quotes?
Yes — three comparable scopes are the standard check before you sign.
What if my house is unusual?
Historic homes, steep sites, and commercial-grade equipment need site-specific quotes — treat this as a screen.
Where is the pro counterpart?
See the counterpart bridge at the bottom — contractors use the paired tool to build defensible pricing.

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