An irrigation system saves you time and effort of hand watering. It also looks pretty nice, adding value to your lawn.
Here are my top pick for the best irrigation system for lawns:
Here are the best irrigation systems for lawns you can buy in 2024:
- Easy To Install (Drip System): MIXC GG0B Irrigation Kit
- For Medium Lawns (Drip System): ZNCMRR DIY Garden Irrigation Kit
- Additional Gardening Tools (Drip System): Pathonor Garden Irrigation System
- Basic System (Spray System): Orbit 58871 Port-A-Rain Above-Ground System
- Professional System (Spray System): Rain Bird 32ETI In-Ground System
- For Larger Lawns (Spray System): Eden 97063 Flex Design Above Ground System
| 6 Best Irrigation Systems For Lawns | ||
|---|---|---|
Easy To Install | MIXC GG0B Irrigation Kit
| |
For Medium Lawns | ZNCMRR DIY Garden Irrigation Kit
| |
Additional Gardening Tools | Pathonor Garden Irrigation System
| |
Basic System | Orbit 58871 Port-A-Rain Above-Ground System
| |
Professional System | Rain Bird 32ETI In-Ground System
| |
For Larger Lawns | Eden 97063 Flex Design Above Ground System
| |
Drip System
Drip systems are preferred in precise agriculture, especially in dry areas. The biggest advantage of drip systems is ultra-high water-efficiency thanks to less water loss due to evaporation and runoff. However, drip systems require a lot of effort to install; moreover, they tend to cost much higher than spray systems.
Easy To Install (Drip System): MIXC GG0B Irrigation Kit
- Easy to install
- Up to 70 percent water savings
- Adjustable nozzles - drip, columnar, or misty
- Good auto timer
- Household use only
MIXC GG0B is my first recommendation when you want to install a drip system for your lawn. It is not literally easy to install as it will take you several hours to get the job done. However, this system is much easier than other drip systems thanks to fewer and flexible accessories.
You’ll have a 50ft 1/4in distribution tubing hose, which can cover an area up to 270 sq. ft. You’ll need 39pcs couplings and 20pcs support stakes to install the irrigation system. Before assembling, remember to put the connected part of the tube into hot water for 10 seconds, then insert the tube completely into the end of the coupling.
The nozzles of MIXC GG0B can be adjusted for drip irrigation, columnar irrigation, and mist irrigation. If the water pressure is not sufficient, you can use a 1/2in hose as the mainline and the 1/4in hose as branches. You can set the timer for the system to automatically water the lawn - pretty convenient and water-saving.
However, this is still a household irrigation system, so don’t expect it to be perfect. The couplings and nozzles may leak sometimes; in these cases, just simply replace them or fix them with a tape.
| MIXC GG0B Irrigation Kit Specifications | |
|---|---|
What’s Included | 50ft 1/4” Tubing Hose; Faucet Connectors; 20pcs Nozzles; 39pcs Couplings, 20pcs Support Stakes |
Coverage | 20-25 sq. meters (215-270 sq.ft.) |
Highlight Features | Timer; Adjustable nozzles |
MIXC GG0B is much easier to install thanks to fewer and flexible accessories.
For Medium Lawns (Drip System): ZNCMRR DIY Garden Irrigation Kit
- 127-Piece Kit
- Saves up to 70% water
- Longer drip hose
- Affordable
- Difficult to install
ZNCMRR DIY Kit includes 127 pieces, from nozzles, couplings to support stakes. The tubing hose is a bit longer than the MIXC GG0B. Besides, you’ll have a thread seal tape in the package. This kit allows you to set up an irrigation system for a larger lawn without needing to buy different components separately. Another advantage of this system is the affordable price.
You’ll have adjustable drippers that allow you to choose the flow of water, and atomizing nozzles for misty watering.
However, this ZNCMRR DIY Kit is not so easy to install as there are many parts that need to be assembled together. You’ll need to read the instructor carefully for the installation.
| ZNCMRR DIY Garden Irrigation Kit Specifications | |
|---|---|
What’s Included | 65.6ft 1/4” Tubing Hose; Thread Seal Tape; Faucet Connectors; 40pcs Nozzles; 10pcs Drip Emitters; 52pcs Couplings; 20pcs Support Stakes |
Coverage | 25-30 sq. meters (270-320 sq.ft.) |
Highlight Features | Adjustable nozzles |
ZNCMRR DIY Kit is ready for a larger lawn without needing to buy additional components.
Additional Gardening Tools (Drip System): Pathonor Garden Irrigation System
- Comes with a teflon tape, shovels, and a hole punch
- Saves up to 70% water
- High-quality UV-resistant materials
- Nozzles and drippers are adjustable
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
- The tools are tiny
Pathonor Garden Irrigation System comes with a Teflon tape, shovels, and a hole punch. These tools are convenient for the installation process and for some gardening tasks. However, don’t expect too much, these tools are tiny, so only useful for flower pots or something like that.
The tube and accessories are made of high-quality UV-resistant plastic. You’ll have nozzles for columnar or misty watering and drippers - all are adjustable in the output flow.
Pathonor Garden Irrigation System comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, which allows you to return the kit for a full refund within a week. So you can buy this system with confidence.
| Pathonor Garden Irrigation System Specifications | |
|---|---|
What’s Included | 50ft 1/4” Tubing Hose; Teflon Tape; Small Shovel; Hole Punch; Faucet Connectors; 100pcs Couplings; 40pcs Nozzles; 20pcs Drip Emitters |
Coverage | 20-25 sq. meters (215-270 sq.ft.) |
Highlight Features | Adjustable nozzles & drippers |
Pathonor Garden Irrigation System comes with a Teflon tape, shovels, and a hole punch.
Spray System
Spray systems are much more affordable and easy-to-install than drip systems. However, your lawn is at a higher risk of overwatering, which may lead to excessive growth of fungi. Besides, spray systems are not as water-efficient as spray systems.
Basic System (Spray System): Orbit 58871 Port-A-Rain Above-Ground System
- Quickly and easily set up
- Three sprinklers are adjustable
- Affordable price
- Lightweight and Portable
- Distributes water to each sprinkler unevenly
Orbit Port-A-Rain is a basic spray system for small lawns. The kit consists of a 12ft hose and 3 sprinkler heads. These heads are adjustable, so you can choose from a full to partial circle, as well as the spray direction.
Orbit Port-A-Rain is simple and easy to install. No need for taping or digging, just use the metal loop stakes to secure the heads with the hose. It is also lightweight and portable. Moreover, this spray system is pretty affordable.
However, there is a big drawback of lower water pressure toward the end of the system. The sprinkler head nearest the faucet is so powerful, while the last sprinkler head is pretty weak. Moreover, you cannot turn off sprinklers individually.
| Orbit 58871 Port-A-Rain Above-Ground System Specifications | |
|---|---|
What’s Included | 12ft Hose; 3pcs adjustable sprinkler heads |
Coverage | 24-foot diameter * 3 heads |
Highlight Features | Metal loop stakes |
Orbit Port-A-Rain is an affordable and easy-to-install spray system for small lawns.
Professional System (Spray System): Rain Bird 32ETI In-Ground System
- Sprinklers retract into the ground
- Simple top-of-rotor adjustments
- Even water distribution
- Automatic hose-end timer
- Withstands 110-degree F
- Difficult to install; Higher price
For a professional spray system, Rain Bird 32ETI In-Ground System is my recommendation. First of all, this system costs much higher than other systems on this list. It is also pretty difficult to install - you’ll have to dig into the ground to set this system up.
In return, you’ll have 6pcs heads that retract into the ground when not being in use for a spotless lawn appearance and easier mowing. These heads are adjustable for a spray angle from 40 to 360 degrees, and a spray distance 19 to 24 feet. The water is distributed evenly throughout these six heads, creating good-looking spray patterns while watering. The system can handle an area from 1000 to 3, 000 square feet.
Rain Bird 32ETI In-Ground System features an automatic hose-end timer, so just set up one time and never worry about your lawn. The system is pretty long-lasting and withstands the coldest winter. You can leave the irrigation system there and let it do its job.
| Rain Bird 32ETI In-Ground System Specifications | |
|---|---|
What’s Included | 125ft 1/2" Distribution Tubing, Fittings, 6pcs 32SA pop-up rotary sprinklers; Automatic 1ZEHTMR hose-end timer |
Coverage | 1000 to 3000 sq. ft |
Highlight Features | Retractable heads; Automatic timer; Withstands 110-degree F |
Set the Rain Bird 32ETI In-Ground System up one time, and let it do the job for a lifetime.
For Larger Lawns (Spray System): Eden 97063 Flex Design Above Ground System
- Covers up to 3,200 sq. ft
- Sprinklers are adjustable in angle, direction, water flow
- 4 extensions to reach over taller plants
- Easy to install
- Unretractable heads
For larger lawns, you may consider this Eden Above Ground System. It has four heads that cover a total area of 3,200 sq. ft. Each head is adjustable in the spray angle, spray direction, and water flow. Moreover, the kit comes with four extensions to increase the height of the sprinklers, so they can reach over taller plants.
Eden Above Ground System is pretty easy to install. You don’t have to dig into the ground like the Set the Rain Bird 32ETI In-Ground System. The price is also lower. However, in return, you won’t have an auto timer; moreover, the heads are un-retractable, so takes up some space.
| Eden 97063 Flex Design Above Ground System Specifications | |
|---|---|
What’s Included | 50ft 1/2" Hose; 4pcs Adjustable Sprinklers; 4pcs Head Extensions; Hose Connectors |
Coverage | up to 3,200 sq. ft |
Highlight Features | Adjustable and Extendable Sprinklers |
Eden Above Ground System has four heads that cover a total area of 3,200 sq. ft.
How To Choose The Best Irrigation System For Lawns?
Here are several things to consider when choosing an irrigation system for lawns:
- Type of irrigation system: You have to choose between a drip system and a spray system. A drip system offers a better water-efficiency and more precise watering, while a spray system is much more affordable, easy-to-install, and maybe more beautiful.
- Coverage: For home lawns, which are usually from small to medium, this spec is not so important. However, to be confident, the system should include a distribution hose of at least 50ft.
- Reliability & Durability: Leakage and breakage are the two main problems when it comes to an irrigation system. The system should be tough and durable enough so you don’t have to replace it after just one year.
Which Brands Make The Best Irrigation System For Lawns?
Pathonor
Pathonor is a brand that you may want to consider when finding a budget drip irrigation system for lawns. This company specializes in garden tools and decorations. Besides irrigation systems, Pathonor also provides garden lighting systems and DIY tools. A significant advantage of the brand is its design, which is pretty elegant and stylish.
Rain Bird
Rain Bird is a huge brand in the irrigation solution industry. They provide irrigation products and services. Rain Bird was founded in 1933; up to now, has gained over 450 patents, including the first horizontal action impact drive sprinkler. I highly recommend this brand when you are in need of a spray system. Their systems may cost higher than other brands; however, the quality is really worth it.
Orbit Online
Orbit is a brand focusing on lawn care tools; besides, the company also makes household smart devices and irrigation solutions. I prefer this brand for its heavy-duty metal irrigation systems. Price is also another advantage of Orbit's irrigation systems.
FAQs
Is an irrigation system worth it?
An irrigation system can save you the time and effort of manual watering. An irrigation system also looks pretty nice, adding value to your lawn. So, it sorely depends on your preference to consider if these benefits are worth the investment.
What is the average cost of installing a lawn irrigation system?
For small lawns, it does not cost much. Less than 100 bucks, I would say.
Should I bury my drip line?
You can bury the drip line. However, some parts, such as the emitters, should not be buried as the risk of clogging. You can cover them with mulch instead.
How long should I leave my drip system on?
The amount of the output water of a drip system is adjustable, moreover, the needs of different grass are different. So it is impossible for a fixed recommendation. You can use a rain gauge to measure how much water your drip system setting delivers, then calculate the time in accordance with that measurement.
Is it better to hand water or use a sprinkler?
Using a sprinkler will save your time and effort; however, it may wet the garden pathways. If you don’t want it to happen, you can hand water your garden.
Conclusion
Above is my full review of the best irrigation system for lawns, also including a buying guide and some recommendations. I hope you found this article is helpful.
