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How to Budget for a Drip Irrigation System

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How to Budget for a Drip Irrigation System

Stop dragging the hose around and set up a drip system to keep your flower beds healthy all summer.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $400 before anything else
Across the 0% window $26.67/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $400 spread evenly across the 15-month introductory window on the Discover it® Cash Back. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Installing a drip irrigation system means you can finally stop hand-watering every morning. Once the lines are buried and the timers are set, your garden gets exactly what it needs without you lifting a finger.

It takes about a weekend to install a system yourself if you are handy. If you are hiring help, try to book a landscaper in late winter before the spring rush hits to save on labor costs.

The 0% intro APR for 15 months is a deadline, not a gift. If you still have a balance left over when the 15 months end, the card company will start charging you interest on whatever is still sitting there.

The steps

  1. 01

    Get multiple quotes

    Call at least three local irrigation or landscaping pros. Compare what they include in the price, specifically the quality of the timers and the drip emitters. Never go with the first price you hear.

  2. 02

    Map your layout

    Sketch your flower beds and count how many plants need water. This stops you from buying too much tubing and extra parts you do not need. Knowing your exact layout keeps the project cost closer to that $400 estimate.

  3. 03

    Use your card for the parts

    If you are buying the materials, use your Discover it® Cash Back card. You get 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, which gives you a solid buffer to pay off the gear without adding interest to the total.

  4. 04

    Set up a payment plan

    Divide the $400 cost by the 15 months you have in your intro window. Aim to pay $26.67 every month so you clear the balance before the clock runs out. Put this on autopay so you do not miss a month.

  5. 05

    Test the system

    Turn the water on slowly to check for leaks at the connections before you cover the lines with mulch. Fixing a loose coupling now is much easier than digging it up in July. Make sure every emitter is actually dripping where you want it.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Discover it® Cash Back carries the date a person verified it against Discover and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Discover it® Cash Back terms →

Common questions

Is it hard to install?

It is mostly just cutting tubes and clicking parts together. If you are comfortable with basic yard tools, you can handle it in a weekend.

Will this really save me money?

It saves water by putting it right at the roots instead of spraying the air. You will likely see a slightly lower water bill and lose fewer plants to the summer heat.

What happens if I miss a monthly payment?

You might lose the 0% intro APR deal and get hit with a late fee. Always set a reminder or use autopay to keep your status in good standing.

Do I need to hire a pro?

Not necessarily, but they have the tools to bury lines deeper and faster. If your garden is large or has complex slopes, a pro is usually worth the extra cost.