Don't Drown Your Plants, Get a Rain Sensor!
Imagine that you leave for vacation for two weeks. It has been very dry, and rain is not in the forecast. The sprinklers are set to run in lieu of this information. When you return from your vacation, you are dismayed to find your lawn has sprung new weeds, a few mushrooms, and the grass looks paler and feels spongy under your feet. It turns out, it rained most of the time you were away!
Overwatering is a major concern with standard automated sprinklers. All your time, effort and money is wasted if an unexpected downpour coincides with your sprinkler schedule.
Installing rain sensors however, enable you to stop wasting water with your sprinkler system, when your yard has already gotten its fill naturally. It’s a simple, inexpensive solution that greatly reduces the chance of coming home to a dead, overwatered yard.
Types of Irrigation System Rain Sensors
These are four standard types of rain/moisture sensors:
Water Weight - This is the oldest type of rain sensor. There is a small container that collects water up to a certain weight and then shuts the sprinklers off. It sounds like a pretty good system, but when debris collects, it will also trigger the sensor, leaving the lawn under watered if it’s a brief shower. Electrical Conductivity - This type of sensor was designed to be triggered only by water. Debris does not conduct electricity and therefore cannot connect the circuit. However, this style had its limitations as well - debris could displace the water enough to connect the circuit more quickly. Expansion Disk - With this technology, there is a disk that expands in response to rain. The advantage with this model is that no solid matter can trigger it. Quick Response - While a lot of people don’t want their sensors tripped prematurely, there are sensors for those that want the sprinklers shut off at any indication of rain, typically for more humid/rainy areas.
With the installation of any one of these rain sensors, you will receive a multitude of benefits. Visit our Irrigation Sensors page to learn more about all the savings and other benefits installing an irrigation sensor can grant you and your yard.
Is a Rain Sensor For You?
Rain sensors are relatively inexpensive and are installed on rooftops, open areas or underground depending on the type of sensor. They are low maintenance and recommended by irrigation professionals to assist in the maintenance of your residential or commercial property.
All Wet provides estimates for rain sensors free of charge. Call us at (973)366-8754 for any questions or to schedule a rain sensor installation.