How rain sensors work. The two leading manufacturers of irrigation products, Rain Bird and Hunter, both make rain sensors and both detect rain using the same method. They have a series of porous cork discs that when they get wet from rain, they expand and force the sensor to prevent the controller from watering.

Does Rainbird have a rain sensor?

The Rain Bird RSD Series Rain Sensor automatically shuts off your sprinkler system when it rains, so you don’t have to worry when you’re home or away. The RSD Series Rain Sensor easily connects to most irrigation system controllers.

How do I know if my Rainbird rain sensor is working?

Once installed, the completed system can be tested by turning on any controller irrigation zone, verifying that zone does come on, and then pressing down on the Rain Sensor pin located on the top of the dial cap. The irrigation system should stop watering within a few seconds.

Are rain sensors worth it?

Rain sensors have saved hundreds of thousands of gallons of water, according to Dave Klever, president, Ecologic, Richmond, Va., which makes the RainBrain rain sensor. By conserving water, rain sensors also provide a sizeable economic benefit in many cases.

How long do rain sensors last?

How long do rain sensors last? The average rain sensor only functions for 3-5 years before needing replacement.

How do you install a Rain Bird water sensor?

Connect the clip to the inside of the rain gutter and tighten the wingnut. Press pin on top of the Sensor Transmitter. The “Watering Suspended” LED on the Receiver should be solid. If your controller has a sensor indicator, it will also be activated.

What setting should my rain sensor be on?

IFAS researchers recommend rain sensor thresholds of 1/4” for 2 or 3 day per week irrigation with no more than 1/2” for 1 day per week irrigation. Remember, the lower the setting, the more water saved.

How long does it take for a rain sensor to dry out?

The dry out time could be as little as 4 hours depending on the weather conditions (temperature and humidity) and the rain threshold that is set. If the weather conditions remain cold and damp, your sensor could be active for months.

What does the alarm light on a Rainbird mean?

Controller Alarms Red alarm light on the controller front panel is illuminated. The controller is reporting an alarm condition. Turn dial to Auto, press the Alarm button, review the alarm conditions, and address the issue(s).

Why is my rain sensor not working?

The three most common reasons why your rain sensor is not turning the system off are: The most common reason is because the sensor has NOT received enough rain to activate. Go out to the rain sensor and manually activate the switch.

How much water does a rain sensor save?

When rain sensors are working correctly, they save lots of water – more than 2,500 gallons per 1,000 square feet annually, say Hillsborough County Extension experts. The most common shutoff device is an expanding disk rain sensor. It is effective, inexpensive, and easy to install and maintain.