The Benefits of Installing a Rain Sensor to a Sprinkler System

Summer 2013/2014 in South East Queensland is predicted to have an above average rainfall, so now is the time to consider balancing the amount of watering your lawn receives.

If you have a sprinkler with a timer attached you can easily program it to water your lawn for the correct amount of time and at the right time of the day – no more crawling out of bed at 4am to water before the sun gets high. But the problem with an automatic timer on your sprinkler system is that unlike manually watering or even manually turning on the sprinklers, an automatic timer will just keep on going, regardless of the actual weather conditions your lawn is being exposed to.

A rain sensor is a fantastic option, particularly if you are going on holidays this Summer. A rain sensor is an automated device that will shut off your sprinkler system whenever it rains. For an initial outlay of around $100, a rain sensor can save you up to 45% on your water bills, as well as conserving water and protecting the environment.

Units can be mounted away from trees and eaves so that it can collect rainfall readings without obstruction and can even be attached to the gutter and can be either wired or wirelessly attached into your sprinkler system.

Usually rain sensors work in one of three ways:

1. Using a collection cup, rainwater is weighed and once a predetermined weight is reached, the electrical connection to the pump or sprinkler valves is broken.
2. Using a collection cup and electrode, the rainfall amount is determined and again, once reaching a predetermined measurement (often 3 – 25mm) the connection is broken.
3. Using an expansion disc when enough rain falls, the disc expands and triggers the break mechanism.

• Conserves water.
• Preventing disease damage and nutrient loss.
• Saving money on fertiliser.
• Increasing the life-span of your sprinker system.
• Preventing groundwater and waterways pollution through run off.