What does a sprinkler rain sensor do?
Short answer: A rain sensor interrupts or prevents scheduled irrigation when rainfall has met its activation threshold — it tells the controller to hold off because the rain already watered the lawn.
The sensor sits out in the open, collects rain, and once enough has fallen it breaks the circuit to the controller so the scheduled watering does not run. As the sensor dries out, it resets and normal watering resumes. It is a simple device, but it is the one that stops a system from running sprinklers in the middle of a rainstorm.
In Texas, a rain or moisture sensor — or equivalent technology — is required on new automatically controlled systems under TCEQ 30 TAC §344.62(j), and it must also be added when an existing controller is replaced. It is inexpensive, it saves water, and it keeps a system from looking like it is watering the rain.
What we check in Summerwood
This is a common call in Summerwood, and it is the kind of problem we test in the yard instead of guessing at from the driveway. We run the system, watch how the water is actually moving, and check the parts that cause this — before anything gets replaced. That is the same approach in the full Smart Controllers service page.
Related reading: Smart Controllers in Kingwood · All questions · Contact us
Frequently asked questions
Does a rain sensor replace a smart controller?
No — they work together. A rain sensor reacts to rain that has already fallen. A weather-based smart controller can also skip watering for rain that is forecast, and adjust runtimes for heat and humidity.
How do I know if my rain sensor is working?
Run a zone, then wet the sensor or check whether the controller shows the sensor as active after rain. If the system waters right through a good rain, the sensor may be disconnected, bypassed, or failed.
Do you serve Summerwood?
Yes. Orion’s Rain serves Summerwood and the Lake Houston area — Kingwood, Atascocita, Porter, Humble, New Caney, Summerwood, Fall Creek, Huffman, and Eagle Springs. Call or text (281) 504-9998, 24 hours a day.
Related questions
- Why did my sprinkler controller skip watering after rain?
- Why does a sprinkler rain sensor need the right location?
- Why should I consider a Wi-Fi sprinkler controller?
Get it looked at
If this sounds like your yard in Summerwood, call or text Orion’s Rain at (281) 504-9998 — 24 hours a day. We will test the system and tell you what is actually wrong, and what it will take to fix it the right way.
Orion’s Rain Smartscapes and Exteriors — (281) 504-9998 — LI0029444
Sources: Sources: TCEQ, 30 TAC §344.62(j) — rain or moisture sensors required on new automatically controlled irrigation systems.