Handy man to replace rain sensor - got one?

[Lottoguy]

Does anyone know a good person who has experience installing a rain sensor on my gutter? I don't think the old one is working.

[Allegiance]

Does anyone know a good person who has experience installing a rain sensor on my gutter? I don't think the old one is working.
Imo, Much better off getting one of these.

Have owned different ones, this is my favorite

Amazon.com : RainMachine Mini-8, Cloud Independent, The Forecast Sprinkler, Wi-Fi Irrigation Controller, 2nd Generation : Patio, Lawn & Garden (https://www.amazon.com/RainMachine-Mini-8-Independent-Irrigation-Controller/dp/B00WQI65V2)

[wdonze]

I have the same problem. I went to Ace Hdwr to buy a replacement sensor, but the guy there told me it was a waste of money. He said these sensors can't handle the Florida heat will fail in a year or so. Asked if there wasn't something better and he said he didn't know of any that would hold up in our heat. Right now I monitor the weather and simply turn off the irrigation when appropriate.

[Toymeister]

Another vote for a smart irrigation system, although I can only speak to the Rachio model, it is more popular by three fold. Regardless no need for a rain sensor, it communicates to the weather station and uses their rain data. Interesting the weather station is the Villages fire department across from Eisenhower. There is another in Lady Lake.

Any smart controller is expensive, but they do save water in ways a normal controller does not.

[Allegiance]

Rachio vs Rainmachine irrigation system - product suggestions - Rachio Community (http://community.rachio.com/t/rachio-vs-rainmachine-irrigation-system/7144)

These are the two best. Full disclosure, I have not owned a rachio, it might be better, but I love rainmachine

[villagetinker]

If you have a HUNTER system, these have a 5 year warranty, I had mine replaced by Hunter. I called them, they sent a shipping label, and about 10 days later I had a new system. As for installation, I was able to connect the old wire (outside to the new wire, and pull it into the house and reconnect. Took about 20 minutes, 10 to get the ladder out.
PS if yours uses the MINI-CLICK sensor, I have one (NIB) that I purchased but could not use, mine is the Solar Sensor system.

[ajbrown]

<stuff snipped from op> Right now I monitor the weather and simply turn off the irrigation when appropriate.

I too have been the rain sensor for a few years. I have a rain gauge in yard and I monitor that. I cannot recall the last time my system was on.

[Toymeister]

For the smart controllers rain machine and Rachio lead. Rain machine is fine either, no hub interface available, no iftt capability, made in China, Rachio has these and made in USA but 50.00 more. Whatever makes you happy!

[Madelaine Amee]

Massey did our irrigation upgrade and installed a new rain gauge and it works great. I walk every morning and I cannot tell you how many people just water, water and then water again. So much wasted water. Unfortunately it would appear that snowbirds are among those paying for watering that is not needed!:shocked:

[EdFNJ]

Imo, Much better off getting one of these.

Have owned different ones, this is my favorite

Amazon.com : RainMachine Mini-8, Cloud Independent, The Forecast Sprinkler, Wi-Fi Irrigation Controller, 2nd Generation : Patio, Lawn & Garden (https://www.amazon.com/RainMachine-Mini-8-Independent-Irrigation-Controller/dp/B00WQI65V2)


I have one of those and the problem with them is that when rain is forecast it NEVER rains RIGHT HERE. It pours or rains 2 miles or sometimes 6 blocks away away but not here. Haven't had a correct prediction yet. If I had gone along with it my lawn would NEVER have been watered.

Problem is, rain here is so "spot located" and weather forecasting can't possibly be that accurate you're better off doing it the old fashion way .... stick your arm out the door or put out a plastic cup. At least the sensor (when it works) is right at your location and not relying on a weather report for the "general area".

[bigallis1]

See post #6. They have a 5 yr warranty.
Disappointing to hear an ACE associate told you they were a waste of money. They will work well if maintained.

I have the same problem. I went to Ace Hdwr to buy a replacement sensor, but the guy there told me it was a waste of money. He said these sensors can't handle the Florida heat will fail in a year or so. Asked if there wasn't something better and he said he didn't know of any that would hold up in our heat. Right now I monitor the weather and simply turn off the irrigation when appropriate.

[bigallis1]

This guy does Handy man work. Carl Garcia 1-321-626-9761

[MrGolf]

Dave
I think I have the same set up as you. Hunter Proo C w with wired sensor. Sensor worked until Friday. Now shows off unless I set to bypass. I guess being in Collier the sensor is 4 years old. Was it hard to replace?

[villagetinker]

Dave
I think I have the same set up as you. Hunter Proo C w with wired sensor. Sensor worked until Friday. Now shows off unless I set to bypass. I guess being in Collier the sensor is 4 years old. Was it hard to replace?

MrGolf, easy to replace. I cut the wires outside , about 3 to 4 inches away from the sensor, I then connected the new wires to the old wires and went into the house, and carefully pulled the old wires until I had the new ones inside the house. I then mounted the new sensor and pulled the slack into the house. I then cut the wires to length and connected where the old ones were connected.....setting up the ladder took more time...