Irrigation System Question

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

My house is five years old and the irrigation system is supposed to have a feature where it doesn't turn on if there has been rain. The problem is that we can get a downpour and the system comes on shortly afterward.

I know that there is a sensor on the side of the house and it's has a little wafer thing that swells up when it rains and prevents the system from turning on.

Does anyone know how to fix this or do I have to call someone to service it?

[retiredguy123]

My house is five years old and the irrigation system is supposed to have a feature where it doesn't turn on if there has been rain. The problem is that we can get a downpour and the system comes on shortly afterward.

I know that there is a sensor on the side of the house and it's has a little wafer thing that swells up when it rains and prevents the system from turning on.

Does anyone know how to fix this or do I have to call someone to service it?
Try calling:

Central Pump & Supply
352-315-1075
2404 West Main St., Leesburg

They used to have them in stock. If you go there, I would take a photo of your sensor, because there are several different types. Very easy to install yourself.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Try calling:

Central Pump & Supply
352-315-1075
2404 West Main St., Leesburg

They used to have them in stock. If you go there, I would take a photo of your sensor, because there are several different types. Very easy to install yourself.

Thanks

[Pinball wizard]

I would bet that ACE has the part.

[retiredguy123]

I would bet that ACE has the part.
I don't want to bet, but I think that ACE Hardware only sells the entire rain sensor unit which would not include the "solar sync" part. It would require you to cut the wires and replace the entire outside unit with a device that would only detect the rain, and you would lose the solar sync function in your Hunter controller. And, you would need to splice and reconnect the wires together. Central Pump and Supply sells a replacement part for just the Hunter rain sensor device. So, you would not need to cut and splice the wires, and you would retain the solar sync function. Some people have replaced the outside unit with just a rain sensor, but usually they install a wireless rain sensor instead of a wired device like the one sold at ACE.

[JoMar]

Mine seems to work in reverse.....I start watering at 4 AM and several hours after it finishes it rains. I tried out smarting it by trusting the weather forecast and if it said rain then I turned it off and.....it never rained. Oh yeah, replaced the wafer thingy two years ago and the auto off works fine. I suspect that will need to be done every couple years. When it does rain I do check the panel to make sure it is turned off and so far, knock on anything that resembles wood, it is still working.

[retiredguy123]

Mine seems to work in reverse.....I start watering at 4 AM and several hours after it finishes it rains. I tried out smarting it by trusting the weather forecast and if it said rain then I turned it off and.....it never rained. Oh yeah, replaced the wafer thingy two years ago and the auto off works fine. I suspect that will need to be done every couple years. When it does rain I do check the panel to make sure it is turned off and so far, knock on anything that resembles wood, it is still working.
Where did you buy the wafer thingy? I haven't found them anywhere.

Correction - Anywhere but Ebay. I just don't trust Ebay.

[Topspinmo]

Where did you buy the wafer thingy? I haven't found them anywhere.

Correction - Anywhere but Ebay. I just don't trust Ebay.


Why don’t you trust Ebay with PayPal? You are limiting you ability to buy online. EBay has 100% satisfaction and return policy, plus you can rate the seller. Lot has free shipping. Something you don’t get on Amazon unless you have prime or buy certain dollar mount.

[Altavia]

The Hunter sensor drys out so fast in the Florida sun and heat it is less than useful. Not unusual to call for watering two days after a heavy rain

The Orbit B-Hyve controller looks at data from local weather stations and future forecasts to only water when needed. Also wifi and can be controlled manually remotely. Less than $100.

Orbit b•hyve (https://bhyve.orbitonline.com/)

[Altavia]

Why don’t you trust Ebay with PayPal? You are limiting you ability to buy online. EBay has 100% satisfaction and return policy, plus you can rate the seller. Lot has free shipping. Something you don’t get on Amazon unless you have prime or buy certain dollar mount.

That policy has not translated into reality for me for un-received shipments from a vendor with a long history of fraud. Buyer beware...

[JDIronton]

eBay is the way to go , have bought a quite a few , around 8$

[JDIronton]

Here is the link to one seller

8 Hunter Irrigation Mini Clik Rain Sensor Hygroscopic discs - w/ Brass Washer | eBay (https://www.ebay.com/itm/8-Hunter-Irrigation-Mini-Clik-Rain-Sensor-Hygroscopic-discs-w-Brass-Washer/153523488802?hash=item23beb68822:g:~JwAAOSwJo1bT87 u)

[juscause]

I have over 400 transactions on EBay and have never had a problem of any sort.
There are bargains to be had there, no doubt. NEVER buy batteries or printer ink anywhere else---the prices are SO GOOD compared to retail.

[njpuiiajr]

The outside sensor on a wireless system has a battery that needs to be replaced periodically.

[Malsua]

My house is five years old and the irrigation system is supposed to have a feature where it doesn't turn on if there has been rain. The problem is that we can get a downpour and the system comes on shortly afterward.

I know that there is a sensor on the side of the house and it's has a little wafer thing that swells up when it rains and prevents the system from turning on.

Does anyone know how to fix this or do I have to call someone to service it?

Your answer is to buy a WIFI irrigation controller. A Hunter 6 zone will cost about $170 on Amazon, the 12 zone are another $75 or so. This might less than a service call and will fix the problem once and for all.

The Hunter irrigation controllers use local weather stations to monitor rain fall.

Below is a picture of my TV irrigator. Every place you see the slash through it means it didn't irrigate due to rainfall. I kick it on every day on two tiny zones for 2 minutes to juice some flowers. Once a week I do a big water for everything else.

You can also control it from anywhere in the world and it will alert you if it thinks one of your valves is failing.

It takes about 15 minutes to install. If you have a screw driver, you can do it yourself. I have one at my NJ home as well.

http://thewellrats.com/malbor2/totv/watering.jpg

[thevillagernie]

It is adjustable ,3 settings I believe,take it apart slowly and note were it is and see how it works.clean it and put back togeather.....Its like cheerios that expand when they get wet,,,,,,,good luck

[IUFAN]

I replaced the washers inside of the sensor that you can get from Amazon. But it would probably be easier for you to buy the sensor from lowes or home depot. They are not expensive.

[Windguy]

My sprinkler tech says the sensor needs periodic maintenance. Use a spray of 50% bleach. Leave on for a minute, then rinse. I haven’t actually tried it because he told me about it in January.

[HiHoSteveO]

This is definitely a do it yourself job if you are so inclined.
1) I understand that Hunter guarantees that part for five years. You may still be under warranty with Hunter. It's two wires cut and reconnect to new part.

2) Replace with same as what you have which would include the "Solar Sync" and rain sensor functions.
Part is quite a bit more expensive than just the mini click sensor.

3) I chose to replace just the rain sensor. It is called a "mini-click rain sensor". It is $24 at Amazon. I lost the Solar Sync function of course, but it works great. Simple install a few steps up a ladder. Guaranteed five years.

[mydavid]

My house is five years old and the irrigation system is supposed to have a feature where it doesn't turn on if there has been rain. The problem is that we can get a downpour and the system comes on shortly afterward.

I know that there is a sensor on the side of the house and it's has a little wafer thing that swells up when it rains and prevents the system from turning on.

Does anyone know how to fix this or do I have to call someone to service it? I found most don't work well, I've gone manual, I run mine when I think my grass needs it and where it needs it.
:ho:

[askcarl]

Your answer is to buy a WIFI irrigation controller. A Hunter 6 zone will cost about $170 on Amazon, the 12 zone are another $75 or so. This might less than a service call and will fix the problem once and for all.

Model number please or a picture of the unit.

Thank you.

[diane reynolds]

You most likely need a new sensor. They only last a few years.

[FromNY]

To bad Astro turf is banned. Just think how much we would save not watering,worrying about sprinklers and lawn care? Maybe apartment living not so bad as we mature into the sunset. Careful on the ladder when you replace the wafer thingy.

[retiredguy123]

eBay is the way to go , have bought a quite a few , around 8$
I'm curious as to why this product is only sold on eBay? You cannot buy it on Amazon or even directly from Hunter. Very strange.

[Lyn Wagner]

Do you also use a rain sensor with the WiFi controller?

[HelenLCSW]

My house is five years old and the irrigation system is supposed to have a feature where it doesn't turn on if there has been rain. The problem is that we can get a downpour and the system comes on shortly afterward.

I know that there is a sensor on the side of the house and it's has a little wafer thing that swells up when it rains and prevents the system from turning on.

Does anyone know how to fix this or do I have to call someone to service it?

The ones the builder installs wear out in about 5 years —need to install the better grade permanent ones. Fertigator installed ours and it is working perfectly.

[retiredguy123]

I replaced the washers inside of the sensor that you can get from Amazon. But it would probably be easier for you to buy the sensor from lowes or home depot. They are not expensive.
Do you have a link to the washers on Amazon? I have not been able to find them on Amazon.

[Rzepecki]

Where did you buy the wafer thingy? I haven't found them anywhere.

Correction - Anywhere but Ebay. I just don't trust Ebay.

You can purchase the wafer thing (which lasts 2 years, max) at Ace Hardware in Southern Trace shopping center. This particular Ace carries a lot of the Villages’ Homes maintenance parts, along with invaluable information and advice.

[Malsua]

Do you also use a rain sensor with the WiFi controller?

You can. I've found it completely unnecessary.

[Ga.dawg]

Central Pump & Supply
352-315-1075
2404 West Main St., Leesburg

[TedfromGA]

Do you have a link to the washers on Amazon? I have not been able to find them on Amazon.

Amazon link $9.95 for the unit

Robot Check (https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FJWDX4O/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

[davephan]

The Hunter sensor drys out so fast in the Florida sun and heat it is less than useful. Not unusual to call for watering two days after a heavy rain

The Orbit B-Hyve controller looks at data from local weather stations and future forecasts to only water when needed. Also wifi and can be controlled manually remotely. Less than $100.

Orbit b•hyve (https://bhyve.orbitonline.com/)

I heard the same thing about the Florida weather pattern, where the rain sensor is not effective.

I own two 12 zone B-hyve sprinkler controllers for my two 12 zone sprinkler system that covers my property. I’ve tried many different sprinkler controllers, and the Orit B-Hyve controllers are hands down, the best.

You can control the B-Hyve with a app on your iPhone. I think that they also have an Android app. It’s true that the B-Hyve detects the weather, and puts the controller into “rain delay” automatically.

My B-Hyve controllers went into “rain delay” automatically many times. It happened many times when the rain missed our area too. You can modify the rain chances percentage to tune the automated “rain delay”. I tried increasing the percentage, which improved the automatic “rain delay”,

Since you can remotely control and monitor the B-Hyve controller with you cellphone, it’s very easy to add a manual rain delay, or to enter a manual rain delay. Without the cellphone remote control, that would be a hassle.

The B-Hyve controllers are dirt cheap. I got mine two 12 zone models for a little under $100 each. The sprinkler wires are connected with good screw terminal connections, not the crappy spring wire connectors which some controllers have. The spring wire connectors sometimes result in flaky, intermittent wire connections.

The B-Hyve controller also has a smart option, which I haven’t tried using yet. I use the conventional method, which includes the weather data input.

I bought the two 12 zone B-Hyve controllers because one of my almost 20 year controllers failed. I replaced them both with the B-Hyve controllers. Over the years, I tried using other controllers, and were dissatisfied with them.

I would strongly recommend that even if your current controller that’s not remote controllable with your cellphone, and does have the weather data, that you replace it with a B-Hyve controller. If I knew how much better the Orbit B-Hyve controller is than my old controllers, I would have replaced both old controllers when both the old controllers were working.

It’s a dirt cheap investment compared to how the better sprinkler controller will improve your life. It’s very easy to swap out the old controller. Just remember to label the zone wires before your remove the old controller.

You can also program and operate the controller with the buttons on the controller, but I find it much easier to program and monitor the controller with my iPhone.

There are things in life that are “No Brainers”. Buying a SunPass was a “no brainer”. Cheap and easy to do, tolls are discounted, and no coin hassles. A B-Hyve controller was also a “no brainer”. It’s great too for snowbirds or when you travel. It’s easier to test your zones periodically, without having to walk back and forth to the controller between each zone. It will make blowing out my sprinkler system easier before the winter weather in Minnesota. After I buy a house in Florida, I will replace the sprinkler controller with a B-Hyve, and install a whole house electric generator.

[steve1025]

Just had my rain sensor replaced and he told me they should be replaced every 5 years. Thats their lifespan. Had Massy do it, I think it about $150.

[retiredguy123]

Amazon link $9.95 for the unit

Robot Check (https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FJWDX4O/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
Note that the link you provided is for the Hunter mini-clik device. But, many of the newer houses have a rain-clik device instead. Here is the link for the rain-clik.

Robot Check (https://www.amazon.com/zon-Hunter-505900-Spindle-Assembly/dp/B07R7F3N3D/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=hunter+rain-clik+505900&qid=1597497958&sr=8-1)

[jjombrello]

If you use a sprinkler maintenance firm, they will replace it. I use D. P. Spin, Tel. 352-753-871, and they did mine.

[Dianew]

Are u sure the sensor is turned on ?
My control box has a switch that can be turned off !!

[OhioBuckeye]

Try calling:

Central Pump & Supply
352-315-1075
2404 West Main St., Leesburg

They used to have them in stock. If you go there, I would take a photo of your sensor, because there are several different types. Very easy to install yourself.

Your exactly right it’s so easy to replace that a grade school kid could hook it up. Hardware stores like Ace & Lowe’s have these sensors too.

[retiredguy123]

You can purchase the wafer thing (which lasts 2 years, max) at Ace Hardware in Southern Trace shopping center. This particular Ace carries a lot of the Villages’ Homes maintenance parts, along with invaluable information and advice.
I went there today. They only sell the older "Mini-Clik" sensor devices. They don't sell the newer Hunter "Rain-Clik" sensors. I don't think they will work on the Hunter systems installed within the past 5 years or so. See Post No. 34.

[CraigVT]

It could be many reasons. Here's two things you can try. 1. This will take 3 people, one on a ladder and one at the irrigation box. There is a "button" on top of the sensor, press it down. At that time the irrigation screen will display off, or sensor off. If you don't see this, your connect from the sensor to panel may be broken. You have to fix that. If you do see the message, pop the cover off the felt, holder. Clean the edges of each filter, to remove dirt/spider webs. Check after next rain fall. If you need new pads (mine had 8) Order on Ebay, South East Irrigation Supply. Good luck.

[wyealbert]

My house is five years old and the irrigation system is supposed to have a feature where it doesn't turn on if there has been rain. The problem is that we can get a downpour and the system comes on shortly afterward.

I know that there is a sensor on the side of the house and it's has a little wafer thing that swells up when it rains and prevents the system from turning on.

Does anyone know how to fix this or do I have to call someone to service it?

These sensors fail after a few years. You can get a replacement at CentralPro,
2404 W. Main Street
Leesburg, FL 34748-3315

Installation is very simple.

[Curtisbwp]

When it rains, go to your garage and turn the system off.

[philoret]

On old Hunter systems with simple sensor, the sensor is a simple switch opened by wetting cork, wired in series with the main output to solenoid valves on the controller terminals, opening that circuit. Hunter manuals are online. The sensor has an adjustment for how much the cork must expand to open the switch, a simple distance positioning. As mentioned not a very smart system with the Florida sun. It will cut off sprinklers while it is raining, but not clear before and after. Newer systems with internet etc. have fancy connections to weather information -- of more interest when house is not occupied.

[davem4616]

Just had my rain sensor replaced and he told me they should be replaced every 5 years. Thats their lifespan. Had Massy do it, I think it about $150.



good to know...thanks for sharing

[rjm1cc]

I would revert to turning the system off in the rainy season. When the grass looks like it needs water turn it back on.
I put a sign on top of my controller box that says ON or OFF to remind me.
The sensor never seemed to work properly.

[logdog]

I heard the same thing about the Florida weather pattern, where the rain sensor is not effective.

I own two 12 zone B-hyve sprinkler controllers for my two 12 zone sprinkler system that covers my property. I’ve tried many different sprinkler controllers, and the Orit B-Hyve controllers are hands down, the best.

You can control the B-Hyve with a app on your iPhone. I think that they also have an Android app. It’s true that the B-Hyve detects the weather, and puts the controller into “rain delay” automatically.

My B-Hyve controllers went into “rain delay” automatically many times. It happened many times when the rain missed our area too. You can modify the rain chances percentage to tune the automated “rain delay”. I tried increasing the percentage, which improved the automatic “rain delay”,

Since you can remotely control and monitor the B-Hyve controller with you cellphone, it’s very easy to add a manual rain delay, or to enter a manual rain delay. Without the cellphone remote control, that would be a hassle.

The B-Hyve controllers are dirt cheap. I got mine two 12 zone models for a little under $100 each. The sprinkler wires are connected with good screw terminal connections, not the crappy spring wire connectors which some controllers have. The spring wire connectors sometimes result in flaky, intermittent wire connections.

The B-Hyve controller also has a smart option, which I haven’t tried using yet. I use the conventional method, which includes the weather data input.

I bought the two 12 zone B-Hyve controllers because one of my almost 20 year controllers failed. I replaced them both with the B-Hyve controllers. Over the years, I tried using other controllers, and were dissatisfied with them.

I would strongly recommend that even if your current controller that’s not remote controllable with your cellphone, and does have the weather data, that you replace it with a B-Hyve controller. If I knew how much better the Orbit B-Hyve controller is than my old controllers, I would have replaced both old controllers when both the old controllers were working.

It’s a dirt cheap investment compared to how the better sprinkler controller will improve your life. It’s very easy to swap out the old controller. Just remember to label the zone wires before your remove the old controller.

You can also program and operate the controller with the buttons on the controller, but I find it much easier to program and monitor the controller with my iPhone.

There are things in life that are “No Brainers”. Buying a SunPass was a “no brainer”. Cheap and easy to do, tolls are discounted, and no coin hassles. A B-Hyve controller was also a “no brainer”. It’s great too for snowbirds or when you travel. It’s easier to test your zones periodically, without having to walk back and forth to the controller between each zone. It will make blowing out my sprinkler system easier before the winter weather in Minnesota. After I buy a house in Florida, I will replace the sprinkler controller with a B-Hyve, and install a whole house electric generator.

I only have 4 zones and my B-Hyve was less than $60 at Lowes. Easy install and I can control it with my Android phone or desktop. I also use the conventional method and let the controller read the local weather forecast to decide when to put the system on rain delay. It will pay for itself in water savings. Highly recommend.

[Halibut]

I found most don't work well, I've gone manual, I run mine when I think my grass needs it and where it needs it.
:ho:

I gave up fiddling with mine as well in favor of manually setting it.

In fact, I leave irrigation off entirely during the summer months.

[davephan]

I only have 4 zones and my B-Hyve was less than $60 at Lowes. Easy install and I can control it with my Android phone or desktop. I also use the conventional method and let the controller read the local weather forecast to decide when to put the system on rain delay. It will pay for itself in water savings. Highly recommend.

That’s right. There are Orbit B-Hyve systems that have less than 12 zones. Most people only have about 4 to 6 sprinkler zones. I have 24 sprinkler zones. Seven of my zones are “spare” zones. I use those for things like automatic fountain refilling, sending water to a float valve in the fountain, a drip system for the plants on the deck, hydroponic reservoir tank refilling, and other things. The rest of the zones go to in ground sprinkler heads. I only run 3 heads per zone, so I can have lots of water pressure and volume, plus lots of head to head overlap, for good coverage. It’s not a typical system that barely irrigates the lawn with dry areas.

The rain sensors only cost about $50. They aren’t hard to install. But the rain sensor probably isn’t going to help much if you irrigate in the early morning hours, when there might or might not be an afternoon thunderstorm.

Having to go out to the garage to turn on and off the sprinkler is a hassle, when it’s so much easier to do that with your cellphone that’s already in your hand.

The automated rain delay on the Orbit B-Hyve controller is pretty effective, since the controller knows about the weather forecasting. Spending $60 to improve your life for the lower zone count controller is dirt cheap and a no brainer.

[retiredguy123]

As a practical matter, the sensor that turns off the water when it rains is not going to save you very much money. If you water two times a week, it may prevent a few excessive waterings in a month. But, irrigation water only costs about 22 cents for 100 gallons of water. Most people can save more money by reducing the watering duration setting on their controller. For most lawns, I think 20-30 minutes twice a week is way too long. I only water for about 5 minutes per zone and have had no problems. Reduce you watering time and see what happens.

[ctmurray]

I have Massey for my irrigation service and they replaced mine. These wear out over time.

[theruizs]

That policy has not translated into reality for me for un-received shipments from a vendor with a long history of fraud. Buyer beware...

Read the seller reviews before you buy!

[chrissy2231]

You need irrigation service to fix. I use Superior 352-751-3389 who supply insect/termite services, lawn treatment (no mowing) and insect service. I pay $595/year. They kept that price the last 4 years.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Here is the link to one seller

8 Hunter Irrigation Mini Clik Rain Sensor Hygroscopic discs - w/ Brass Washer | eBay (https://www.ebay.com/itm/8-Hunter-Irrigation-Mini-Clik-Rain-Sensor-Hygroscopic-discs-w-Brass-Washer/153523488802?hash=item23beb68822:g:~JwAAOSwJo1bT87 u)

Are there 8 of these hygroscopic discs in the device?

[retiredguy123]

Are there 8 of these hygroscopic discs in the device?
I think there is a stack of them, but not sure the exact number.

[kmonts@bellsouth.net]

We use ACI Irrigation. They come every two to three months to check everything and they just replaced thr sensor.

[Baruffell]

I was told that you have to get more than a half inch to stop the system to shutdown.

[CWGUY]

Where did you buy the wafer thingy? I haven't found them anywhere.

Correction - Anywhere but Ebay. I just don't trust Ebay.

ebay.....Hunter 26005613719 is the wafer thingy I use. Hunter wired type censer. :ho:

[CWGUY]

I think there is a stack of them, but not sure the exact number.

Hunter 26005613719 :ho:

[RH5037]

Do you also use a rain sensor with the WiFi controller?

If you use the wifi controller you do not need the rain sensor.

[Topspinmo]

Most time all got to do is remove top holding onto the stem sticking out clean the mold off the disc’s and bottom of the housing and install it.

[Topspinmo]

I was told that you have to get more than a half inch to stop the system to shutdown.
Depending on what notch you set it on, it’s marked

[Topspinmo]

Are there 8 of these hygroscopic discs in the device?

Yes, at least 8

[bpascani]

We've had that feature on a few homes we have owned. It's an addition, usually somewhere on the roof/gutter area. It can 'go out/need repair' independently of your irrigation system. If you know the company that installed it, I would call them to 'check it out'... otherwise, my experience here has been, any other company will tell you it needs to be replaced. It shouldn't cost over $120, BUT make sure it's a reputable company, and that it comes with a warranty. Also, we've been told, if you are away from your home a month or more, you should deactivate it while you are gone.