What is a rain sensor? How does it work? Last Water Wednesday, the Residential Horticulture Agent in Osceola County, Eva Pabon gave us an overview of rain sensors.

If you missed our Water Wednesday, here’s a quick summary of rain sensors from Eva.

Rain sensors are rain shutoff devices that are designed to pause irrigation when there is a significant amount of rainfall. In State of Florida, the law requires that new automatic irrigation systems incorporate rain sensors. Other states require that existing sprinkler systems include these devices. Incorporating rain sensors in irrigation systems offer numerous advantages, including saving water and money.

• Rain sensors interrupt any automatic cycles scheduled after enough accumulation of water has been achieved.
• Rain sensors can reduce the wear and tear on irrigation systems and prevent plant diseases caused by overwatering.
• Rain sensors are relatively easy to install. You may not need to hire a professional to install them.
• Rain sensors should be mounted in open areas such as rooflines or on tall fences, not under tree limbs.
• Rain sensors should be mounted higher enough that the irrigation system does not interfere with the device.
• Rain sensors require regular cleaning, especially on their funnels, to remove debris usually created by birds and trees.
• It is advisable to test run these devices occasionally in a year, and should they not function optimally, cleaning, repair, or repositioning might be required.

To read more blog articles from Eva Pabon, please click here.

To watch the Water Wednesday recording, please click the video below.

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