Best 3 Tips for Rain Sensors - with Sprinkler Nerd Andy

[@romorquisa]

Hey, you guys make great videos!

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Thanks Romorquisa! What should we talk about next?

[@photobear1949]

Hi Andy, I have to say I’m impressed at watching your video. We have an Orbit 27894 controller. We live in the desert outside of Tucson. Please recommend a fail safe wireless rain sensor. Our soil is clay and hard as rock when dry. Thank you, Barry

[@Andy_Humphrey]

@photobear1949 - thanks for your kind words. The Hunter Wireless Rain Sensor with Quick Response is excellent. Very easy to install: sprinklersupplystore.com/products/hunter-wrclik-wireless-rain-sensor

[@GKofTX]

Andy, thanks. I have a Hunter WR-CLIK sensor with a date of JUL 17. Recently, when it rains, the sprinklers still run. The disks seem really dirty and have gunk in them Can they be removed and cleaned? How? When I removed the cap, a spring fell out. Not sure where that goes. If the disks need to be be replaced, do you sell these? I do see a red light when I push the button. Any videos you can you refer me to. Again, thanks

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Hi @GKofTX, thank you for reaching out about your Hunter WR-CLIK sensor. I appreciate your detailed description of the issue you're facing. From what you've described, especially the fact that your sprinklers continue to run despite rainfall, it sounds like the core issue may be related to a failed battery in the sensor. This is a common occurrence, especially considering the date on your sensor is from JUL 17. Hunter publishes a 5-year expected battery life which leads me to think this is the issue you're experiencing. The best way to test the battery is to hold your finger down on top of the spindle for a few seconds and this should trigger an rain-hold event. Given the issues you're experiencing, especially with the complication with the spring, it might be more efficient and reliable to consider a replacement transmitter. Or replace both units as the price is nearly the same. Hope that helps, and happy to see you taking proactive steps to maintain a key part of your system! P.S. most people have no idea there is a spring inside ;) ~Andy

[@richardgachassin610]

How would this rain sensor interface with my Rainbird controller?

[@Andy_Humphrey]

@richardgachassin610 - there should be 2 terminals on your controller labeled SENSOR or SEN etc. this is standard on all controllers unless yours is very very old. It’s a very simple install and the directions that are included are very good.

[@user-ho8ly3pc5l]

The cap over the discs on my rain clik wireless rain sensor pops off after I installed new discs. It seems to take a long time to turn back on when that happens. Any ideas?

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Is it an exact replacement? It should be so tight that it pops off. If it is that tight it might also be pressing on the activation switch underneath causing the sensor to be permanently off. Double check that you have the correct replacement cap & discs. Last resort, replace the sensor.

[@user-ho8ly3pc5l]

Thank you. @@Andy_Humphrey

[@markcruz1422]

Hello Sprinkler Andy, how do you set up a wifi rain sensor to s Rachio 3? And what brand and model do I use? Thanks Mark

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Hi @markcruz1422 - it’s pretty easy! It will connect right to the sensor terminal on the Rachio controller. I recommend using the Hunter wireless rain sensor: sprinklersupplystore.com/products/hunter-wrclik-wireless-rain-sensor

[@macmcneill4471]

My sensor won’t show wet after hitting it with a hose!

[@Andy_Humphrey]

Bummer. Silly question, have you verified that it is paired with receiver, assuming it’s wireless. Has it ever worked? Or perhaps it’s new? Feel free to reply back with the specific model, and the model of your controller, and I’ll do my best to troubleshoot it with you.