Rain Shut Off Devices for Automatic Lawn Sprinkler Systems

Automatic sprinkler system controllers are programmed to go on and off on a certain day and at a certain time. The controller does not know if it is sunny and dry outside or raining. For this reason every lawn sprinkler system should have a rain sensor.

The rain sensor determines whether or not enough rainfall has occurred in order to skip an irrigation cycle. There are three basic types of rain sensors. They all serve the same purpose: keeping your system from over-watering the turf or your garden. How does it do that? The electrical connection between the sensor and your sprinkler system controller is interrupted when a certain amount of rain triggers the device. The sensor breaks the electrical connection so that electricity cannot flow to either the sprinkler valves or to a pump start (if your system is on a well without a pressure tank).

One type breaks the connection by weighing the water in a rainfall collection cup. The problem with this type is that leaves, sticks, or the occasional lizard will find its way into the collection cup and therefore turning off the system.

The next type uses electrodes to determine how much water is in the collection cup. This kind of rain sensor device also has a system problem of collecting things other than rainfall in the collection cup.

The most common type of rain sensor used by professionals is the expansion disk device. This kind of sensor does not use a collection cup; instead rainfall causes cork disks to expand. This device uses a pressure switch to break the electrical connection. These can be adjusted in increments of ¼” to the desired rain fall setting. This adjustment is usually set to turn off the sprinklers after ½” of rain has fallen.

The most important aspect of installing a rain sensor is where to place it. It should be installed in an area that is unobstructed by trees, roof over hangs, or anything else that might block rain from getting to the sensor. If it is a wired sensor, placement is generally near the sprinkler controller. The wires should be connected inside the controller’s valve wiring panel. This allows for easier electrical trouble-shooting of the system as the sensor can be easily disconnected.

In the last few years, FM wireless rain sensors have become very popular. Although they are more expensive than the wired devices, the ease of installation and increased placement options offset the cost. Most wireless units come with by-pass switches built into the device. Some digital controllers also offer by-pass options for both wired devices and wireless rain sensors.

No matter the type of rain sensor type that you choose, all rain sensors offer many advantages over not adding this detector to your automatic sprinkler system. Some of the immediate and long term benefits include:
• Saves Money. Whether you pay for city water or spend electricity running a pump, the money you save over time will more than pay for the rain sensor.
• Extends Sprinkler System Life Span. Irrigation systems are made up of moving parts. If the system parts are utilized less frequently (during the rainy season), they last longer.
• Protects Water Resources. By limiting the over use of your sprinkler system, rain sensors reduce excess water run-off that carries fertilizers and pest control chemicals into our shared water supply.
• Conserves Water. Less water is wasted when less supplemental water is needed for your turf and in your garden.

How much money can you save with a rain sensor device?

It will vary based on your water source (city, re-claim, or well) and where you live (water costs, electrical rate, climate). Here is one example that demonstrates the benefits listed above:
Seminole County, Florida.
System Description:
• Designed to irrigate a quarter acre of grass and programmed to apply ½” of water every time the system runs.
• This schedule would equal 6,788 gallons per irrigation cycle.
• This system (on City Water) pays $2.30 per thousand gallons.
• Every time the rains sensor interrupts a sprinkler cycle, you would save $15.61

According to a recent study in Florida, the use of a rain sensor device averaged a 45% savings in water for single-family residential water usage.

The next time you see a sprinkler system running in the rain, you now know it doesn’t have to be that way. Rain sensors are affordable solutions to conserving our water, protecting our water resources, and saving you money.

Craig Borglum CIC/CID/CLIA is a Certified and Licensed Irrigation Specialist in Central Florida. More information and articles on how-to irrigation solutions, click on sprinkler repair. A comprehensive Lawn Sprinkler Repair DVD is available at http://www.IrrigationRepair.com

The Beauty Of The Rainbird Sprinkler System

There are sprinkler systems, and then there is the Rainbird Sprinkler System. The Rainbird Sprinkler System belongs in a class all to themselves. Does your lawn suffer the results of not getting the proper amounts of watering during the summer? Wouldn't you rather get rid of that old brown lawn and have a beautiful lush green landscape? Well, with a Rainbird Sprinkler System you can have just that.

If you already have a Rainbird Sprinkler System installed, then you probably already know what I'm talking about. But, if you've never had the benefits that a sprinkler system offers, then you should take some time and explore this landscaping area. A sprinkler system is a perfect home improvement addition for any home.

The sun is brutal on your grass during the hot summer months. Who has the time to play with an old garden hose connected to a lawn sprinkler? You constantly have to time it and move it across the yard all the time. It quickly becomes a huge hassle every week. Well, you can take some action and liven up that dead looking lawn. Before you know it a Rainbird Sprinkler System can have your yard the envy of the entire neighborhood. It will keep your grass looking its best all summer long.

It's not only your lawn that will benefit from a Rainbird Sprinkler System, but it's your entire landscape. Flowers, bushes, trees, plants and shrubs will also benefit from being on a watering schedule. All you have to do is set the timer up on the sprinkler system and it does all the work for you. It doesn't get any easier than that.

With a Rainbird Sprinkler System you can be assured that you're getting a top of the line sprinkler system. The company doesn't cut corners or produce some piece of junk that will need replaced in a year or two down the road. Rainbird is an industry leader in providing quality sprinkler systems. Everything they manufacture is built to last for years.

If you haven't sat down and taken a look at some of the great deals on Rainbird Sprinkler Systems, then I would encourage you to start today. Go online and take a look at what they have to offer. Their products will have any yard looking like a professionally landscaped masterpiece in a few shorts weeks. You can easily find a Rainbird Sprinkler System that will fit your budget and have your yard looking its best this next summer.

You can find much more information on Rainbird Sprinkler Systems as well as more information on all types of sprinklers at http://www.SprinklersA-z.com.

Does The Scarecrow Sprinkler System Work For Eliminating Garden Pests

If you have a garden or expensive landscape then you know full well how animal pests can destroy your hard work and efforts. In the old days people used scarecrows, noise makers, traps, and other deterrents to keep animals off their land, and some of these devices where less then humane. With the advance of technology there has been new deterrent devices designed such as the scarecrow sprinkler system. Before deciding on any new deterrent device it would be wise to investigate what it is and how it works, its effectiveness, and above all that it is humane to animals. It is the objective of this article to discuss the pros and con's of the scarecrow sprinkler system.

The scarecrow sprinkler system was developed by a company named Contech Electronics L/G. Contech claims that it designed this system to protect landscape, gardens, fish ponds, and other areas of land from animals such as deer, cats, dogs, raccoons, rabbits, gophers, possums, and even crows and other birds. The scarecrow sprinkler system is said to work similarly to the motion activated security lights around many people's homes by detecting heat and motion. When it sees an intruder, it instantly sprays the target with a 3 second burst of water under full garden hose pressure which is around 2 cups. The fact that this is an automated system, the detector will not know what is shooting at so keep pets and friends clear.

The scarecrow sprinkler system claims that it can see a 100 degree zone and protects an area 35 feet deep and 45 feet wide. Even if the animal bounds out of the way before getting wet, it will be scared and leave the area. Over time, intelligent animals like dogs, cats, and deer, will learn which areas are likely to scare them and no longer frequent them. Scarecrow Sprinkler is said to protect day and night for up to 6 months or 3000 activations on one 9 volt battery. The company claims that the scarecrow sprinkler can be set up easily with just a garden hose to guard a farm, lawn, or backyard and that no professional installation is required.

Animals that get on your land can ruin landscapes and gardens by nibbling on berries, smashing plants, digging holes, eating vegetables, defecating, or scratching outdoor furniture. If you have a fish pond with expensive fish then birds can also be a problem. If you have issues with animal pests you may lose patience over time and decide to take any action that works, often injuring or killing the pest. I beg you to reconsider this type of action as what you consider to be a pest may be somebody else's pet and even if not, a humane approach to animal control is always desired. Because the scarecrow sprinkler uses water with no chemicals and does not rely on ugly barriers or shock treatment, it is said to be completely safe for animals and people. It is said that the jet of water simply scares the target away without doing any physical injury. Of course if you have your own pets then it would be wise to keep them out of the area and let visitors know about your scarecrow system as getting blasted with a stream of water may not be harmful, it is sure to be irritating to guests, visitors, meter readers, and salespeople.

If you have a problem with animal pests tearing up your garden or landscape then you are looking for a solution. The scarecrow sprinkler is said to be humane, safe, and effective and although most companies trying to promote a product will say such things, reviews indicate that people have benefited from this device. As already stated, this system may cause problems with friends, neighbors, and pets who can accidentally get wet not to mention that you would need a great deal of water pressure to shoot a stream 45 feet in distance. While this system may work fine for small gardens or landscapes, it would seem that you would need to find a better solution for larger areas.

To learn more about pest control and the scarecrow sprinkler please visit the ScareCrowSprinkler-Reviews website today.

Watering Lawn Sprinklers - How to Pick the Best for Your Grass

Complex or simple, costly or cheap, you can’t help but notice the watering lawn devices that populate many yards each summer.

There are several different types of watering lawn sprinklers one can use. Each suited to do a specific task. The right one for your situation comes down to just that. Your situation.

For medium to large lawns oscillating sprinklers are good. They can cover a large area. One drawback however, is the spray can be affected by wind gusts. On the other hand they’re great fun for the kids to run through.

Another of the watering lawn sprinklers well suited for medium sized yards is the rotary sprinkler.

If you’re got the water pressure and a large expanse, pulsating sprinklers might fill the bill. You may have seen these in operation on golf courses as they sweep a stream of water across the targeted grassy area? Actually they lay on the water more slowly than do oscillating sprinklers. And their spray is less likely to be affected by the wind.

Turning to smaller lawns, you might consider a stationary sprinkler. These generally have a smaller spray pattern making them ideal for tighter areas. Some sprinklers even let you vary that pattern too.

Myself I’m always fascinated by the moving lawn sprinklers. Looks like a toy tractor in many cases. These trace the pattern of the hose which guides them across your lawn. They’re powered by water pressure which turns the rear wheels which I think is pretty nifty.

So those are what? five types of lawn sprinklers. One should work well in your situation.

Now during periods of restricted water usage you might be wise to consider going with a soaker hose. Basically there are hundreds of small holes exactingly punched along the sides of the hose. The water seeps out and quenches your lawns thirst over time with no moving parts.

Regardless of which type of watering lawn sprinklers you use, remember that it’s best to water in the evening. Doing so cuts down on evaporation and gives your grass time to take a deep drink. Which is the basic idea isn’t it?

Keeping your grass moisturized is one thing. Keeping it neat and trim might require help from these riding lawnmower reviews Find out why it could be smart to pay a premium for a better than decent riding lawn mower.