Your Questions

I’ve heard of a “rain switch”, do they work and where can I get one if they are effective?

I don’t have a lot of time to fiddle with my irrigation system.  It seems to work ok, but I need to save money where I can on my utilities.  Is there something quick and easy I can do?

Every time the sprinklers come on water runs down the gutter at the bottom of the hill. Our neighbors said we should rip out the sprinklers and put in drip irrigation, do we have to do that?

I want to plant some spreading groundcovers on the slope behind my house, what is the best way to irrigate them?

We moved into a house with a Toro ECx timer. The book that comes with it is confusing… can you help me set it up?

I have an automatic irrigation system and the irrigation is coming on every day.  Is this right, how do I know how often to irrigate?

Our gardener “fixed” our irrigation system last week, and now there is a different kind of pop-up sprayer in the lawn.  Is this right; does this make a difference?

How do I know when I have the right amount of sprinklers?

John's Answers

Jim B. in Nashville, Tennessee writes:

“…my pastor told me that he saw my irrigation system running while we were away on vacation.  The problem was it was also raining.  We are gone a lot, and certain times of the year the rains are unpredictable.  I’ve heard of a “rain switch”, do they work and where can I get one if they are effective?”

Irrigation Essential's Response:

Jim,
Great question! 

Yes there are a number of “rain switches” on the market.  They come in different configurations, but are basically a simple, adjustable sensor that when sensing a level of rain above a minimum you have set, inhibits the controller programming by “breaking the common” wire connection to all the irrigation valves.   The devices are such that they will “dry out”, and turn themselves back on as well.

Key Points

With most controllers this is a global interruption of irrigation.  So if you have plantings under eaves, in an atrium, etc. they will not be irrigated.  The second is the critical issue with any sensor is that they be located in a good spot to get an accurate “reading” of what they are supposed to sense.  In this case – mounted where rain can land on the sensor.  Also that it be located in a place where you can easily, and periodically inspect the device and confirm its functionality. 

eMail us back with the make/model of your irrigation controller, and tell us whether it is mounted inside or outside, and we’ll be able to recommend a specific solution.  Also, I see by your zip code that you are near a professional irrigation supply vendor Ewing Irrigation, located at 118 Park South Ct., Nashville.  Their phone is 615.244.8870.  We strongly recommend that you purchase your irrigation gear from them instead of the big box hardware stores.

Answer these questions, and we can further help you save money on water and have a beautiful garden!

1. What type of hardware:  spray pop-ups, or rotors?  Manufacturer?  Their programmed run times?
2. Do you see any “runoff” or puddles after normal irrigation?
3. Do you fertilize your landscape?  How often, with what?
4. Who do you buy water from—the name of your local water utility?

System Management • Posted on 03/01/2009 •   Permalink

Many times, seemingly simple questions have answers that span several disciplines (design theory, installation practices, horticulture and soil science issues), and can become burdensome for someone to try to take in all at once.

To facilitate understanding, we group our information in three broad categories: 

System Management — Irrigation scheduling.  Hitting the “moving target” of plant water need as it changes throughout the growing season.

Delivery System — Spray heads, rotors, emitters, etc.  We try to explain the principles behind how they function, and make sense out of the many look-alike products on the market.

Soil Biology — Living soils and horticultural practices play a very significant role in how effective irrigation can be, and the viability of the landscape.  Think of growing roots, not plants!  Healthy roots will ensure a beautiful garden!