Revisiting landscape irrigation

Technology has changed since we did the landscaping in 2007, particularly with the ability to control things remotely. I had to replace the controller (timer) at my mom’s when the hard-working device my dad placed well over 20 years ago finally failed. I got a Rainbird, with a WiFi option, so I can see what’s going on at her house. I wanted to do the same thing at our house, both for the WiFi option and because I’d never particularly liked the Rainmaster controller that was put in originally.

I did some research to figure out which model Rainbird I should get, but couldn’t find anyone who would take out the old and install the new. Fortunately, our original irrigation expert came back to San Jose for a big job this spring, and was willing to do the work between his other obligations.

We selected the Rainbird ESP-ME3 series, with the LNK WiFi module, and added a rain sensor. We also added a flow sensor, which can help us determine if a circuit doesn’t shut off, has a leak, etc. After some initial issues with the flow sensor, we got it all settled so that we can track water usage, really important with the current drought. We also put in a “normally off” Master Valve, which will shut off the water when the sprinklers aren’t running, and prevent leaks.

Of course, now I will probably redo mom’s setup so that we can track water usage the same way, not just adjust the programming, etc.

*See also the post Drip Irrigation conversion from 2015.