Do you ever wonder how much water you waste when your irrigation runs right after one of those sudden afternoon showers in Fort Myers, Estero, or Bonita Springs, FL? At Davidson Irrigation & Landscape Lighting , we carry a line of rain sensors that provide a smarter way to keep your property green without throwing money down the drain. A rain sensor is an attachment for an irrigation system that can tell when there has been enough rain and it essentially talks to your irrigation system so that your sprinklers don’t turn on after a storm has already watered your lawn. Many homeowners may not know that it is a legal requirement to have rain sensors in Florida. These sensors help to control irrigation systems on residential properties and commercial properties alike. But why are they so important? Summers here in Southwest Florida it can be sunny one minute and then a deluge the next. In fact, here in Lee, Collier, and Charlotte counties, our rainy season spans from June to September, with an average of about 7.8 inches of rainfall per month. That’s around 60% of our total annual rainfall in just a few months! When a storm waters your lawn well enough already, you don’t want to waste money by having your sprinklers on as well, and the State of Florida also doesn’t want you wasting precious water resources either.
Installing a rain sensor is straightforward, but it does need to be placed properly. We mount it where it reads real rainfall, not under a roofline where it won’t accurately report to the irrigation system how much rain fell. We connect it to your existing irrigation controller, so it knows exactly when to say “enough.” No bulky parts, no complicated systems. Our team at Davidson Irrigation & Landscape Lighting works quickly, testing each connection and adjusting settings to fit your property’s conditions. By the time we finish, your sprinklers only run when needed. Think about how much that helps during rainy seasons. Why keep watering during a downpour?
Ever notice when a gadget acts up at the worst possible time? Rain sensors are reliable, but sometimes they fail. Maybe a broken wire stops them from signaling your controller. Maybe debris or insects block their moisture-catching mechanism. That’s where we step in. At Davidson Irrigation & Landscape Lighting , we diagnose the problem fast. We might replace a faulty part, adjust wiring, or clean out dirt that keeps it from working right. With proper repairs, your sensor snaps back into action, cutting water waste and keeping your grounds looking good. Why let a simple fix linger and cost you more water?
How often do you have to have your rain sensors checked for maintenance? ? It’s a state law that they need to be checked or maintained at least once a year. If you ever notice your irrigation system turning on after heavy rain or during a storm, it’s a good idea to have one of our techs come for a service check. We clean off dust and leaves, confirm wiring connections, and test the rain sensor’s shutdown signal. A few minutes of maintenance keeps it accurate and reliable. Without it, you risk running sprinklers coming on during storms or leaving plants thirsty by shutting down the irrigation unnecessarily . With a little care, your rain sensor stays sharp, saving water season after season. Ensuring your rain sensor is in top condition can help optimize your irrigation system’s efficiency.
Ensuring your rain sensors are in good working order serves some important purposes that go beyond just water conservation:
When was the last time you watched your irrigation system run during a surprise shower? During inspection visits, we stand by as your sprinklers turn on. We trigger the sensor, watch how fast it stops the flow, and see if it recovers after the rain ends. This hands-on approach uncovers issues before they waste a single drop. We adjust thresholds, confirm proper angle placement, and verify the sensor reads rainfall accurately. An inspection is not just a formality—it’s a smart way to catch small problems early. Would you rather wait until you see puddles and runoff, or fix it now?
We offer service plans for every budget and situation. Sign up today and select the plan that best fits your needs. We take the worry out of watering.
Ready to see how rain sensors turn lazy overspending into solid savings? At Davidson Irrigation & Landscape Lighting , we believe in better solutions. Rain sensors play a crucial role in your irrigation system’s control. At Davidson Irrigation & Landscape Lighting, we offer both Rain Bird Rain Sensors and Hunter Rain Sensors. Regardless of the type you have, it’s generally recommended to replace them every 5 to 10 years to ensure optimal performance. Keeping this component up-to-date helps maintain the efficiency of your irrigation system. With proper installation, swift repairs, routine maintenance, and thorough inspections, these small devices make a big impact. They help you avoid guesswork, keep roots healthier, and stop money from washing away.
If you’re in Fort Myers, Estero, or Bonita Springs, FL, and want irrigation that respects your wallet and your property’s needs, give us a call. Our team knows the region, the climate, and the best ways to reduce water waste. Contact Davidson Irrigation & Landscape Lighting at (239) 334-0075 and put your water where it really counts.
Please call (239) 275-8569, select a time to fit your busy schedule & we will do our best to accommodate you. We return calls within 24 hours Monday – Friday.
We use top quality products – Sprinkler heads, piping, controllers, rain sensors, timers and products to establish proper working order of your spinkler system. Our experience will assure that your landscape will maintain proper irrigation all year long in this Florida heat.