Timer, Controller & Rain Sensor Repair
Timer, Controller & Rain Sensor Repair in Palm Bay, FL
The right zone, on the right day, for the right time.
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(772) 310-4074 Call NowText a photoCall or text. We'll talk it through and set a time to come out.
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The controller, or timer, is the box on the garage wall or outside wall that tells each valve when to open and for how long. When it loses its program, shows an error, or runs zones on the wrong day, the whole yard pays for it. Often the controller is fine and the fault is in the wiring that runs from the controller out to the valves, which is easy to damage when beds are dug or a fence goes in.
We repair and reprogram existing controllers, track down wiring faults, test and replace rain sensors, and install Wi-Fi controllers that you can adjust from your phone. If your system is still turned on by hand at a valve or a hose spigot, we can automate it so it runs on the allowed days without you.
Signs you need timer, controller & rain sensor repair
- The controller screen is blank, flashing or showing an error
- A zone runs on the wrong day or at midday
- One or more zones won't run from the controller
- The system waters right after a heavy rain
- You lost the program after a power outage or storm
- You still turn the system on by hand
What we do
We check the controller, the wiring and the sensor before recommending any replacement.
- 1
Test the controller
We check power, outputs and the program, and confirm whether the controller itself is at fault or is doing exactly what it was told.
- 2
Trace the wiring
Using a meter, we test each valve wire for breaks, shorts and corroded splices, then repair or replace the bad run.
- 3
Check the rain sensor
We test the rain sensor or soil moisture sensor and confirm it stops the system when it should.
- 4
Program for the season
We set each zone's run time for your soil, sun and plants, inside the district's allowed days and hours, and show you how to pause or adjust it.
If you want a Wi-Fi controller, we install it, connect it to your home network and walk you through the app. Many of these controllers can use local weather data to skip watering after rain, which pairs well with a working rain sensor.
Local conditions
Watering days, rain sensors and Florida law
Palm Bay follows the St. Johns River Water Management District schedule. Under the standard rules, homes with odd-numbered addresses, or no address, water on Wednesday and Saturday during daylight saving time and on Saturday only during standard time. Even-numbered addresses water on Thursday and Sunday, then Sunday only. Watering is not allowed between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and each zone is capped at one hour per watering day. Water shortage orders can tighten these rules, and the City of Palm Bay enforces watering rules too, so check the district page and the city's water page for the current schedule.
Florida law also requires owners of automatic irrigation systems to install, maintain and operate technology that stops the system when there has been enough moisture, as set out in section 373.62 of the Florida Statutes. A rain sensor is the most common way to meet that rule. Sensors wear out in the Florida sun, and many stop working without anyone noticing, which is why we test it every time we work on a system.
Before you call: quick checks
Before you call, take a look at the controller itself. Check that it is plugged in or has power at the outlet, that the date and time are right, and that it isn't set to a rain delay or the off position. Many controllers have a backup battery that holds the clock, and a dead one is a common reason a program gets lost after a short outage.
If one zone won't run but the others do, try starting that zone manually from the controller. If it still won't run, the problem is more likely the wire or the valve than the controller.
- Confirm power, the date and the time on the controller
- Check whether a rain delay or the rain sensor bypass is on
- Try running the problem zone manually
- Look for a second program or extra start times
Tell us what your system is doing
Call, text a photo or send the form below for a free estimate.
Timer, Controller & Rain Sensor Repair: common questions
Why is my sprinkler running in the middle of the day?
Most often the controller has a second program or start time nobody meant to set, or it lost its clock after a power outage. We clean up the program and set it inside the allowed hours.
What does a rain sensor do?
It is a small device that tells the controller to skip watering after rain. Most use discs that swell when wet. Florida law requires automatic systems to have a working shutoff of this kind.
Can you add a Wi-Fi controller to my system?
Yes. Most systems can take a Wi-Fi controller using the existing valve wires. We mount it, connect it and set it up in the app with you.
Why won't one zone run from the controller?
It could be a broken wire, a bad splice or a failed solenoid at the valve. We test the circuit to find out which before replacing anything.
Can you automate a system I turn on by hand?
Usually, yes. We add electric valves, a controller and wiring so the system runs on its own on your watering days.
Related services
Well & Pump System Repair
Pumps that won't start or prime, failed relays, short cycling and rust stains from iron.
Seasonal Tune-Ups & Inspections
Every zone tested, heads aimed, the rain sensor checked and the timer set for the season.
Hurricane & Storm Damage Repair
Flooded valve boxes, surge-damaged controllers, broken heads and lines hit by debris.
Free estimates
Request a free estimate
Tell us what your system is doing and we'll call you back to talk it through and set a time to look. Prefer to talk now?
(772) 310-4074Or send us a text with a photo of the problem.