Question
Hi Jeff, I can't turn my Rainbird Sprinklers on automatically. It appears the rain gauge keeps it from turning on. This has happened several times, sometimes it takes an hour and sometimes as much as a day actually work when I try to turn it on manually. HELP, I just put in some sod for cinch bug damage. Do I need to dismantle the rain gauge, and if so, how do I do it?
Thanks,
Vicki

Answer
If the rain sensor is the problem, it should be easy to disable.  Most of them have two or three wires that are connected to terminals on the controller, just as the valve wires are.  If you can, trace the wires from the sensor to the controller, and carefully disconnect them.  Keep in mind that there will be other wires connected to the same terminals that need to be left connected.  Most sensors seem to use the common terminal and the terminal for station 1.