Quote:
Originally Posted by stomachmonkey
Well with either the old or new system they could have performed the service without me around.
Zone valve controls are all external and can be actuated manually at any time.
Me on the phone was actually easier since they did not have to walk all the way around the house to turn on, then go back out front to look, go back to turn off current zone and turn on new one, rinse repeat.
And I wanted to speak with them to make sure they caught every issue as a couple were not obvious.
The convenience factor is not for service, it's for me.
I got tired of having to go into the garage every time I needed to interact with the system which with the old was was actually often.
It's only when I put in the Rachio that I finally discovered why the weather sensor never seemed to work.
I'm staring at the wiring and there is one wire that looked to be wired as a loop that I could not figure out how to transfer to the Rachio so I dig up the manual for the original system, ",,,,if you are using the external weather sensor remove this loop....". When we built the house the installer never hooked up the weather sensor properly.
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1) Operating a system via the valves is not ideal - better to use the controller for several reasons I won't go into here.
2) Most companies who make controllers also make handheld remote control units that are designed to operate their controllers. I have installed them on some properties where it made sense. Most irrigation service companies have these remote controllers on hand for all the major companies who make controllers - Hunter and Rainbird being the main two.
Some companies also have more than one person making service calls so in those cases one person could turn the controller off and on via walkie talkie while the other person effects service/repairs as needed.
3) I get that you wanted to make sure they were informed of the necessary issues, but that could have been drawn on a piece of paper too and left taped to the outside somewhere for them or just send an email or text. Flags are also very handy to mark areas of a property where attention is needed.
4) I always install rain sensors and make sure everything is operational. I'm actually quite anal about it. And even though I'm not actually in the 'service' end of the business - I carry in my work truck replacement rain sensor kits (the wear items) and a couple whole new units. This is one area that (IMHO) there is severe lack of proper attention from most service providers, not to mention installers.
In fact while we're on the subject of rain sensors, I had a pipe dream once of starting up a business that focused primarily on servicing rain sensors only. Set up twice a year service calls to clients who purchase my plan to check and adjust their sensors as needed. Could also offer just an annual visit. It's amazing how many sensors get broken, worn out, corroded, or just blocked by adjacent tree/shrub foliage each year. Then you have construction people doing roof and gutter work or just painting who disturb them to the point where they no longer function. Or when a homeowner gets a new timer and the rain sensor doesn't get hooked back up, for whatever reason.
5) I'm glad your new system works for you. That's the important thing.
Again - not trying to be obtuse. Just sharing some thoughts.