Upgrade guide
Soil moisture sensors for sprinkler systems
A soil moisture sensor lets scheduled watering run only when the soil is dry. Hunter, Toro and Rain Bird make them; they connect to your existing controller.
What to know
- How they work: Hunter’s Soil-Clik shuts off irrigation when soil reaches a preset moisture level (Hunter). Toro’s Precision Soil Sensor reports every 10 minutes and allows watering only below your minimum setting (Toro).
- Wired or wireless: Soil-Clik is wired: probe up to 1,000 ft from the module on 18 AWG direct-burial wire, module within 6 ft of the controller (Hunter). Toro’s sensor is wireless and plugs into the soil (Toro).
- Check your controller. Soil-Clik is designed for Hunter controllers with a normally closed sensor input (Hunter). Toro’s receiver connects to the timer’s sensor terminals or the valve common wire (Toro).
- Rain Bird’s SMRT-Y opens the common wire when soil is wet; its default threshold is 25%, with an auto-set feature (Rain Bird).
- Rebates: IRWD up to $80 (IRWD), Riverside from $80 (RPU), SoCal Water$mart from $80 (SoCal Water$mart), Round Rock 50% up to $100 (Round Rock).
▶ Watch howSoil-Clik: Installation and SetupOfficial Hunter Landscape Irrigation video on YouTube ↗No Amazon listing passed our check for these sensors, so we link the makers: Hunter Soil-Clik · Toro guide.
When to call a pro
Burying a probe and wiring it to the controller? The EPA suggests hiring an irrigation professional certified by a WaterSense labeled program (EPA WaterSense).
Find a pro →Soil moisture sensor rebates by state →
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Steps summarized from the linked manufacturer and EPA pages (checked 2026-10-18). If your valve or head brand differs, follow its manual.