Flow sensor recommendations?

post by Gerardv514 on Jun 6, 2022

Can anyone provide recommendations on flow sensors for a Rachio 3 system? Or even articles/sites with more information on assisting with choice?
Thank you

post by ritchierich on Jun 6, 2022

The support site has this article:

post by Gerardv514 on Jun 6, 2022

True, I’ve read through that but no recommendations on one or the other. I was looking to see if anyone could shed some real life usage experience.

post by MeterManSays on Jun 6, 2022

They do recommend the Everydrop in that link supplied by ritchierich. (See asterisk) The reasons and technology are explained here in first few FAQs:

Frequently Asked Questions – EveryDrop Technologies (everydropmeters.com)

post by LikesToys on Jun 6, 2022

I have the Everydrop 1004/1104. It works well and helps me to understand what is going on. I have 6 zone on a drip system covering ⅓ acre. You need to calibrate each zone - and then set the low and high thresholds so it notifies you if you go outside of those ranges. You can have it disable the zone if the threshold is exceeded, however I just use the warnings to correct any issues. I also use a master valve which works fine. One note, I have 3 hose bibs throughout the yard on the same line as the irrigation, but the flow meter would pick up these bibs and report a leak as the Rachio was not running. I had to bypass the flow meter for the bibs, which really does make sense. Overall I am happy with it although I have no method to confirm the readings are accurate on water usage it seems reasonable. You will have to bring it in for the winter if it's exposed to cold; mine is in a valve box for easy access.

post by smetcalf on Jun 6, 2022

You actually do not have to bring the meter in if it’s cold outside. As long as you complete a proper system blowout prior to freezing temperatures, the meter handles the cold without issue. This is actually one of the main advantages of the Everydrop meter over traditional paddle meters is its capability to handle pressurized air during a blowout.

post by LHuisingh on Jun 16, 2022

I use a Toro wired flow sensor. It has worked great for me.

post by Knutsont on Jun 21, 2022

The Flomec sensors are nice in that they can be winterized without removing as well. I called Flomec to confirm that directly, and they said anything up to 200psi was fine (obviously way overkill). They are an ultrasonic sensor versus a paddlewheel, so no spinning parts to damage. Rachio has yet to add support for any but the 1", though. I’ve sent a request to support with the k-factors and offsets for their QS200 series, so hopefully soon.

post by joylove on Jul 15, 2022

I wish I could give negative feedback on that page. It recommends a bunch of flow sensors that aren’t drip compatible, and are 1" PVC at least. A 3/4 drip compatible such as CST’s ELF-T75-P01 should be added for water-wise gardens.

post by edfetzer on Aug 18, 2022

The QS200-10 1" flow sensor is also designed for use with drip irrigation. The specifications of the sensor allow for very low flow monitoring. QS100-10 has a published flow range of 0.22 GPM Min (13.2 GPH) to 33 GPM max. It also has the advantage of ultrasonic sensor technology with no moving parts (for winterization blowout).

post by joylove on Aug 18, 2022

QS100-10 is 1" which is inconvenient but not a showstopper, is not on the supported list which is a showstopper, and it’s a whopping $305. It’ll take a lot of watering saved to break even on it, especially if you need to use two sensors to cover front and rear gardens.

post by Rachiology on Feb 25, 2023

Agreed! CST has awesome customer service. The ELF is fantastic!

post by GAJett on Sep 7, 2023

Amen about the “whopping” price! I’ve been looking at all those on the recommended list with the Everydrop Wired being the least expensive at $130. Everything else runs between $200 to well north of $400! And I need 2. Amazon shows many wired water flow meters with 4-star ratings and prices down to around $15.00. But I have no idea if they would be compatible with the Rachio 3. Any thoughts on sub-$100 flow meters? And com’on Rachio PLEASE support some more affordable solutions.

post by Adrian on Sep 7, 2023

I have ordered the 1004-EX wired sensor. However, every site I visit identifies that this item is out of stock. Do you have any information if this is a common occurrence or are the Everydrop meters going out of business? Appreciate your assistance as I see that you have assisted others successfully- thanks

post by MeterManSays on Sep 8, 2023

Everydrop is currently only selling through Rachio and Amazon. I am guessing the added demand of selling on Rachio has made it difficult to keep up with inventory demands.

post by Adrian on Sep 9, 2023

Thanks very much. Guess I’ll just have to wait.

post by though on Sep 25, 2023

I have a Everydrop1004-EX installed and have had tons of problems with erroneous reporting. May have a bad meter. Can’t find a phone number to contact them.

post by Adrian on Sep 25, 2023

844-722-4411

post by though on Sep 25, 2023

This is Rachio, not Everydrop??!?

post by Adrian on Sep 25, 2023

Use the site IMG_4470.jpg

post by though on Sep 25, 2023

Filled it out, awaiting call or reply.

post by though on Sep 27, 2023

48 hours later… no call or email from Everydrop 😵