CST ELF Flow Sensors

A flow meter measures the volume of water passing through your irrigation system, helping you monitor usage, detect leaks, and ensure efficient water management.

Flow meters benefit homeowners, landscapers, facility managers, and irrigation professionals who want to optimise water use, prevent wastage, and maintain system performance.

Not all irrigation controllers support flow meter integration, but most of the premium offerings do & it’s an outstanding upgrade. Always check your controller’s specifications or consult our team for compatibility advice.

Flow meters are typically installed on the main supply line, upstream of valves. There are considerations for straight-line flow in installation & ensure you use ‘Shielded’ communications cable for wiring to you controller. Follow manufacturer instructions for correct orientation and wiring requirements.

Flow meter integration enables real-time leak detection, accurate water usage tracking, and automated system shutdown in case of abnormal flow, protecting your property and saving water.

Yes, flow meters can alert you to unexpected increases in water usage, which often indicate leaks, broken pipes, or malfunctioning valves in your irrigation system.

All flow meters are backed by manufacturer warranties and SunshowerOnline’s expert support for product selection, installation, troubleshooting, and ongoing care.

Irrigation system sensors are devices that monitor environmental conditions like rainfall, soil moisture, weather or water flow to optimise irrigation systems. They work by collecting real-time data and communicating with irrigation controllers to ensure water is used efficiently. This prevents overwatering, reduces waste and promotes healthier plants by irrigating only when necessary based on the sensor’s inputs.

Available irrigation sensors include:

• Rain sensors — Detect rainfall and pause irrigation during wet conditions.
• Soil moisture sensors — Measure soil hydration levels to water only when needed.
• Weather sensors — Monitor factors like temperature and humidity for precise irrigation.

• Flow meters and flow sensors — Track water usage, detect leaks and optimise system efficiency.

Each ensures water is used effectively and responsibly.

​​To choose the right irrigation system sensor, assess your garden’s needs. Use rain sensors to prevent watering during rain, soil moisture sensors for plants with specific hydration requirements and weather sensors for dynamic climate adjustments. Opt for flow meters and flow sensors to monitor water usage and detect leaks. Match the sensor type to your garden size, plant types and local weather conditions.

Yes, irrigation sensors help save water by ensuring your system irrigates only when necessary. Rain sensors pause watering during rainfall, soil moisture sensors prevent overwatering, weather sensors adjust schedules based on climate conditions and flow sensors detect leaks. By optimising water usage, these sensors reduce waste, lower water bills and promote sustainable gardening practices.

Most irrigation sensors are compatible with popular controllers. But it’s important to note the some branded sensors work on a normally open circuit, and others normally closed. So you may find when mixing brands a sensor may inadvertently with with the inverse functionality! In that case it will still work, it just needs to be wired slightly differently.

Installation involves mounting the sensor in an open area (for rain) or at root level (for soil moisture), and connecting it to your controller using the sensor terminals. But importantly, always follow the included instructions.

Rain Sensors are very uncomplicated devices, and failure is highly unusual. Check the sensor’s placement and ensure it’s exposed to rainfall. Inspect wiring connections, clean the sensor, and verify that the controller is set to recognise sensor input.

Flow sensors are an exccelent addition to any compatible controller. They monitor water usage and detect leaks or line breaks by measuring the flow rate. They help prevent water waste and can trigger system alerts if abnormal flow is detected.

Yes, all sensors are backed by manufacturer warranties and our expert support team, who can assist with product selection, installation, troubleshooting, and ongoing care.

Fully installed by a professional, a domestic irrigation system will come out to about $1000 per zone. And as a DIY project, it can look more like $300 per zone! But of course that’s a very rough estimate, each system is different and there are a lot of factors to consider. Thankfully, we have the only tool around that INSTANTLY give an accurate estimate for your. Try our INSTANT Irrigation Quote Tool here!

To choose the right irrigation system, consider the size and layout of your garden or lawn, the types of plants you’re watering and your water source. Spray systems are ideal for most applications like lawns and gardens, while drip irrigation works well for mulched garden beds and areas exposed to wind and evaporation. For expert advice tailored to your needs, request a quote from us.

To set up an irrigation system, start by planning the layout, then install the mainline pipes, valves and fittings. Attach the sprinklers, drip emitters or other irrigation devices, and connect the system to a controller. Finally, test and adjust the system to check for proper coverage and efficiency. For a more precise and tailored setup, visit our Design Department. Our experts can design and quote a customised irrigation system that perfectly fits your landscape.

At SunshowerOnline, we offer a wide range of irrigation systems perfect for home gardens, including spray irrigation, drip irrigation, pop-up sprinklers, micro irrigation. Just getting started? Our DIY kits make installation simple for beginners, while our expert team is available to help you design the ideal setup for your garden’s unique needs.

Our experienced Design Department can create a custom irrigation plan tailored to your property, whether you’re a homeowner, landscaper, or commercial manager. Simply provide your site details and requirements, and we’ll recommend the best products and layout for efficient, reliable watering. Need an instant quote? Try our INSTANT Quote tool!

Absolutely. We stock a comprehensive range of contractor-grade irrigation supplies, including control systems, valves, fittings, and commercial sprinklers, trusted by professionals across Australia. Bulk order discounts and trade support are available for our trade and commercial customers.

Yes, we offer step-by-step installation guides, video tutorials, and our service doesn’t stop once we a purchase is made. Expert advice over phone, chat or in-store is here to help! Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional installer, our resources make setting up your irrigation system straightforward and stress-free.

Yes, many of our irrigation products are designed for easy upgrades and retrofits. Whether you’re replacing old sprinklers, adding drip lines, or automating your watering schedule, our team can recommend compatible products and provide installation support.

To maximise the lifespan of your irrigation system, choose high-quality components, follow correct installation procedures, and perform regular maintenance such as flushing lines and checking for leaks. Our products are built to withstand Australian conditions, and our team is always here to offer ongoing support.

Yes, SunshowerOnline delivers irrigation supplies across Australia with fast, reliable shipping. Our customer service team is available to answer your questions, offer technical support, and ensure you find the right products for your project—no matter where you are located.