Home Assistant: Cheap and Easy Sprinkler Automation

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The following guide will take you through how to automate your sprinkler system using a simple and cost effective method. What you will need:
  • Sonoff Switch – I’m using the Sonoff Wifi Smart Switch with Tasmota firmware installed. See my video on how to install the switches ($15.57)
  • 24V Solenoid Valve – A quick search on Amazon. will find something similar
  • 24V Power Supply (1A 24W) – This one from Amazon will work
  • Dual end hose connector
  • Optional items
    • Reducer
    • Metal adapters – I bought these from Bunnings ($10.31 x 2)
  • Assumed existing items
    • Existing pump/mains water supply with a tap head
    • Existing Sprinkler System and pipes
Total Cost: $72.01 (or $92.63 with optional parts) If you haven’t already seen my initial Hassio setup guide, please visit this link.

Step 1 – Connect the Hose parts

Note: I’ve tried to keep the connections as simple as possible to avoid failure of connectors and potentially draining your tank or wasting mains water.
  • Add a reducer between the brass tap adapter (optional) and the tap to limit the amount of water coming through and to prevent unnecessary pressure on the connectors
  • Screw the brass top adapters (brass is optional — but recommended to ensure hose parts do not break and waste water) to the tap and the solenoid value
  • Connect the solenoid valve together with the tap using the Dual end hose connector

Step 2 – Connect the power

  • Wire up the power plug adapter to the solenoid cable
  • Plug the Sonoff switch into the power point
  • Plug the power supply in the Sonoff Switch
  • Turn on the power and test that the solenoid valve is working as expected

Step 3 – Ensure everything is water safe

Given that you are working around water, ensure the power supply, switch and power plugs are protected from water. I have taped up the connectors and used a plastic container for the switch and keeping my electric components in my pump’s water safe housing.

Step 4 – Turn on the water supply and power

Turn on the water supply and power and test if the sprinklers are turning on as expected.

Step 5 (Optional) – Install Automations for automatic sprinkler shutoff

If you are as forgetful as I am, you might want to add an automation to automatically shut off the sprinkler after a set period of time. I’ve set the following to turn off the switch after 15 minutes:   That’s all it takes for a simple, cheap automated sprinkler system. If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to leave them below.