---
title: "Irrigation"
description: "Set up automatic irrigation with Smart Rules. Configure sequencer, weekly schedule, rain limiting conditions, and manual override in TapHome."
url: "https://taphome.com/en/docs/functional-areas/irrigation/"
language: en
lastmod: 2026-11-06
generator: hugo
ai:
  topics: ["irrigation","smart-rules","sequencer","virtual-devices","automation"]
  questions: ["How do I set up automatic irrigation control in TapHome?","How do I create a Multi-Value Switch for controlling multiple irrigation zones?","How do I create a timed irrigation sequence using the Sequencer smart rule?","How do I block automatic irrigation based on rainfall?","What formula should I use for rainfall-based irrigation limiting conditions?","How do I set the manual override timeout for irrigation?","Where do I find Virtual Devices settings to create irrigation control?"]
---

# Irrigation

Last updated: 2026-11-06

You set up automatic irrigation in TapHome with a virtual device of type **Multi-Value Switch** that selects the active zone, a smart rule **Sequencer** that irrigates the zones one after another, and a smart rule **Weekly schedule** that starts the sequence at regular times. You need irrigation valves for the individual zones. The result is central irrigation control with a push button that starts the sequence and a manual override that returns to automatic mode after a set time. A manual blocking switch and a **Limiting condition** based on rainfall can stop automatic irrigation when it is not needed.

Irrigation: a Weekly schedule smart rule presses the Run irrigation button, a Sequencer smart rule steps the Irrigation multi-value switch through the zones, and a smart rule sets the valves of zones 1 to 3 from its value; a limiting condition stops the schedule when the switch Blocking automatic irrigation is on or the rain gauge measured enough rainfall.


## Creating central irrigation control

1. **Settings → Virtual Devices**. **Add device**. Select **Multi-Value Switch**. Name the device **"Irrigation"**.
2. We will design it so that **the first value** indicates that irrigation is **off**. **The second value** can turn on the **first zone**, **the third value** another zone, and so on.
3. Add a Smart Rule to this device named **Set actions based on value of Multi-Value Switch**.
4. In this Smart Rule, set actions for the individual irrigation valves. That is, if the value is **off** for the central control virtual device, then set all irrigation valves to the **Off** action. If the value is **1**, then set the irrigation valves so that **1** is **On** and the others are **Off**. Do this for all zones.
5. On the virtual device **"Irrigation"**, also set **Manual override** to **Keep manual mode for a limited time**, for example **20 minutes**. This ensures that if a user accidentally switches irrigation manually to any of the zones, after 20 minutes it returns from manual mode back to automation, i.e., to the Off state.

## Creating an irrigation sequence

1. Now create a new virtual device of type **Push button** named **"Run irrigation"**.
2. Create a Smart Rule **Sequencer**, and in the **When sequencer is not running** section set this **"Run irrigation"** button as the trigger.
3. Each step of the sequencer will use the **Multi-Value Switch**, which we named **"Irrigation"** in the previous step.
4. Set a **duration** for each step, i.e., how long we want to irrigate that zone.
5. As the **last step**, set the **"Irrigation"** device to value **0**, i.e., to **Off**.

## Blocking automatic irrigation

Blocking automatic irrigation can be configured, for example, using a manual switch that we create as a virtual switch, and using rainfall measurement. More information on the page [Rain measurement](https://taphome.com/en/docs/functional-areas/irrigation/rain-measurement/).

### Creating manual blocking

1. **Settings → Virtual Devices → Add device → Digital output**.
2. Name: **"Blocking automatic irrigation"**.
3. **Text for "On"**: **"Blocked"**.
4. **Text for "Off"**: **"Active"**.
5. Set icons to make it intuitive.

## Automatic irrigation triggering

1. Create a Smart Rule **Weekly schedule**, which will press the **"Run irrigation"** button at regular times.
2. In the weekly plan, also set **Limiting condition**. Set it to type **Formula**.
3. As variables, insert three values:
   - **Blocking automatic irrigation** (``Block``)
   - **Rainfall volume, sum over 3h** (``Rainfall_3h``)
   - **Rainfall volume, sum over 48h** (``Rainfall_48h``)
4. The formula will then look as follows:

```taphome
(Block = 0) AND (Rainfall_3h < 10) AND (Rainfall_48h < 25)
```

[YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YM0do-qGhM)

**See also** — [Scheduler](https://taphome.com/en/docs/smart-rules/scheduler/).

## Irrigation tasks

- [Rainfall measurement](https://taphome.com/en/docs/functional-areas/irrigation/rain-measurement/) — Measure rainfall to block automatic irrigation