Green Guru LLC Irrigation & Landscape Lighting

Leak Detection & Remote Shutoff

Stop $5,000 Water Bills — SRMS Leak Detection

Tired of hidden irrigation leaks draining your wallet? Most smart controllers schedule water — but they can’t detect leaks. Result? You discover a $5,000 water bill from a broken valve or mainline crack 45 days after the damage started.

SRMS monitors water flow in real-time, catches failures within minutes, and shuts off water remotely — so hidden leaks never become $5,000 bills.

Built for typical 1" and 2" irrigation systems in Rochester, MI and surrounding Oakland and Macomb County areas.

Instant phone alerts when leaks detected Real-time flow monitoring Remote shutoff from anywhere Prevents $3,000-5,000 water bills

Also see: Service AreasROI worksheetService Plans

Quick Answer: What is SRMS?

SRMS is Green Guru's irrigation leak detection and remote shutoff system. It monitors water flow in real-time, catches hidden leaks within minutes (average: 8 minutes), and sends instant phone alerts so you can shut off water remotely — preventing $3,000-5,000 bills from mainline breaks or stuck valves. Works with professional cellular connectivity (no dependence on property Wi-Fi).

Why SRMS vs. Basic Smart Controller?

Basic Smart Controller Green Guru SRMS
Weather-based scheduling only Weather scheduling + leak detection
No leak detection Catches leaks within 8 minutes (average)
No flow monitoring Real-time flow monitoring via cellular
Can't shut off water remotely Remote shutoff from your phone
You discover leaks when the $5,000 bill arrives Instant alerts prevent damage
Depends on property Wi-Fi Professional cellular (works when Wi-Fi fails)

Real results: SRMS prevented $47,000 in water damage across 12 properties in 2025. Average leak detection time: 8 minutes (vs. 45 days with standard timers). One HOA avoided a $12,000 mainline break by shutting off water remotely within 6 minutes of the alert.

What SRMS™ does

  • Turns irrigation from a timer into a managed system (with clear scope, known constraints, and documented settings).
  • Improves scheduling discipline with weather-smart adjustments and consistent baseline programming.
  • Helps reduce mid-season surprises by making diagnostics faster (Tier 2 protection where supported) and follow-through predictable (Tier 3 response).
  • Helps HOA and high-traffic sites reduce chronic overwatering that can soften turf, create ruts, and shorten equipment life.

SRMS is service-scoped. The Company confirms fit during an inspection and quotes the right tier path.

Tier 1 hardware: Smart Node (The Foundation)

Smart Node is the Company’s Tier 1 foundation package for irrigation: professional communications plus smart control (Rachio 3, 8- or 16-zone), configured for serviceability and reliable control. It’s built for real-world installs where power is available but reliable internet isn’t. For landscape lighting, the Company uses a related foundation device called Smart Link (cellular internet + local Wi‑Fi; no irrigation controller).

  • Dedicated connection: professional connectivity keeps the controller reachable even when property internet is not available at the install location.
  • Controller included: Rachio 3 (8- or 16-zone) installed + baseline standards (optional monthly add-ons/subscriptions not included).
  • Lighting-ready (via Smart Link): see Smart Link guide.

Rachio 3 benefits (when it fits)

  • Easier adjustments: seasonal and mid-season changes with less friction than legacy timers.
  • Weather-aware scheduling: can reduce unnecessary watering when configured correctly.
  • Remote visibility/control: makes it easier to verify what the system is doing (and why).
  • Cleaner zone management: better naming + documentation reduces confusion over time.

Smart control isn’t a substitute for mechanical repairs. The Company verifies wiring integrity, zone mapping, and a practical baseline program. See the Rachio controller guide.

View Tier 1 Smart Node guide

SRMS™ tiers

Choose the outcome you need: reliable control, protection from failures, and (when it fits) priority response.

Tier 1 — Connectivity + Smart Control

Control sprinklers from anywhere. Weather-smart scheduling. Professional cellular connection (works when Wi-Fi doesn't reach).

  • Control from phone: Adjust schedules remotely, verify zones running correctly
  • Works offline: Professional cellular keeps controller online (no property Wi-Fi needed)
  • Weather-aware: Rachio 3 controller adjusts watering based on rain, temperature, humidity
  • Upgradeable: Add leak detection (Tier 2) or priority service (Tier 3) later

Tier 1 details

Tier 2 — Connectivity + Protection

Catches leaks within minutes. Instant phone alerts. Remote shutoff prevents $5,000 water bills.

  • Leak detection: Flow monitoring catches hidden leaks within 8 minutes (average)
  • Instant alerts: Phone notification when abnormal water usage detected
  • Remote shutoff: Turn off water from anywhere to prevent damage
  • Best for: Properties where a $5,000 leak would be painful (most homeowners, HOAs)

Tier 2 details

Tier 3 — Connectivity + Protection + Response

Leak detection + priority repair response. 24-hour scheduling during peak season. Prevents damage, fixes problems fast.

  • Everything in Tier 2: Flow monitoring, instant alerts, remote shutoff
  • Priority scheduling: 24-hour response during irrigation season (April-October)
  • Scheduled maintenance: Spring activation, mid-season check, fall winterization
  • Best for: HOAs, commercial properties, and homeowners who want full peace of mind

Tier 3 details

More: ROI worksheetService Plans

Ready to scope SRMS? Online BookingRequest a Free Inspection

Reliability

Dedicated connectivity

Smart Node can add professional connectivity where property Wi-Fi doesn’t reach or isn’t available, keeping control and visibility serviceable when conditions are real-world.

Protection

Proactive safeguards

Flow monitoring and protection logic reduce waste and surface issues before they become damage.

Follow-through

Response with accountability

Service integration turns monitoring into scheduled action and documented follow-through.

How service works

  • 1

    Inspect & scope

    The Company confirms fit (1"/2" class), power/placement, and pressure under flow, then documents constraints and recommends the right tier.

  • 2

    Install + baseline

    Install Smart Node (connectivity + Rachio 3), set a clean baseline program, and document settings so the system stays serviceable.

  • 3

    Protect + monitor

    When site-supported, add abnormal-flow monitoring and safeguards to reduce waste and shorten diagnostics.

  • 4

    Maintain + respond

    Pair SRMS with Service Plans so monitoring turns into scheduled follow-through and priority response.

What you get (deliverables)

  • Managed control: clear zone naming, baseline programming, and remote access keep schedules consistent.
  • Connectivity foundation: Smart Node provides dedicated internet access where property Wi-Fi does not reach, keeping control and reporting online.
  • Protection (Tier 2, where supported): flow monitoring and safeguards reduce waste and shorten diagnostics.
  • Response path (Tier 3): Service Plans connect monitoring to scheduled action.

SRMS is service-scoped. The Company confirms feasibility during an inspection and then quotes the right tier and upgrade path.

Get SRMS scoped

Best fit: HOAs, shared common areas, and properties where reliable control and faster diagnostics matter.

Online Booking Request a Free Inspection

Also see: Smart irrigation details and Service Plans.

SRMS Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about SRMS leak detection, pricing, installation, and how it prevents $5,000 water bills.

What is SRMS?

SRMS is Green Guru's irrigation leak detection and remote shutoff system. It monitors water flow in real-time, catches hidden leaks within minutes (average: 8 minutes), and sends instant phone alerts so you can shut off water remotely — preventing $3,000-5,000 bills from mainline breaks or stuck valves.

How much does SRMS cost in Rochester, MI?

SRMS pricing is service-scoped (quoted after inspection). Typical range: Tier 1 (connectivity + smart control) starts around $800-1,200. Tier 2 (adds leak detection + flow monitoring) typically $1,800-2,400. Tier 3 (includes priority service response) $2,400+ plus annual service plan. Final cost depends on system size (8-zone vs 16-zone), power availability, and site constraints. Request a free inspection for exact quote.

How does SRMS prevent $5,000 water bills?

SRMS Tier 2 monitors water flow continuously. When it detects abnormal usage (broken mainline, stuck valve, cracked pipe), it sends an instant phone alert within minutes. You can then shut off water remotely from your phone — stopping the leak before it runs for 30-45 days unnoticed (which causes $3,000-5,000 bills). Real example: One HOA avoided a $12,000 mainline break by shutting off water within 6 minutes of the alert.

What happens when SRMS detects a leak?

Tier 2 automated response: (1) Flow monitoring detects abnormal water usage within 5-10 minutes. (2) Instant phone alert sent to property owner/manager. (3) You review the alert and shut off water remotely via phone app. (4) System stays off until you manually restart it. (5) Schedule Green Guru for leak diagnosis and repair. Optional: Tier 3 includes priority 24-hour scheduling during irrigation season.

Can SRMS shut off water automatically?

Yes, but requires manual confirmation for safety. When SRMS detects abnormal flow, it sends an instant phone alert. You then shut off water remotely via the app. Fully automatic shutoff (without confirmation) is available as an advanced option for commercial properties, but most residential customers prefer the confirmation step to avoid false shutoffs during normal high-use events.

How does SRMS work when my property Wi-Fi is down?

SRMS uses professional cellular connectivity (not property Wi-Fi). The Smart Node includes a dedicated cellular modem that keeps the system online even when property internet fails or doesn't reach the install location (common for valve boxes, controller locations in garages/basements). This is why SRMS stays reachable for monitoring and remote control under real-world conditions.

What causes $5,000 irrigation water bills?

Common causes: (1) Mainline break (cracked pipe before valves, runs 24/7 undetected). (2) Stuck valve (valve fails closed position, zone runs continuously). (3) Lateral line crack (pipe break after valve, leaks during scheduled runtime + bleeds slowly between cycles). (4) Controller malfunction (runs multiple zones simultaneously or extends runtime). These failures can run 30-45 days unnoticed, resulting in 200,000-400,000 gallons ($3,000-5,000 bills).

How long does it take SRMS to detect a leak?

Average: 8 minutes from leak start to phone alert. Flow monitoring samples water usage every 30-60 seconds. When usage exceeds normal baseline (established during installation), the system waits 5-10 minutes to rule out normal high-use events (multiple zones running, manual testing), then sends alert. This is 6,480 times faster than discovering leaks via monthly water bill (45 days).

Will SRMS work with my existing sprinkler controller?

SRMS Tier 1 replaces your existing controller with a Rachio 3 smart controller (8-zone or 16-zone). This is necessary for remote access, weather-aware scheduling, and integration with flow monitoring (Tier 2). Your existing wiring, valves, and zones stay unchanged — only the controller is upgraded. If your current controller is working well, Tier 1 may not be necessary (but Tier 2 leak detection requires the smart control foundation).

What's the difference between SRMS and a regular smart controller?

Regular smart controller (Rachio, Rain Bird, Hunter): Weather-based scheduling, remote access, depends on property Wi-Fi. SRMS Tier 1: Adds professional cellular connectivity (works when Wi-Fi fails). SRMS Tier 2: Adds real-time flow monitoring, leak detection within minutes, instant phone alerts, remote shutoff. SRMS Tier 3: Adds priority service response (24-hour scheduling during peak season, scheduled maintenance). Key difference: SRMS detects and prevents $5,000 leaks. Standard smart controllers only schedule water.

Can I control SRMS from my phone?

Yes. SRMS uses the Rachio app (iOS/Android) for sprinkler control: adjust schedules, start/stop zones manually, view watering history, receive alerts. Flow monitoring and leak alerts are also delivered via the app. Remote shutoff (Tier 2) is a one-tap action within the app. Professional cellular connectivity keeps the system reachable even when property Wi-Fi is unavailable.

What's the difference between Tier 1, 2, and 3?

Tier 1: Connectivity + smart control (Rachio 3 controller + professional cellular, no property Wi-Fi needed). Tier 2: Tier 1 + leak detection (flow monitoring, instant alerts, remote shutoff, prevents $5,000 bills). Tier 3: Tier 2 + priority service (24-hour scheduling, spring activation, mid-season check, fall winterization). Think of it as: Tier 1 = smart scheduling, Tier 2 = leak prevention, Tier 3 = leak prevention + priority repairs.

Do I need customer Wi-Fi for SRMS?

No. SRMS includes professional cellular connectivity via the Smart Node. This provides dedicated internet access for the controller and flow monitoring hardware, independent of property Wi-Fi. This is critical for valve box locations, garages, and basements where Wi-Fi signal doesn't reach. Cellular coverage in Rochester/Oakland County is reliable (Verizon/AT&T). No monthly Wi-Fi fees passed to customer.

Is SRMS better than a regular Rachio controller?

SRMS Tier 1 includes a Rachio 3 controller — but adds professional cellular connectivity so it stays online when property Wi-Fi fails. Tier 2 adds flow monitoring and leak detection (Rachio alone can't detect leaks). So: If you just want smart scheduling and have reliable Wi-Fi at the controller location, a standalone Rachio may be enough. If you want leak detection that prevents $5,000 bills, or need connectivity where Wi-Fi doesn't reach, SRMS is the better choice.

Can I upgrade from Tier 1 to Tier 2 later?

Yes. SRMS is modular. You can start with Tier 1 (connectivity + smart control) and add Tier 2 flow monitoring later without replacing existing components. Upgrade cost: typically $800-1,200 (flow meter hardware + installation + baseline calibration). Tier 3 (service response) is a service plan add-on, not a hardware upgrade. This allows properties to phase in SRMS as budget allows or needs change.

Can SRMS be installed in phases?

Yes. SRMS is modular. Properties can start at Tier 1 (connectivity + smart control) and upgrade to Tier 2 (leak detection) or Tier 3 (priority service) later without replacing existing components. Common path: Install Tier 1 during spring activation, add Tier 2 flow monitoring mid-season or the following year. This spreads out the investment while building toward full protection.

Is there a monthly fee for SRMS?

Cellular connectivity (included in all SRMS tiers): No monthly fee passed to customer — connectivity cost is built into the upfront installation price. Rachio app (for controller access): Free for basic features. Optional Rachio subscription (advanced weather intelligence): $30/year (optional, not required). Tier 3 service response: Requires active Service Plan ($300-600/year depending on plan level). Summary: Tier 1-2 have no ongoing fees. Tier 3 requires service plan.

What can prevent SRMS from being installed?

Common blockers: (1) No power at install point (controller/flow meter location). (2) System size outside 1"/2" scope (3"+ systems require custom approach). (3) Buried or unsafe valve box access (must be cleared first). (4) Pressure/flow conditions that need correction before monitoring can work (excess pressure, pressure-reducing valve failure). (5) Cellular coverage gaps (rare in Rochester/Oakland County). Green Guru confirms fit during free inspection and quotes the cleanest path forward, including any prerequisite repairs.

Next step

Start with a free inspection so the Company can confirm fit and recommend the right tier. SRMS is quoted after inspection to match real-world site constraints.

More: Smart control hubTier 1 flyerService Plans