Water level indicator with PNP transistor
If it still turns on with R1 removed I suspect a wiring issues. 

However, you need to move R1 left or R2, as shown below, so it does not form a voltage divider which will allow the base to still be biased on a little.

If it still turns on with a hard short across the probe something else is up.







simulate this circuit &ndash; Schematic created using CircuitLab

These circuits are VERY dependent on the resistance of the probe though, especially top side like that. You might be better off doing it this way.







simulate this circuit