Before You Buy an Irrigation System Timer Make Sure You Know the Available Features

There are a lot of different makes and models of irrigation timers on the market today. There are also a lot of different styles of timers with different features you may or may not need. Before spending money on a timer with features you don’t need, it's a good idea to review what a timer is and what are the available styles and features.

An irrigation system timer is the device that controls when your watering system turns on and off. For years I used a kitchen timer. When I started the water I set the timer. When the timer dinged, I move the sprinkler or turned off the tap. Our first drip irrigation system with a timer was great. It would turn the water on and off for 15 minutes each day.

I have now advanced the system to water our hanging baskets and plants to use a drip irrigation system with a battery powered timer. If you are looking at upgrading your watering system here is some great information.

What are the basic styles of irrigation timers?

Mechanical Timer:

• Simple to use

• No power to hook up or batteries to change

• Attaches to your garden hose or tap

• Less expensive - $

Battery Powered Timer:

• Fairly simple to use

• Requires a battery, which should last for the entire season

• Attaches to your garden hose or tap

• More expensive - $$

Electric and Electronic Timer:

• Harder to use than the other two, but it has a lot more functionality

• Uses a low voltage transformer that you plug in or you may need to wire it to a circuit

• Usually connects into your main water supply

What are the different features of an irrigation system timer?

Mechanical Timer:

• You need to turn the water on each time you want to use it, but it has an automatic shutoff

• The automatic shutoff is based on a pre-set timer or volume of water used  

Battery Powered Timer:

• Has automatic on and off and you can schedule when to start watering each day

• Very convenient if you have watering regulations that are early in the morning or when you are at work or having fun in your back yard ;-) 

Electric and Electronic Timer:

• Can run multiple watering valves or runs

• Installation and programming are more complex but you get more options and flexibility to control the watering of your trees, shrubs and plants

• Can turn on and off more than one watering valve

• Can schedule different times for each valve independently

• Usually has a key pad with a display that you can use to program

• Wires are run to watering valve to control on and off

• May have a battery back up to save the programs if it looses power

• You may want to get a professional to install this system or get a good book on automatic plant watering system.

What do you need to Purchase?

Now you know the different styles and features. The next thing to do is pick out the right irrigation timer for your needs. Here are a few questions to help you decide.

For more information on irrigation systems please read this article on planning a drip irrigation system.

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