Simple mechanical timers automate water shutoff, but because they have no power source or memory, you must set them every time you want to water. Most types attach directly to a hose bibb or to a hose-Y. Simply turn the dial to the desired watering time. The timer usually has an override setting to enable you to use the faucet normally.

A battery-operated timer attached to your hose bibb or hose-Y will turn your system on and off at designated times. Depending on the model, you may be able to schedule the timer to turn on at intervals (such as every third or fifth day) or on certain days of the week. Some models will repeat short cycles up to several times a day.

Most battery timers can control just one circuit hooked to the hose bibb, but you can also buy timers that connect to your faucet and control up to four circuits, each with its own start time and duration.

You can purchase battery-operated timers with dials or keypads and digital readouts for setting your program. Look for a model that has a “low battery“ indicator; the timer’s memory will fail when the batteries do.

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