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There are two options for non-electronic sprinkler and drip-system timers: mechanical and battery-operated.
Mechanical timers attach to a hose bibb or hose Y; you simply set the dial to the amount of time you want it to water. However, since a mechanical timer does not use a power source, you have to set it manually every time you want to water.
A battery-operated timer also attaches to the hose bibb or hose Y and will turn the system on and off automatically at scheduled times.
Some allow you to set it for multiple-day intervals, specific days of the week, or several times a day. The model you choose will also determine whether it controls just one circuit or multiple circuits, each with its own schedule. Opt for one that will let you know when power’s running low—if the battery goes dead, you’ll lose what you’ve programmed in.
