Summary of Reddit Comments on Outdoor Watering Timers

Pros and Cons of Various Outdoor Watering Timer Options

• Hose Timers:

  • Generally unreliable, prone to leaks and electronic issues.

• Hunter BTT:

  • Recommended as a higher quality option compared to other hose timers.

• Melnor Hose Timers:

  • Used for 2-4 weeks per year, worked well for some users.
  • Fragile, may break easily with a minor drop.

• Orbit 56619 Battery Hose Timers:

  • Used successfully for multiple seasons, require maintenance like battery removal and intake screen cleaning.

• Claber Aquadue:

  • Used for several years, requires bringing in during the winter.

• Orbit Wifi Setup:

  • Some users experienced issues with failed relays and overall unreliability.
  • A user created an alternative setup using cheap power supplies and cloud-controlled outlet adapter for automatic watering control.

• Diivoo Hose Timer:

  • Digital readout with batteries, reasonably priced at around $24 each.
  • Users are optimistic about their durability compared to other models.

General Watering Timer Maintenance Tips

• Hard water can lead to mineral deposits affecting the timer's valve.
• Keeping the timer outdoors during freezes can damage it.
• Regular maintenance, such as cleaning intake screens and winterizing, can prolong the lifespan of hose timers.

Reddit User Opinions on Outdoor Water Timer Options

• Positive Feedback:

  • "Every winter, I take out the batteries and I clean the intake screens, and leave them propped up in my garage so they can drain completely."
  • "Fully automatic now. It gets the weather from the Internet. Cost me $30 total."

• Negative Feedback:

  • "I ditched my defective orbit wifi setup and literally threw it in the trash."
  • "I bought 3 melnor timers (digital) and while they were fine for a while they are extremely fragile."

In conclusion, it's essential to choose a reliable outdoor watering timer and perform regular maintenance to ensure its longevity and proper functioning. Users have had varied experiences with different brands, emphasizing the importance of research and care in selecting the right option.