Save time and money with watering your lawn even if you don’t have a sprinkler system. Or even if you do. I don’t have a sprinkler system. Several people have suggested that I get one but I don’t want to repair them. Let’s say I am never going to be a plumber. Hats off to all of you who like working with plumbing and sprinkler systems.
Soaker hoses
However, even if you have a sprinkler system you may want to use a timer system for the flower beds next to your house or even those raised garden boxes. In my flower beds, I use soaker hoses. They are perfect for me in this area. To me, soaker hoses in raised garden beds and flower beds next to your home are so effective. They get the water where it needs to be without minerals from the water spraying on your house or other areas. Since the water is reaching those plant roots directly. There is potentially less water used. Another great item that I use with my water timer is:
Melnor Quick connectors
Melnor is a brand that I have used for many of my lawn accessories including quick-connect accessories. I use Quick Connect because sometimes it is a pain to remove hoses and unscrew sprinklers. This is just a simple way to get yard work done effectively. In fact, I seem to have no leaking with these neat connectors. (if you have an older parent they can most easily use these connectors without any issues).
1st picture – are quick connectors after 3 or 4 years. Yes, there are other parts that go with these connectors. The ones pictured here are just the ones from my water timer. Not the ones that are used for the hoses or other sprinklers. 2nd picture – after Vaseline was used to aid in keeping these connectors releasing easily. I usually use a silicone product, but I was out. Hence, you use what you have got and it works almost as well.
Melnor 4-hose water timer
Why 4 slots?
I have 4 hoses because I have a rather large backyard. One of my landscaping garden areas (flower bed) is on the left side of my backdoor by the patio and the other is on the right side of the patio. Therefore, zone 1 and zone 4 work perfectly for this situation.
Both zones 1 and 4 have small hoses attached to them to reach the garden areas. From there the hoses have soaker hoses attached. These soaker hoses then are staked in the dirt to water all of the plants.
The 2nd spot is used for a hose that usually waters most of the lawn. The 3rd spot is attached to a very long hose that extends to the back of the yard where there is more landscaping and will be raised garden boxes.
Battery operated
The Melnor timer uses 2 AA batteries and the back battery compartment is watertight. Sometimes a bit harder to remove. Pictured below is the battery compartment for the old timer that I have used for 3 years.
It looks like new even after being used for 3 years. It looks better than it does in the picture. Yes, it is dirty but not waterlogged or any damage at all.
Best Features of Water Timer
There are 4 different zones. 4 different cycles. You can customize it to anything that works for you. You can set it up for any time, any day, and any length of time. They can even all go at the same time. You can even turn it all off for rain for 24 hours.
Manual operation
It also has a manual feature which I use quite often in the spring when I don’t know how the weather is going to change. Again, you can have 2 hoses or more going at the same time during manual operation. This is a great time saver when I want both soaker hoses to run at the same time but for different lengths of time. The customization is key in saving time and money with your lawn watering.
Easy to set up
The ease of setting this up is so nice and a big screen to see the numbers easily. I can even see it at night if I put the flashlight on it. It doesn’t glow in the dark. Melnor if you are listening that would be a great feature. Am I wrong? Lots of people water their lawns at night. I think this would be great to see what zone is running or how much more time that zone has left at night.
Cons of water timer
I have had some leaking with this product. It doesn’t leak from where it is attached to the outdoor faucet. Ultimately, It is with some of the hoses when they are attached to the lawn timer. It is mainly 2 and 3 slots. In all fairness, my water pressure is intense. I have a main water line for the City running right near my property. Furthermore, I have been told this is a common problem for several people. It is worth noting because it is not fun.
Top of the timer where it attaches to the faucet
My old one broke right where it attaches to the outdoor faucet. I did bump it several times with patio chairs, ladders, BBQ, etc. (In the spring, you are just pulling things out and setting them up, stuff happens). I tried to repair it will welding putty but it didn’t work. Stay tuned for me to take it apart and see if I can attach new PVC, but that is down the road.
Rubber washer or gasket
You will need these to help with leaking issues. I would suggest the rubber washer or gasket(s) on the left. These, are placed where the 4 hoses are attached. They fit perfectly. It is always good to keep several of these and other types around for the spring and summer months.
Old verse New
Even though it broke after 3 years, I still think it held up very well. My brother said I was lucky to get 2 years out of a timer. I don’t like that manufacturers make things break so easily now. It is everything not just water timers.
The old ones look worse than it is that is just dirt on the screen it is not broken or anything. I just didn’t feel like cleaning off the old Melnor water timer. Still in great shape and works well, except for the top. It is a bummer because I think it would have lasted about 6 to 8 years, at least.
Other Melnor water timer
I do use another Melnor timer and I may write a post on that later as it is different in its function.
Other uses
If you are in the market for a water timer this one is good and it would be perfect to set up several raised garden boxes. Set up a hose to run water for the pet (cat). Sometimes just like kids, outdoor water is exciting for cats. I don’t know if I would recommend the dog out all day. But if you, only have that option then it would work to run cold water at different times of the day for your dog as well. Or several sprinklers to run through at the same time on a hot summer day for you. Okay, the kids too.
Saving time and money
It may be obvious but it saves time and money by not having to move the hose. There is less wear and tear on your hoses. Not to mention, less twisting of the hose removing it. You don’t have to take the time to make sure you turn off the water.
It can also water the lawn while you are on vacation just like sprinklers. Keeping your landscaping watered in an approximate manner saves money. Also, there is no overwatering if you watch your settings.
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