Every gardener wants a lush green lawn, pretty flowers, and a vast vegetable harvest. But changing your garden into horticultural heaven can be a prolonged process.
By using a water timer to schedule those all-important watering sessions, you can relax and let your spray irrigation system do all the hard work. You will be 100% confident that your garden will receive the vital water it needs to grow.
The 7 Best Water Timers
- Orbit 62061Z Single-Outlet Hose Watering Timer (Our Top Pick)
- CROSOFMI Sprinkler Timer Digital Water Timer
- DIG BO9D – Digital Watering Timer
- Raindrip R675CT Analog 3-Dial Water Timer
- Gilmour 804014-1001 400GTD Outlet Electronic Water Timer
- Melnor Sunrise Morning Water Timer
- RAINPOINT Sprinkler Timer
Our Top Pick for the Best Water Timer
Our top pick for the best water timer is the Orbit 62061Z Single-Outlet Hose Watering Timer.
We highly recommend the very popular Orbit Watering Timer for all your gardening needs.
Once you set up this effective and easy-to-program timer on your faucet, it will deliver the perfect amount of water to your plants, trees, or lawn at a convenient time. Although this particular timer has a single outlet, Orbit offers additional water timers with 2 or 3 outlets.
Check the price on AmazonSave Water and Gardening Effort with a Water Timer
A water timer is a crucial tool for any gardener and it will help you to create a great garden. If you are time-poor or you have forgotten to turn off your sprinkler or irrigation setup in the past, an automated timer will end these problems.
This clever device not only provides your plants and lawn with the right amount of water at the right time, but it also controls water usage so you can save on costly water bills.
Water Timer versus a Sprinkler Controller
While a sprinkler controller lets you automatically turn sprinklers on and off from inside your home or garage, a water timer fits straight onto a water faucet and controls the flow of water at its source.
Whether you are a newbie gardener, gardening fan, or a professional farmer, in just minutes, you will have a fully automated water irrigation system up and running any time you like.
How to Choose the Best Water Timer
Mechanical vs. Digital
Water hose timers come in one of two types: mechanical, or digital.
Mechanical hose timers are considered to be the easiest to use such as the Melnor Sunrise Water Timer. Just attach the timer to a hose, turn a dial to your preferred watering time, and walk away. The timer will start the watering right away and cut it off when that time is done.
Digital timers offer you more versatility and have many settings for various watering options. They may even have an LCD screen. If flowers or veggies need to be watered at sunrise and sunset, this smart timer will make sure they are well watered. No more soggy garden beds or lawns!
Battery Power
Most water timers usually require batteries. This means you do not have to worry about complex wiring or odd power outages. Make sure that you check the batteries regularly or the timer may not work properly.
The most commonly used batteries are a single 9-volt lithium battery, 2 standard AA batteries, or a solar-powered battery. However, you will probably have to supply your batteries.
A battery indicator is an excellent function. It lets you know when to change the battery or batteries.
Leak-proof
While most water timer manufacturers state that their water timers are leak-proof, high water pressure systems can still cause some leaks from the faucet. These are some of the things you can do to cut down leaks:
1. Make sure the rubber washer is set properly in position before connecting the timer’s connector to the faucet.
2. When you replace the batteries, make sure that the battery compartment is completely dry.
3. If you choose a solar-powered water timer, make sure that the solar panel is in the prime position to capture the sun’s rays.
Watering Zones
A water timer can be used for one or more watering zones. This will depend on how many hose outlets it has. A timer that has a single outlet such as the Orbit Watering Timer is perfect for a small garden. However, if you have a larger yard or a farm, a water timer that has multiple outlets will provide the water zoning coverage you need.
Just remember, attaching multiple hoses to a faucet can add extra strain. It can also cause leaks so always make sure your faucet is strong enough and check it regularly.
Watering Duration Programs
Watering duration programs vary. They can provide a flow of water from 1 minute up to, 120, 180, 240, or 360 minutes such as the Gilmour 804014-400GTD Electronic Outlet Water Timer.
Watering frequency lets you set the timer to run on regular timed intervals on specific days during the week or every day.
A rain delay feature is extremely useful as you can adjust the timer to stop on rainy days up to 24, 48, or 72 hours and restart when the rain has ceased.
As well as automatic programming, manual on/off buttons help to save on water usage especially during drought conditions. This handy function also allows you to turn the timer off and use the faucet for other tasks without losing the programming.
7 Best Water Timers – Reviews
1. Orbit 62061Z Single-Outlet Hose Watering Timer
The Orbit 62061Z Single-Outlet Hose Watering Timer is a great choice for gardeners.
Built strong, the watering timer’s heavy-duty durable weatherproof construction is ideal for rough outdoor conditions. You do not have to worry about dead plants or soggy lawns. The Orbit timer will automatically turn the water on and off and save you money doing it.
This easy-to-use timer features simple installation and digital programming. It has a large dial and LCD screen. It also has a manual button that allows for instant faucet use without deleting your set program.
There is no need for tools. Just set the start time, watering duration from 1 minute to 240 minutes; the watering frequency from every 6 hours up to 7 days. The timer retains the programming schedule even when you change the battery.
A built-in rain delay pauses your programmed schedule for 24, 48, or 72 hours, while the manual on/off function saves on water usage or allows for faucet functionality.
It is also available with 2 or 3-outlets. Orbit offers a 1-year limited warranty on the timer.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Good price
- Heavy-duty durable weatherproof construction
- Simple installation and digital programming
- Large dial and easy to read LCD screen
- Run time from 1-240 minutes
- Watering frequency intervals from every 6 hours to once every 7 days
- Manual override on/off button
- Rain delay for 24, 48 or 72 hours
- Saves water in drought conditions
- Available in 1, 2, or 3 outlets
- One-year limited warranty
Cons
- Plastic faucet connection can crack easily in direct sunlight
2. CROSOFMI Sprinkler Timer Digital Water Timer
The CROSOFMI Sprinkler Timer Digital Water Timer offers you lots of functionality for a garden, farming irrigation, or even for your swimming pool.
Designed for long-term durability, this timer has a reinforced IP65 waterproof nylon construction. It is more impact-resistant and wear-resistant than ABS plastic.
The new pneumatic sealed components have been tested to withstand 10kg of water pressure and stop leaks.
You can attach this timer to any faucet or water hose around your property as its connector joint is 360° rotatable. And it can be easily tightened even if it is leaning against the wall.
The simple control panel has large buttons and a bigger 3-inch HD screen that lets you see the data at a glance.
You can adjust the watering duration from 1-59 seconds or 1-300 minutes. Set the watering frequency from 1-23 hours or 1-15 days. Press the rain delay button to save water. Or the manual off button to stop the timer without deleting your existing program.
Other smart features include an auto-sleep mode, a child lock mode, and a battery power indicator. Another plus is the 2 AA batteries that can last up to 6 months.
CROSOFMI offers a 6-year limited warranty on the water timer.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Can be used for gardens, sprinkler, farm irrigation, or a swimming pool
- Can be used with low and high-pressure systems
- Durable reinforced nylon construction
- IP65 waterproof rating
- Impact, wear-resistant, and leakproof design
- Designed to stop leaks
- Connector joint is 360° rotatable and can be easily tightened even if it is leaning against the wall
- Simple control panel has a large dial and a bigger HD screen
- Watering duration from 1-59 seconds and 1-300 minutes
- Watering frequency for 1-23 hours or 1-15 days
- Water-saving rain delay mode
- Manual button
- Auto sleep mode
- Child lock mode
- Battery indicator
- Two AA batteries can last up to 6 months
- Six-year limited warranty
Cons
- Pricey
- Rubber ring on the connector can still leak if it is not attached to the black connector properly
- Some people found the programming a bit complex
3. DIG BO9D – Digital Watering Timer
The DIG BO9D – Digital Watering Timer is an excellent fit for a gardener who tends a small garden.
It is very easy to connect to an outdoor faucet, a garden hose, a sprinkler system, or a drip irrigation system.
This new and improved water timer has a large LCD screen and a simple 6-button control panel that gives you fast access to all the programs you need to keep your garden hydrated all year round.
Water duration timing ranges from 1 minute to 12 hours-59 minutes and can be adjusted in 1-minute intervals. The watering frequency function can be set for every day of the week. For easy manual operations, just press the Start and Stop buttons, and the rain mode is easily accessed by holding the OFF key for 3 seconds
Its sturdy ABS plastic construction protects the unit, while also ensuring long-term durability in harsh outdoor conditions. You do not have to worry about any power outages as the timer is powered by a 9-volt battery that can last up to 1 year.
The DIG timer can be used with a range of water pressure systems that are within the 10-80 PSI range. However, it may not be suitable for gravity-fed/low water pressure systems as it can restrict the water flow.
DIG offers a 3-year warranty on the water timer.
Pros
- High quality
- Very good value for money
- Reliable as well as efficient
- Easy to connect to a faucet, hose, sprinkler system, or a drip irrigation system
- Large LCD screen
- Simple 6-button control panel
- Water duration timing ranges from 1 minute to 12 hours/59 minutes and can be adjusted in 1-minute intervals
- Seven-day water frequency calendar
- Manual Start and Stop buttons
- Rain mode is easily accessed by holding the OFF key for 3 seconds
- Durable ABS plastic construction
- 9-volt battery can last up to 1 year
- Three-year warranty
Cons
- Pricey
- Hose washer connector is not very durable
- LCD screen can freeze if the battery is old
- Scheduling may be too simple for complex irrigation systems
- Not ideal for gravity-fed water pressure systems
4. Raindrip R675CT Analog 3-Dial Water Timer
Once you install the Raindrip R675CT Analog 3-Dial Water Timer, you will never have to worry about watering issues again.
This effective timer can be attached to an outdoor faucet and a garden hose. Its universal fitting can be used with any standard drip tubing setup. The 3-dial control panel gives you the option to automatically or manually program the timer.
As opposed to complex digital water timers, this analog timer is extremely easy to use. Turn the frequency dial to begin the watering cycle from 1-72 minutes. And the run-time dial to run from 1 minute up to 120 minutes.
The smaller dial allows you to manually adjust the watering programming from 1-90 minutes. And select the rain delay program for 24, 48, or 72 hours.
This timer is powered by 2 AA batteries. The low battery indicator tells you when the batteries need to be replaced. A fail-safe mode keeps the programming intact when battery power is low.
Raindrip offers a 3-year limited warranty on the water timer.
Pros
- Good quality
- Very good value for money
- Cheap price
- Durable waterproof design
- Very easy to program
- Can be attached to an outdoor faucet or garden hose
- Universal fitting for standard drip tubing
- Simple 3 dial control panel
- Watering frequency from 1-72 minutes
- Watering duration run time from 1-120 minutes
- Manual programming from 1-90 minutes
- Rain delay schedule for 24, 48, and 72 hours
- Low battery indicator
- Fail-safe protective mode for low battery power
- Three-year limited warranty
Cons
- Must have a minimum 15 PSI for the unit to work properly
- Some people may not like the 3-dial setup
- No LCD screen
5. Gilmour 804014-1001 400GTD Outlet Electronic Water Timer
The Gilmour 804014-1001 400GTD Outlet Electronic Water Timer is a smart solution for any gardener.
Day after day, you can count on this reliable timer to deliver water when and where it is needed the most.
The Gilmour timer is easy to set up and there are no tools required. Once you have attached the timer to your water hose and powered it up with 2 AA batteries, it will be ready to work.
Its simple control panel contains a central dial and a large LCD with big easy-to-read numbers.
To begin your watering schedule, turn the dial to the start time. Set watering frequency and duration time from 1 minute up to 360 minutes, and then press run. The left and right button control the dual water hose outlets and the + and – button adjusts the run time.
You can save water with the 24, 48, 72-hour rain delay button and also use the on/off function for manual watering.
Made from high-impact plastic, the Gilmour water timer provides good durability in harsh outdoor conditions.
Designed for effortless maneuverability, the innovative metal swivel faucet connection allows you to safely pull a hose around the yard without damaging the timer. This attachment also provides a secure connection that minimizes leaks so there is no wasted water.
This water timer also comes with a single water hose outlet. Gilmour offers a 2-year warranty on the water timer.
Pros
- High quality
- Very good value for money
- Reliable and water-efficient design
- Durable high impact plastic
- Easy to set up and there are no tools needed
- Simple control panel contains a central dial
- Large LCD display has big easy-to-read numbers
- Watering frequency and duration from 1-360 minutes
- Separate left and right button controls the dual water hose outlets
- A + and – button, to change the timer
- 24, 48, 72-hour rain delay button
- Dual outlets run 2 hoses at once
- Very good leakproof performance
- Original metal swivel faucet connection provides unlimited mobility without damaging the timer
- Available with a single outlet
- Two-year warranty
Cons
- Not ideal for low-pressure water systems
- Connectors may not fit all faucets very well
6. Melnor Sunrise Morning Water Timer
The Melnor Sunrise Morning Water Timer automatically waters your garden every morning with no programming.
If you are not tech-savvy, this simple but effective analog timer is incredibly easy to use. Just by using 2 AA batteries and harnessing the power of the sun, the Melnor offers you on-demand watering at a simple turn of a dial.
The built-in ultraviolet sensor detects sunlight and turns the water on for the pre-set amount of time. You can set a watering session from 5 minutes up to 120 minutes. You can use the manual function when you need the hose for other jobs.
The battery indicator will alert you when it is time to change the batteries. Featuring a water-smart design, the Melnor timer has a low water work system that saves on costly water bills.
Made from weather-resistant ABS plastic, this timer offers long-term durability.
Melnor offers a 7-year limited warranty on the water timer.
Pros
- Good quality
- Good value for money
- Affordable price
- Ideal for a small garden
- Easy to use
- Simple but potent design
- Water-saving operation
- Weather-resistant ABS plastic
- Automatically waters every morning with no programming
- Built-in UV sensor detects sunlight and turns the water on for the pre-set amount of time
- Watering session from 5 minutes up to 120 minutes
- Manual function
- Battery indicator
- Seven-year limited warranty
Cons
- Sensor fogs up causing malfunctions
- No watering frequency timing function
7. RAINPOINT Sprinkler Timer
The RAINPOINT Sprinkler Timer will help you to rest easy knowing that your garden is receiving the right amount of water no matter the season.
Designed with an advanced watering system and a low-pressure fully enclosed solenoid valve, the RAINPOINT water timer will quickly process complex watering programs so that you can save time, water, and money.
You will have no problem checking the accurate data at a glance as the timer has a large bright and clear 2.5-inch LCD screen, an easy-to-use large dial, and 2 orange buttons to set the timer.
Perfect for outdoor use, this timer has a durable UV-proof/IP54 weather-resistant ABS plastic housing. A leak-proof rubber gasket protects the battery from corrosion, and a filter screen stops debris from entering the timer.
The versatile RAINPOINT water timer has all the necessary programming functions to fulfill any type of watering needs, and it can be used for water pressure systems up to 116PSI.
It has 3 watering programs per day and each program can be set to a 12 hour or 24-hour mode and watering duration from 1 minute to 3 hours/59 minutes.
The 2 watering frequency modes give you the option of a week cycle mode (Monday to Sunday) or a day cycle mode. If rain is forecast, the OFF mode stops the timer without interrupting any preset programs. When the battery is low, the value will automatically shut off.
RAINPOINT offers a 1-warranty on the timer. The water timer comes in black, and black and gray.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Advanced watering system
- Low-pressure fully enclosed solenoid valve can quickly process complex watering programs
- Large bright and clear 2.5-inch LCD screen
- Easy to use large dial and 2 orange buttons
- Durable UV-proof/IP54 waterproof ABS plastic
- Leak-proof rubber gasket protects the battery from corrosion
- Filter screen stops debris from entering the timer
- Three watering programs include a 12-hour mode and a 24-hour mode
- Two watering frequency modes
- Watering duration from 1 minute to 3 hours/59 minutes
- OFF mode stops water temporarily without interrupting any preset programs
- Low battery automatic shut-off
- One-year warranty
- Available in black, and black and gray
Cons
- A bit pricey
- Not ideal for high water pressure systems over 116PSI
- Uses battery life quickly
Our Top Pick for the Best Water Timer
Our top pick for the best water timer is the Orbit 62061Z Single-Outlet Hose Watering Timer.
We highly recommend the very popular Orbit Watering Timer for all your gardening needs.
Once you set up this effective and easy-to-program timer on your faucet, it will deliver the perfect amount of water to your plants, trees, or lawn at a convenient time. Although this particular timer has a single outlet, Orbit offers additional water timers with 2 or 3 outlets.
Check the price on Amazon
