Understanding Sprinkler Timers

Sprinkler Timers (occasionally called controllers) are instruments used to regulate sprinkler systems. They govern when and how often particular sprinkler zones in your sprinkler system will come on. Older timers are electronic and often have complex push-button interfaces. You can regulate new smart timers via your smartphone using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth technology. Some of these more recent timers, like the B-Hyve from Orbit, do not include a user interface on the unit itself and demand an apparatus such as a phone or a tablet for a user to interface with them.

Most timers work using off-the-wall energy as an input (120v in the US). The signal sent is typically an alternating current (AC) 24v alert. This signal opens up a solenoid on the opposite end of the wiring.

Different Kinds of Sprinkler Timers

Most brands of sprinklers also fabricate and market sprinkler timers. However, the most common timers now are more aged electronic timers with button interfaces and smart timers communicating with phone and device interfaces. These two kinds of timers make up most sprinkler timers in modern sprinkler systems. Occasionally, there can be more senior mechanical control boxes that need to be activated manually to turn a zone on or off. But nowadays, these are rare and should be upgraded to an electrical system for the comfort of use and upkeep.

Programming Your Sprinkler Timers

Sprinkler timers differ widely in how you should do programming. In short, you should check your owner's manual to understand how to program your exact timer. There is also an obligatory water restriction in many places due to drought. However, regional watering guidance and limitations usually give you a reasonably good idea of how frequently and how much you should moisten your lawn.

The amount you wet your plants and lawn also relies on a few elements, such as soil classification, the slope of your landscaping, shade levels, the percentage of precipitation that reaches your location, and several other factors. That is one of the most significant advantages of having a smart timer system, as they automatically estimate how often you should water and inform you of those recommendations. If you don't own a smart timer for your system, we suggest calling your local sprinkler head repair experts to help you upgrade to one today. These smart timers will likewise automatically enforce a rain delay, further improving your water efficiency and grass watering plan, all without any responsibility from you.

If you're still operating an older button or dial-interfaced timer, programming the system to operate on an A/B cycle will help keep things separated. Monitor how green your grass is, and monitor for excess runoff rolling off your lawn. Finally, you can adjust your watering to match your lawn's needs perfectly.

Make sure you set a rain delay on more aged timers that don't have a smart water system. This helps control overwatering and should be completed every time there's precipitation in the forecast and sometimes even when there is just increased humidity.

We hope this post helps you better understand sprinkler timers. Contact us today to learn more about our sprinkler head repair services.