Med over 15 års erfaring innen hagevanning og irrigasjonssystemer har han testet og vurdert utstyr for både private hager og grønnsaksbed.
Choosing an automatic watering timer
The automatic watering timer is the central unit of the system. Connected to solenoid valves placed on the watering zones, it controls the flow of water at preset times and for a preset duration.
To choose your automatic watering timer, you first need to determine the number of watering zones your installation will include. Another key factor comes into play: will you be able to plug it into the mains or not?
Here are the different types of watering timers.
- The mechanical timer:
This is the simplest and least sophisticated form of watering automation. Fitted directly onto the tap — known as a tap timer — it consists of a dial that lets you select a watering duration. However, this operation must be repeated manually for every watering session, this type of timer cannot be programmed for a set watering frequency, and it can only be connected to one or two watering zones. When you’re away, you’ll need to have someone else take care of a third of your garden’s watering.
- Tap timer:
Fitted onto the tap, it lets you control watering for one or two zones, for example a drip line for the vegetable garden and sprinklers for the lawn. With this type of watering timer, you can set a watering frequency (daily, weekly…) and a watering duration in advance. The electronic timer, with one or several zones, gives your watering system full autonomy.
- Mains-powered timer:
Installing this type depends on whether it can be connected to the mains. If your garden includes more than two types of planting — for example, a lawn, flower beds, a hedge and a vegetable garden — you’ll need a multi-zone timer. Each zone must be fitted, inside an access box, with a solenoid valve, which can be thought of as an electronic tap. The opening and closing of the solenoid valves is controlled by the timer.
- Battery-powered timer:
The battery-powered timer is designed for sites without access to electricity. It can manage several zones via solenoid valves. The programmable solenoid valve is a cost-effective alternative to a timer if your automatic watering system has only one watering zone: it’s installed inside an access box and is, of course, weather-resistant.
Feel free to contact our shop for advice on choosing an automatic watering timer, via our contact form.
