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The tap timer is the secret weapon of the time-poor gardener, controlling the flow of water from the tap to your thirsty garden and lawn, without you setting foot in the backyard. “A tap timer is a device that connects your tap to your hose, which will normally then feed into a sprinkler, soaker hose or weeper. It ensures your garden can get the love it needs without depending on you being around,” says Bunnings watering buyer Alex Pal.
Based on your garden’s water needs, the tap timer can be set to irrigate at set intervals (such as every 12 hours, or every second day) and for defined periods (such as five minutes or an hour). They range from simple devices that merely switch off after a set period, to ingenious garden helpers that can adjust their output based on climate conditions.
A tap timer is similar to, but different from, a tap controller or irrigation controller, which manages water from the tap to an entire irrigation system. The controller connects to solenoid valves, which function as gates in an irrigation set-up, and allows you to run multiple irrigation zones off the one tap. By contrast, tap timers have the solenoid valve built into the body of the timer and are usually designed to control a single irrigation system.
There is an enormous range of tap timer options to choose from, based on your budget, the scale of your garden, and how many bells and whistles you want or need.
If you’re looking for a reliable low-tech option for your home’s backyard that prevents unnecessary water waste, a manual tap timer might be just the ticket. This mechanical dial allows you to dictate how long you want the tap to run, and will automatically switch off the water at the end of that period. The downside is you still have to manually turn on the timer when it’s watering time, but once started, you don’t have to remember to return and switch it off.
Like a manual tap timer, digital or electronic tap timers allow you to control the duration your garden is watered. The additional benefit of a digital timer over manual one, though, is you can set watering to repeat at predetermined periods, such as every 12, 24 or 48 hours, making them the ultimate ‘set and forget’ irrigation assistant. They run off battery or solar power, and battery-powered units will continue this watering schedule until the battery runs out.
If you’re planning a dawn watering schedule, check the packaging before you buy. “One thing to note is that some timers need you to set up the frequency parameter at the starting time you want it to recur at,” says Alex. “This means if you want to have your sprinkler go off at 4am every two days, you will need to set it up at 4am the first time you do this.”
Smart tech is changing the way we garden, and smart tap timers are arguably one of the best uses of this technology. Essentially, smart tap timers operate the same way as normal digital tap timers, but connect to an app on your phone to give you much greater control. “This enables you to be far more prescriptive with the timing and duration of your watering, and this can all be controlled from the comfort of your couch. If you choose to purchase a Wi-Fi tap timer, you can even control it from the other side of the globe,” says Alex. A smart tap timer also gives you the power of information, allowing you to monitor flow rates and water usage.
Smart timers make up for one of the shortcomings of a regular digital tap timer – the latter will continue to operate according to the set schedule regardless of changing conditions, meaning you’ll have irrigation running even when it’s been pouring rain. By contrast, a smart timer can alter its schedule to suit – you may be able to connect it to the local weather service and set restrictions based on forecast rainfall. For example, if more than 5mm of rain is forecast within 24 hours, the scheduled watering will be automatically cancelled.
A tap timer can be an effective garden maintenance tool for saving water, but to make the most of its potential as a water-wise device, follow these tips:
Watering the garden when the sun will have least impact allows water to be absorbed into the ground most effectively and with little evaporation, which your plants will thank you for. Set your timer to deliver water early in the morning (well before the day heats up) or later in the afternoon or evening.
“Understanding your soil type and plants will enable you to be more tailored in the amount of water that is required,” says Alex. A customised watering schedule means happier, healthier plants, as well as less water wastage. If parts of your garden have wildly different needs (the vegie garden versus a bed of native grasses, for example) consider upgrading to a multi-station irrigation system.
Connect the tap timer to the most water-wise irrigation system for your plants. “Using products such as weepers or drippers may ensure less water is being lost to mist dispersion,” says Alex. Look at the needs of your own garden – a sprinkler system may be best for large outdoor spaces or hard-to-reach spots of your yard, but go for the most water-wise option where you can.
A smart tap timer can adjust the watering schedule according to the specific conditions in your garden, by talking to connected accessories. Compatible smart weather stations and moisture sensors can feed information back to the smart tap timer, allowing it to tailor watering to suit your garden’s needs.
Check out this guide for more water-smart gardening tips.
Photo Credit: Getty Images, Natasha Dickins, Ashley St George
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
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