Make garden irrigation easy with a tap timer. These handy devices help maintain a healthy, well watered garden, saving time and preventing water wastage.
What is a tap timer?
A tap timer controls the flow of water from the tap to your garden or lawn, without human intervention.
The device can be set up to irrigate at intervals (such as every 6 hours or every second day) or for a period of time such as an hour or 20 minutes.Â
If you often forget to water your plants, are short on time or going on holiday, a tap timer is a great investment.
Types of tap timers
Manual Tap Timers
A manual tap timer often feataures a mechanial dial/timer for you to dictate how long you want the tap to run for. It will usually automatically switch off the water at the end of the specified time period
Digital tap timers/Water computers
Much like a manual tap timer, a digital tap timer/water computer also is for controlling the water for your garden/lawn. The benefit of a digital tap timer/water computer often allows you to set programs for periods of time, and repeating intervals, rather than just setting a time period like you would on a manual tap timer.
Smart tap timers
Smart tap timers work the same as digital tap timers, however they often connect to an app on your phone allowing you to control it remotely. The app will often provide more information such as flow rates and water usage. Some may even utilise weather forecasting to determine how much water your garden/lawn needs.
Tips for Using Tap Timers
Choose the right time to water
Watering your garden/lawn will be the most effective when the sun has the least impact to minimalise evaporation and allow the most amount of water to be absorbed. Especially in summer, set your timer to deliver the water early in the morning or late afternoon/evening.
Research your plants & soil type
Having a good understanding of your soil type and plants will ensure you can tailor your watering program to meet their needs. This means happier, healthier plants and potentially less water wastage if you were previously overwatering. If your garden has wildly differing needs, consider upgrading to a multi-station system.
Use the right irrigation method
Not every plant will thrive under a sprinkler, some may prefer a weeper or drip system. Assess the needs of your own garden, you may need multiple systems.
