The sprinkler timer, often called a controller, dictates precisely when and for how long water is delivered to the landscape. While a well-programmed timer efficiently manages water use, its settings are not static. Seasonal weather shifts, changes in plant maturity, and unexpected events like heavy rainfall necessitate periodic adjustments. Understanding the basic steps for programming and overriding the system ensures water conservation and promotes a healthy lawn.
Initial Setup Setting the Clock and Date
Before establishing a watering regimen, the controller needs the correct time and date to execute the program accurately. This step typically involves locating the main dial or selector switch and turning it to the “Set Time” position. Use the plus and minus buttons to adjust the hour and minute, paying close attention to the AM or PM designation. An error here can cause the system to water at midnight instead of the preferred early morning.
For controllers that track the calendar, set the current year, month, and day. Setting the correct day of the week is important because it governs which days the programmed schedule will run. After confirming the time and date, return the dial to the “Run” or “Auto” position to save the changes.
Programming the Watering Schedule
Creating a permanent watering schedule involves setting three components: the start time, the duration for each zone, and the watering days. Many residential controllers offer multiple programs (A, B, and C) for different schedules, such as for turf, flowerbeds, or drip irrigation zones. This flexibility helps tailor watering to the specific needs of different plant types or soil conditions.
The first step is to designate a start time, which is the hour and minute the entire watering sequence for that program will begin. Most controllers allow for multiple start times, useful for specialized needs like new sod. For a standard lawn, one early morning start time is usually sufficient to minimize evaporation and reduce the risk of fungal disease. Once the first zone finishes its cycle, the controller automatically moves to the next zone in sequence until the program is complete.
Next, the run time, or duration, must be set for each individual zone, dictating how long the water will flow through that section. The appropriate duration varies depending on the type of sprinkler head. For instance, spray heads might run for 5 to 15 minutes, while slower-applying rotary heads or drip zones may require 20 to 40 minutes. Setting an unused zone to zero minutes ensures the controller skips it entirely during the scheduled run.
Finally, select the watering days to complete the schedule. This can be done by selecting specific days of the week or by using an interval setting, such as watering every third day. For established turf, watering infrequently but deeply is recommended to encourage deeper root growth, making two to three days per week a common practice. After all three components are set, switch the controller back to the “Run” or “Auto” position to activate the programmed schedule.
Making Seasonal Adjustments
The seasonal adjust feature, often called “Water Budgeting,” modifies the established program’s run times without manually changing each zone’s duration. This function is useful for adapting the irrigation schedule to changing water demands throughout the year. The setting works on a percentage basis, where 100% represents the full run time programmed in the schedule.
Adjusting the percentage globally affects all zones within a program. For example, setting the seasonal adjust to 50% cuts every zone’s run time in half. Conversely, during peak summer heat, increasing the adjustment to 125% increases all run times by one-quarter to compensate for higher evapotranspiration rates.
This system saves time and simplifies making seasonal changes to conserve water during cooler or wetter periods. When setting the initial schedule, set the seasonal adjust to 100% to ensure the base times are correct before applying any percentage modification. The controller maintains this adjusted percentage until a new value is entered.
Manual Operation and System Overrides
Circumstances like system maintenance, testing, or unexpected weather require temporary overrides that bypass the automatic program. To initiate a manual start, the dial is typically moved to a “Manual One Station” or “Manual All Stations” position. Selecting “Manual One Station” allows the user to choose a specific zone and set a temporary run time, after which the system returns to its automatic schedule.
For unexpected rainfall, the rain delay function temporarily suspends the programmed schedule, typically ranging from 24 to 96 hours. Activating this feature, often done by pressing a dedicated button, prevents watering during the delay time. The system automatically resumes its normal program once the set period has expired, preventing overwatering.
The most complete override is the “System Off” position, which stops all automatic and manual watering. This setting is used for winterization, long-term repairs, or when no irrigation is needed for an extended period. After any manual operation or override, return the dial to the “Run” or “Auto” position to allow the pre-set watering schedule to resume.