Setting an automatic timer on an irrigation system conserves water and promotes a healthier landscape. Modern irrigation controllers simplify this task by centralizing all programming functions into a single interface. Learning to set the clock, define the watering schedule, and make seasonal adjustments ensures that water is delivered precisely when and where your plants need it. Understanding the controller’s basic layout is the first step toward achieving an efficient watering regimen.
Understanding the Controller Interface
Most residential irrigation controllers share a similar organizational structure consisting of a dial, a digital display, and navigation buttons. The central dial, or mode selector, governs the controller’s function, often featuring settings such as “Run,” “Off,” “Set Clock,” “Set Date,” and “Program.” The “Run” or “Auto” position is the default setting that allows the programmed schedule to operate automatically.
The display screen provides visual feedback on the current mode, time, and programming parameters. Adjacent to the screen, navigation buttons (typically labeled with arrows or plus/minus symbols) are used to change values. Other modes like “Rain Delay” or “Seasonal Adjust” may also be present on the main dial or accessible through a dedicated button.
Establishing the Current Time and Date
Accurate scheduling depends entirely on the controller’s internal clock being set correctly. To begin, turn the main dial to the “Set Clock” or “Set Current Time/Day” position. The display will usually show the year flashing first, followed sequentially by the month and the day.
Use the plus and minus buttons to adjust the flashing value to the current year, month, or day. Pressing a right or forward arrow button typically moves you to the next field for adjustment. After setting the date, the display will prompt you to set the current time, including the correct hour, minutes, and AM/PM designation. Once the time is confirmed, the controller’s internal calendar is ready for scheduling.
Programming the Watering Schedule
The core of setting the timer involves defining the three main components of the watering schedule: the start time, the run time, and the watering days. Most controllers allow for multiple independent programs (A, B, or C), which is useful for different landscape areas like turf and flower beds that have varying water requirements. Setting a single start time activates the entire programmed cycle, running all assigned zones sequentially.
Setting Start Times
The start time determines the hour the entire watering cycle will begin. It is generally recommended to set the start time for the early morning hours, typically between 2:00 AM and 6:00 AM. This timing minimizes water loss from evaporation. You should check the display for a “Start Time” setting and use the plus or minus buttons to select the desired time.
If you require a deep, infrequent watering cycle, you will only need one start time per program. Setting a second or third start time on the same program will cause the system to repeat the entire sequence of zones later in the day. Be cautious about setting multiple start times unless you intend to cycle and soak, which prevents runoff on sloped areas or compacted soils.
Setting Run Times (Duration)
The run time, sometimes called station duration, determines the amount of time in minutes that water is delivered to each individual zone. This setting must be customized based on the type of sprinkler head, the plant material, and the soil type in that specific zone.
For example, a zone with spray heads applies water much faster than one with rotors, requiring a shorter run time (perhaps 5 to 10 minutes). Heavier clay soils absorb water slowly, necessitating shorter run times to prevent runoff. Conversely, sandy soils allow for longer durations because they drain quickly. To set the run time, navigate to the “Station Run Times” or “Zone Duration” setting on the dial. You will cycle through each station number, using the plus or minus buttons to set the specific duration in minutes for that zone.
Setting Watering Days (Frequency)
The final step in programming is establishing the watering frequency by setting the “Watering Days.” The controller offers several options: specific days of the week (e.g., Monday, Thursday), odd or even calendar days, or interval watering (e.g., every three days). Selecting specific days provides the most control and is suitable for following local watering restrictions.
Using the navigation buttons, you can toggle the watering status for each day of the week. For established turf, watering deeply but infrequently (such as two to three days a week) is healthier than watering lightly every day. Once the run times and watering days are set, return the dial to the “Run” or “Auto” position to activate the schedule.
Adjusting for Weather and Efficiency
Once the base schedule is programmed, you can use the controller’s efficiency features to modify the cycle temporarily without erasing your settings. These adjustments are designed to conserve water by responding to real-time weather conditions and seasonal changes.
Rain Delay
The “Rain Delay” function is the easiest way to suspend the automatic schedule following significant rainfall. By selecting this option, you can temporarily pause all watering for a specified period, typically ranging from 24 to 72 hours. The system automatically resumes the programmed schedule once the set delay period has expired, eliminating the need to manually turn the system back on.
Seasonal Adjust
The “Seasonal Adjust” or “Water Budget” setting globally increases or decreases all programmed run times by a percentage. During the peak heat of summer, the percentage may be set to 100% or slightly higher to account for increased evapotranspiration. Conversely, in cooler spring and fall months, you can globally reduce the run times to 50% or 60% without reprogramming each zone individually, thus matching the landscape’s reduced water needs.