Using a Brunnings timer, but your garden’s dry? You’re not alone—and you’re not broken.

June 17, 2025

Why your irrigation timer might be acting up — and what you can do about it

You’re staring at your mint plant, wondering why it looks thirstier than a forgotten teenager in a group chat. The irrigation timer was supposed to do its job while you were at work or finally enjoying a barbecue without running back and forth with the hose. But now? The beds are bone dry. Again.

It happens more than you'd think—yet most people don’t talk about it. A faulty timer doesn’t just throw off your watering schedule—it knocks your whole garden’s rhythm out of tune. Plants get stressed. You get frustrated. And your whole ‘relaxing backyard life’ vibe? Gone.

First: Don’t panic. You’re not doing anything wrong.

Just like sourdough starters or flat-pack furniture, garden tech has a learning curve. But it doesn’t have to be a mystery. Let's walk through the most common issues, how to spot them fast, and how to fix them without any guesswork.

“Garden timers are like dogs—they work better when they’re trained and regularly fed (with new batteries).” — Garden advice from Candeece, plant-whisperer and accidental sprinkler mechanic

Common problems with irrigation timers (and the easy fixes)

1. The screen is blank or flashing weirdly

This one’s usually a sign your timer’s begging for power. If you’re using a battery-powered model, pop in some fresh ones—even if you think they’re new. Some timers drain batteries faster when it gets hot.

2. It’s running at the wrong time (or not at all)

Check the current time setting. Daylight saving? Battery change? Accidental button press while watering? All very real things. Make sure you've set both the start time and duration properly—and that the ‘manual override’ hasn’t been triggered (it sometimes gets hit while you're fiddling with the hose below).

3. Water isn’t coming out

Before blaming the timer, make sure your tap is open fully (yes—even the seasoned pros forget this one). Then:

Check for kinks in the hose
Inspect filters or mesh screens in the timer—they can clog easily, especially in areas with hard water or lots of grit
Run the system on ‘Manual’ mode—if it still doesn’t work, the timer's solenoid (the bit that opens and closes valves) might need some TLC or replacement

4. The schedule keeps resetting

This could be a memory issue, especially in timers with digital brains. A full reset (find the reset pin or button) can often fix this. Then reprogram it. If it keeps happening, you might be dealing with a faulty internal chip—and it’s time to get a replacement.

When to repair vs. replace

Everyone wants to save a timer (and money) when possible, but here’s a quick way to know when to let go:

If it’s older than 5 years and has had a few hiccups already—it’s probably due
Cracks in the housing or evidence of internal moisture? That’s a goner
Still under warranty? Take advantage of it before it’s over

And if you're replacing, choose one suited to our Aussie climate, with sturdy seals and weather-proof design. Feel free to ask us—we’ve tried a few (and cursed at just as many).

Gardening with confidence again

Getting your irrigation timer working again doesn’t have to involve head-scratching or a YouTube binge. With a little know-how and a few solid checks, what felt like a plumbing mystery starts to look like a simple checklist.

And here's the kicker: When you trust your watering setup, gardening becomes more carefree. You stop second guessing. You pot new plants without worrying. You start planning dinners around your first zucchini harvest instead of your nearest hose tap.

“Used to check my pots every morning with dread. Now my timer does the work—and I sleep in an extra 10 minutes.”

You don’t need to be techy or time-rich to have a beautiful, well-watered garden. You just need honest guidance, tools selected for local conditions, and someone in your corner when things don’t work the way they should.

See, you weren’t doing it wrong. No one ever taught you the easy way.

Happy watering — and as always, pop in and chat if you need help figuring out your setup.

— Candeece

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