Waterwise specialist advice
Whether you need your irrigation controller set by a professional or you're seeking advice, your local Waterwise Garden Irrigator or Irrigation Design Shop can help.
Have you got an irrigation system in your garden, but you’re not sure how to set up the controller so that it runs efficiently? Properly programming your irrigation system will ensure your garden gets the water it needs, without overwatering.
Learn the basics, like how to program your irrigation controller so you’re only watering on your allocated watering days, how to switch it off when it rains, and how to adjust your watering times according to the weather.
Installing the right irrigation controller will ensure you’re watering your garden efficiently and minimising waste. Irrigation controllers generally fit into one of three categories: Tap timers, standard timer controllers and Wi-Fi or ET smart controllers.
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You can also check out waterwise irrigation controllers on the Smart WaterMark website. In partnership with Smart Approved WaterMark, we have developed a Waterwise Product endorsement program. The program provides an opportunity for approved products to feature the waterwise logo on their packaging, making it easy for you to find water efficient products.
Below are some basic features of standard irrigation controllers.
This is the time at which you want your sprinklers to start watering.
Tip: You should only have one start time set.
This is the time in minutes that a specific valve will stay open and water its allocated zone.
Your run time will depend on the type of sprinklers you have and how long it takes to supply the recommended 10mm of water. Watch our video to see how to check and adjust the run time on a common irrigation controller.
Select a program (usually A, B or C) to set up a watering schedule for your stations.
Select the ‘schedule’ function and choose your watering days as the days you want to run your irrigation.
Select ‘start time’ to choose what time you want to run your sprinklers. Start times apply to the entire program, not individual stations (once the start time is set, the watering cycle will begin with the first station followed by the other stations in a sequence). The best time to water is before 9am or after 6pm.
Set the station run times, which is the amount of time each station will operate. Check recommended run times for your sprinkler type.
For detailed instructions for your specific irrigation system, visit the Watershed website to download the irrigation controller manual.
Don’t set and forget! Check your irrigation controller and system often to ensure it’s all in good working order and keep an eye out for leaks and breaks. Replace worn nozzles and broken seals as required to make sure they’re only watering your garden, not the road or pavement. See how efficient your irrigation system is.
Power outages can affect your programmed watering times on older systems. Make sure you regularly replace back up batteries and check the system is correctly programmed for your watering days.
Watering on the wrong days because of a programming error isn’t a valid reason for breaching your watering days, so be sure to check your system regularly.
Whether you need your irrigation controller set by a professional or you're seeking advice, your local Waterwise Garden Irrigator or Irrigation Design Shop can help.
We are offering a rebate of up to $200 to Perth and Peel customers who purchase an eligible waterwise irrigation product and/or services to help reduce outdoor water use.
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