It's been a while since this post, but things haven't improved much, as far as I can tell. In addition to the timer in the link that Bradybb gave above, I've only been able to find this one in the US: Zero Pressure 2 Dial Solar Timer The one I really like is only sold in Australia: Hoselink Misting Timer Maybe Hoselink will start to distribute in the US?? btw....I own the Melnor 3060 also....and I'm hoping it will last me for a while too.

I have a set-up as follows: Short hose from bib to 4-valve manifold w/ hose-to-pipe thread fitting at the manifold intake ("always on" - the bib is always turned on, and flow control is done at the valves) At the out going side of each valve I have pipe-to-hose fittings to attatch 3/4" soaker hoses and drip system conduit as needed. The valves are attached to a timer, which runs off an outlet in my garage and has wires running discreetly out-of-the-way to the manifold. When winter approaches I undo each hose from the manifold and un-cap their ends to drain and allow for any flexing/freezing. I just leave them lying in place. I pull the wiring (which is connected/disconnected w/ twist caps) and take the valve manifold into the garage near my water heater/interior wall. This is the expensive part of the system and since it's above ground you don't want it freezing/breaking the valves. When spring comes I bring out the manifold and re-attach all the hoses/wires and test the system. Been working great for 3 years now. Have only had to replace soakers from mineral build up. Got all the parts, including the manifold from HomeDepot: (1) 4-valve manifold (5) 1" to 3/4" pipe converters (1 inflow, 4 outflow) ('cuz it's nearly impossible to find 1" Pipe to 3/4" hose fittings) Also seems like some of these may have been slip converters that I had to cement in place, but that will depend on the manifold you have. (1) 3/4" MPT - 3/4" FHT adapter (Male Pipe Thread to Female Hose Thread, this hooks the female inflow pipe thread on the manifold to the male hose end coming from the hose attached to the bib) (4) 3/4" FPT - 3/4" MHT Adapters (Female Pipe Thread to Male Hose Thread to convert the outgoing valve pipes to hose threads) (1) 1-way suck-back preventer to go anywhere between the bib and manifold, just a precaution... The best thing about the whole thing is that it's flexible. I can use soakers or drip systems, multi-zoned and they're all on timers. Nearly totally carefree, automated watering. I do have "Y" at the bib with a standard garden hose so I can hand water trouble spots if I need to... but once I have those identied I try to get a dripper or a soaker to that spot so I don't have to worry about it anymore. You can get hose timers now days, but they run on batteries - so if the batteries die, you may not know it until your yard starts dying, and I don't find them nearly as easy to program as the standard sprinkler timers (I tried this route first, but I'm much happier with the system I have now).

Could it be your previous soaker hose leaked because it was used without a pressure regulator? Soaker hoses are designed to just "sweat" or slightly ooze water over an extended period of time and are recommended for a water pressure of 25 psi or less. The water pressure in a house or at most hose bibs is 45-60 psi.......running a soaker at that pressure without a regulator is pretty much guaranteed to cause leaks and sprays. Any spray coming from a soaker is a good bet you are not running it properly!! Together with the other bits and bobs you need for your hose conversion, make sure you get a pressure regulator as well. They will be sold in the same area as the hoses and other irrigation supplies.

Hi guys! We got a cistern with a submersible pump and a power switch to turn it on. I want to install an automatic irrigation system. BUT I also want to be able to water some stuff manually with a seperate hose. Meaning, I need to split it and have one hose going to the irrigation system and one just sitting there, on demand. QUESTION: (How) can I manage to 1) have the automatic system run twice a day and 2) have the other hose available on demand, WITHOUT always having the pump run or needing to reset the timer? I can't quite get my head around it yet, but I guess there is two general ways: I could hook an electricity timer up bewteen the pump and the power. Or I could put a water timer straight into the respective hose. I'm jut not sure, if any of those can solve my issue... Any ideas?? Thanks for your help!