If you want to connect an irrigation computer to your water butt, you need a model that works without pressure. In our guide you will find out what is important when buying and what you should definitely pay attention to.

Even non-pressurized irrigation computers usually need a water pressure of at least 5 bar

Table of Contents

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  1. When do you need a water computer that works without pressure?
  2. Purchase Criteria
  3. frequently asked Questions

    4. When do you need a water computer that works without pressure?

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    A water computer that works without pressure is always required if it is to be connected to a pressure-free system - such as a rain barrel. However, most irrigation computers require a minimum pressure of 0.5 bar, which the water that is directed from the water tank towards the lawn and/or bed does not normally reach. In this sense, it is not so easy to find a version that meets the decisive purchase criterion.

    tips

    When comparing different irrigation computers, always pay attention to the pressure specification. If the manufacturer already announces "suitable for water butts" (or similar) in his product description, then you can assume that it is actually a non-pressurized working model.

    Basically, a pressureless water computer has the same properties, advantages and disadvantages as a conventional water computer with pressure. Details can be found in our extensive guide on the subject.

    Purchase Criteria

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    When purchasing an unpressurized irrigation computer, the following criteria must be taken into account (apart from the information on pressure that has already been mentioned several times):

    • threads of the connections
    • Irrigation adjustability
    • control/display
    • battery level indicator

    threads of the connections

    Be sure to check whether the connections of the non-pressurized water computer really fit your hoses. You should know the thread diameter of the latter and compare it with the manufacturer's information.

    Irrigation adjustability

    Can the irrigation be adjusted flexibly? The more programming options you have in terms of watering cycles, duration and frequency, the better. But: The main thing is that the options match what you need or imagine.

    control/display

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    It is very advantageous if the pressureless irrigation computer has a large display. For the models you're interested in, read reviews from other customers to see how easy (or complicated) the controls are. Important values must be visible at first glance. In addition, you should be able to make your settings with little effort (with just a few "clicks").

    battery level indicator

    Does the unpressurized watering computer also have a battery charge indicator? An essential feature to supply fresh energy to the device in good time (otherwise it may unexpectedly give up the ghost and interrupt the watering)…

    frequently asked Questions

    Why do I need an irrigation computer that works without pressure?

    If you have a water butt that you want to collect water in to automatically water the green areas of your garden, you need a water timer that doesn't require pressure.

    How do I use a non-pressurized watering computer on a rain barrel?

    You have to connect both the rain barrel and the water computer with a hose so that the collected rainwater can flow from the barrel towards the lawn or bed via the hose - according to your settings.

    How much does a water computer without pressure cost?

    Irrigation computers that work without pressure cost the same as normal versions with pressure. Depending on the quality and variety of functions, you pay about 30 euros upwards.

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