Smart hose timer internal flooding

post by Fymaxwell on Jun 26, 2024

I’ve got water flooding into the battery chamber of my Rachio smart hose timer. I’ve been through this in the past with two units that Rachio replaced, and I am starting to wonder if it’s me or Rachio that’s to blame.

I am currently running four timers. Three of the timers are trouble-free. The one that is malfunctioning was bought at the same time as the two others that previously failed, so perhaps there were manufacturing issues with that batch? I’d appreciate any insight that the community might be able to offer, as this is starting to drive me mad.

Top replies

post by Thomas_Lerman on Jun 26, 2024

I have one timer with no issues.

post by franz on Jun 26, 2024

@Fymaxwell I’m having our support team reach out to you. They will take care of you!

post by WaterMunkee on Oct 9, 2024

Same here. Twice. First time I thought maybe I could’ve incorrectly installed the battery door. Lots of corrosion inside after 45 days, device quit working. After cleaning thoroughly, I installed fresh batteries and battery door and ensured everything was snug. New batteries completely rusted/corroded within 45 days again, and again device quit working. Obviously this unit’s battery compartment is not waterproof. Frustrating!

post by bgorbet on Oct 24, 2024

Same problem. I’ve only had this device a few months and its already all corroded inside. Doesn’t seem like the waterproofing works well enough.

post by PamL on Nov 18, 2024

I have only 1 timer and I have the same problem with it flooding and the batteries corroding.

post by Jkuri on Dec 15, 2024

Hello,

I seem to have a similar problem with the battery compartment. When I went to swap out the batteries the compartment had water inside.
I am quite sure that it was installed properly and I am not subject to freezing temperatures.

post by franz on Dec 16, 2024

@Jkuri I’ll have someone from our support team reach out to you. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.

post by rhawley on Mar 20, 2025

I’m having the same issue with internal flooding while my other timer is perfect.

post by Davico on Apr 22, 2025

I have the same issue in one of my devices, but both of them are not working as expected anymore. Water leaks from inside the device.

post by ecobuilding on Apr 28, 2025

Hi- I too am having the flooding issue. The two valves I’m running were showing as disconnected and I found the flooding when I thought it was a battery issue. Suggestions?

post by wodentx on Apr 30, 2025

Wish I would have searched here before throwing my old one away that was 14 months old a few weeks ago. The responses being provided sure do instill confidence!

post by cmschoell on May 9, 2025

Same here. Just replaced my batteries for the first time and I have the same little pool in the battery compartment, corrosion, etc. Poor design for an outdoor product.

post by Thomas_Lerman on May 9, 2025

Mine has not leaked at all and I have changed the batteries at least a couple of times. I wonder if these leaks could be preventable.

post by Xempt on May 11, 2025

I’m having this same issue. My battery compartment was secured but it is now corroded inside and not working.

post by franz on May 12, 2025

@Xempt I am having our customer success team reach out to you.

post by Fymaxwell on May 12, 2025

Hi! I started this thread, and now I’m having the exact same problem with yet another of my smart hose timers. Note that this is the last remaining unit from the initial product release (all of the units I purchased later are problem free, which suggests to me that the problem has been solved). @Franz, would you be able to have someone from your team reach out to me about replacing this one? Thanks in advance!