Smart hose timer internal flooding

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.

post by Fymaxwell 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 ff on Mar 20, 2025

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

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...

post by wodenx 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 am817 on Jun 2, 2025

Hi, i’m having the same problem as everyone else here. Second time this has happened...

post by Rcca223 on Jun 9, 2025

Hello - I purchased 3 of these and 2 of them are having this same issue - water coming through the chamber and the batteries corroding.

post by dpinney on Aug 14, 2025

Sorry Franz, same issue here. Valve disconnected from timer after about 16 days because the batteries melted.