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.

Been less than 6 months so did not expect batteries to be expended already… installed in June.

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. I turned out the two screws holding the battery compartment to the valve body. The design is such that the flooding was confined to the battery compartment, and the circuit board and solenoid are sealed. Tried to capture in the photos.

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!

I too had internal flooding into the battery compartment. Figured it was my fault when I put the batteries in it. I only discovered my issue after i went to put new batteries in after setting up the tomato garden (patio planter) for the new season.

Sorry for the ramble.

My new valve showed up and I made sure to be extra careful when I put the cover back on it. But is there anything else I should do? Do I need to put the valve in a weather protected enclosure? What can I do to prevent a re-occurrence?

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 am817 on Jun 2, 2025

Hi, I’m having the same problem as everyone else here. Second time this has happened, and I’ve made sure to screw in tightly.

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 jeffbankston on Jul 4, 2025

I’ve had the same problem, it almost killed a couple of my potted plants when it stopped working. Rachio sent me a new unit (kudos on that) but when I open it, it looks like the same design. There’s no way that little rubber foam pad can seal this battery compartment properly.

post by train_wreck on Jul 7, 2025

I was thinking about just duct taping over the battery door on my remaining valves, then just having to peel off/re-tape every time i change batteries…… obviously a kludge but I don’t see how else to ensure the compartment is dry.

post by NinaGail on Jul 31, 2025

Just had this issue on one of my hose end timers. Thought it was something I did wrong til I saw this thread. My other timer has not had any issues, but it has not been in use as long. Will be extremely disappointed if this is an ongoing issue.