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 it’s 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 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. Tried drying out the battery compartment and put the batteries back in - I get a green blink and then a blue and then the LED goes blank and I can’t manually open the valve. Suggestions?

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 till 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.

post by AngieTheGardener on Mar 16, 2026

I’ve only had the Rachio working for two months in California and it broke with flooding of batteries. So much for this battery set working for the watering season, according to Rachio marketing materials.

post by dmegee on Dec 28, 2025

I have the same problem. I frequently clean the rust and reset. Usually works. It’s a real problem when I am out of town for a while. Today I cleaned the valve and the light doesn’t come on and therefore pairing doesn’t work.

post by rachio on Feb 7

Hi All

I’m having the same problem, which I fear has contributed to a follow-on issue.

I noticed rust color outside the battery compartment, so I opened the unit and discovered a lot of rust, heavily corroded batteries, and the foam inside the cover was soggy wet.

post by justinappleby on Aug 20, 2025

Same problem here. The battery compartment flooded and corroded the batteries and the internal terminals. I tried thoroughly cleaning the terminals and the interior of the battery compartment with 99% Isopropyl alcohol, just a blue flashing light with new batteries. This ‘smart’ timer valve has a dimwitted design.

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