Rachio Smart Hose Timer Quick Start Guide

Getting started with your Rachio Smart Hose Timer

Setting up your Rachio Smart Hose Timer is quick and easy. Just follow the instructions below and you’ll be watering smarter in no time!

Note

This Smart Hose Timer works with a 2.4 GHz WiFi network only. A 2.4 GHz signal travels farther at lower speeds and is the optimal frequency for this product.

Add the device

If you've already created your Rachio account, simply open your Rachio app and add the Smart Hose Timer to your account.

From your Property Screen, tap “+ADD.”
Select "Smart Hose Timer."
Select your existing or add a new property.
Follow the in-app instructions to set up your Smart Hose Timer.

WiFi Hub

To connect your Smart Hose Timer to WiFi, you'll need to use the WiFi Hub. The Hub must be:

Installed indoors
Less than 200 feet from the Smart Hose Timer / outdoor faucet

Pair WiFi Hub and Valve

Follow the in-app instructions to pair your Wifi Hub and Valve. The Valve requires 2 AA batteries - make sure to install batteries before pairing the valve or connecting it to a faucet.

DANGER

For best results, do not mix Alkaline, Standard (Carbon-Zinc), or Rechargeable (Nickel-Cadmium) Batteries. Be sure to dispose of dead batteries properly, in accordance with your local laws.

Connect Valve to Faucet

Once paired, your Smart Hose Timer is ready to start watering! First, check for leaks in your hose and/or faucet. Next, connect the valve to your outdoor faucet and hose, and you’re ready to go. Your faucet must remain open, with the water on for the timer to work properly.

Manual Quick Run

Looking to do a manual quick run?

Press the blue on/off button on the top of your Smart Hose Timer valve to activate manual watering.
The valve will water for 10 minutes, or for the duration you set as the quick run default time in the Rachio app.
To stop watering sooner, press the button to end the watering session.

Device Specifications

Smart Hose Timer Valve:

Range: 200 ft without interference.
Pressure Operating Range: 10-100 PSI.
Temperature Operating Range: 32°F-158°F (0-70°C).
Not For Use With Appliances.
2 AA batteries required
For Outdoor Use With Cold Water Only.

WiFi Hub:

WiFi: 2.4GHz Only
Range: 200 ft. to valve, without interference
Temperature Operating Range: 32°F-104°F (0-40°C).
Storage Temperature: -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60 °C).
Humidity Operating Range: 0-90%.
Input: 100-240V - 50/60Hz 0.3A Output: 5V-1,000mA
For Indoor Use Only.

FAQ

Hardware & Installation FAQ

How do I install this device?

Two components need to be installed:

WiFi Hub: Plug into an outlet within range of your WiFi access point.
Timer Valve (aka "timer", aka "valve"): Connects to an outdoor spigot ¾” MHT (Male Hose Thread) and then connects to a hose with a ¾” FHT (Female Hose Thread).

How big is the Smart Hose Timer Valve?

The Timer measures 3" D x 1 ⅞” W x 6 ½" H.

How much clearance does it need?

We recommend having at least 8 inches of clearance around your outdoor faucet to accommodate both the Timer Valve and a hose. Keep in mind that each faucet and hose will be different, so taking some measurements prior to purchase is encouraged. If you think space for your Timer might be tight, you may be able to purchase a Lead-in Hose to gain a few more inches of flexibility.

In which configuration can the Valve be installed?

We recommend installing the Smart Hose Timer Valve as vertically as possible (and not upside down) for best performance. If the valve must be installed horizontally, avoid direct contact with the ground, as standing water can damage the device. The device is rated for outdoor use, but should not be submerged.

Does it leak?

The Timer Valve’s connectors are designed to protect against leaks through the combination of threading and gaskets. We recommend testing your spigot with another watering device to determine if there are existing issues before installing the timer. For more information on leaks, see our full article here.

What water pressure is the Timer Valve rated for?

We recommend 10 PSI - 100 PSI, but the Timer Valve has been tested up to 200 PSI.

What if I experience water hammer?

While water hammer is uncommon, it can be reduced or eliminated altogether by utilizing a " water hammer arrestor".

Can I leave it outside all year long?

It depends on the weather conditions. The Timer Valve does have an IP65 rating against dust and water. However, the Valve should not be exposed to freezing temperatures. Naturally, the valve has moving parts inside through which water flows, and those parts can be damaged from water expansion during a freeze.

The valve can withstand a minimum temperature of 33 degrees Fahrenheit and a maximum temperature of 158 degrees Fahrenheit. We recommend removing the Timer Valve and storing it indoors during freezing temperatures.

How long do the batteries last?

The Timer Valve’s batteries should last a full watering season. We cannot provide the exact time that the batteries will last as battery performance will vary based on a lot of factors like individual user usage, battery make/model, and temperature.

Does it come with batteries?

The two AA batteries needed to power the Timer are not included in the box. To insert the batteries, you simply need to remove the valve screws (Panhead M2.5 X 0.45 thread with 4mm thread length). A #1 Phillips-head screwdriver should fit the screws well.

Is there a distance limit?

The Timer Valve should connect to the WiFi hub up to 200ft away with no obstructions between the valve and the hub.

How many Timer Valves can I pair to a single WiFi Hub?

You can pair up to 8 valves to a single hub.

Can I use multiple hubs to achieve a stronger signal in a larger area?

Yes! While a single hub can support up to 8 valleys, you can use multiple hubs across your home for better coverage. Please note that a valve can only be paired to one hub at a time. So make sure to pair each valve to the closest hub.

Software FAQ

Can I choose when it waters?

Yes. With Rachio’s Schedules you can set the day and time that the valve opens and the duration that the valve remains open before closing.

What are my schedule options?

There are two ways to set up a Schedule:

The first is ‘By day of week’. You select the days (Sunday-Saturday) that you want the Timer to run. After selecting the days, you can program the start time and duration. A Schedule can have multiple start times.
The second is ‘By daily interval’. You can set the watering interval from every day up to every twenty one days.

You can have up to 19 schedules enabled at a time.

You can have up to 400 individual run-events saved directly on the Timer Valve. This means that up to 400 runs will continue to water if the WiFi connection is interrupted.

Will it skip when it rains?

Yes! The Rachio Smart Hose Timer will be released with a Rain Skip feature and we are looking to expand the Rachio Smart Hose Timer weather intelligence capabilities.

Do I need an app?

Yes, the Rachio App is free and supports both iOS and Android.

If I want to share access with someone else, what do they need?

To share access, the other person simply needs a Rachio account linked to their email address. Once they’ve created an account, you can easily grant them access directly from your app.

I’ve already shared a controller with someone; will the Smart Hose Timer also be shared with them automatically?

When connecting the Smart Hose Timer for the first time, the Rachio app will recognize that you have already shared a device with someone and will suggest sharing the Hose Timer with them as well.

What if I want to remove shared access?

You can manage Shared Access through the Smart Hose Timer hub settings.

Does the shared access user have any limitations?

A user who has shared access will have complete access to the RSHT. They can perform the same actions as the account owner.

How many people can I share access with?

You can share your Smart Hose Timer with as many users as you want!

Calendar, Events, and Weather FAQ

Can I see upcoming scheduled runs?

Yes! We understand that it can be important to know when your Timer will be running. You can see the upcoming runs by viewing the Events screen in the “Upcoming” section.

Can I change upcoming scheduled runs?

Yes! If you would like to make edits to an upcoming schedule (e.g., start time or duration) you can tap on the schedule editor using the event card.

Can I see when a Timer has run and how it was run?

Yes! Timer runs that have occurred will be displayed as past events, including the type of run (e.g., scheduled run, Quick Run, manual [valve button press] run).

Does the weather affect all of my runs?

The Rain Skip threshold is applied to all Schedules on a Timer.

Will I be notified of a scheduled run through a push notification?

Yes. In your account settings, under Notifications, you can enable Schedule start notifications. This will send you a push notification when a run begins.