5 Years On: Why I Still Recommend the Holman 2-Hour Outdoor Tap Timer

If you’ve ever forgotten to turn the hose off (haven’t we all?) or wished for a simpler way to water your garden, a tap timer is a game-changer. I’ve had the Holman 2-hour outdoor tap timer in my garden for over five years now — and surprisingly, it’s still going strong.

In this post, I’ll share what I love about it, why it’s lasted so long, and what you might want to consider if you’re looking for something similar.

Tough and Reliable

After years attached to the garden tap in my patio, it still works perfectly. No leaks, no cracks, and the dial is still readable — which is honestly impressive after five Aussie wet summers.

Manual ‘ON’ Option

One small feature I didn’t know I needed: a simple “ON” setting that bypasses the timer. This means I can switch to hand-watering with my nozzle whenever I need to, without uninstalling or fiddling with the timer. Super convenient.

No Batteries, No App

Just turn the dial to how long you want it to run — up to 2 hours — and walk away. No screens, no Wi-Fi, no syncing. Sometimes the simplest tools are the most reliable.

I often use it with lawn sprinklers. As someone who works from home teaching online, timing can be tricky. If I miss the early morning window before lessons begin, the sun usually beats down and stresses the lawn before I have a chance to water.

With this timer, it takes just seconds to twist the dial — usually to 15 or 20 minutes. Then I can head straight into work knowing the job’s done. An hour later, when I step outside to stretch my legs, it’s such a treat to be greeted by the smell of freshly watered grass.

A Few Things to Consider

This kind of timer is mechanical, so it’s ideal for basic daily watering, but not suited for people who want weekly programming or advanced zones. Make sure your tap connection is snug. Mine worked best once I added a rubber washer or wrapped some plumber’s tape around any leaky heads that connect to the timer’s water outlet at the bottom.

What It Looks Like After Years of Use

I’ve included a few real-life photos from the garden — gloves and all. It’s a bit dusty, but I think that says more about its durability than a polished promo shot ever could.

Sometimes the best reviews aren’t about what’s new — but about what keeps working.

Final Thoughts

The Holman tap timer has quietly done its job in my garden for years. It’s the kind of low-fuss product I appreciate more over time. If you’re after a simple, durable way to manage watering, this little tool might be worth a look.

Have you used a tap timer in your garden? What brand or model do you swear by? I’d love to hear your experience in the comments.