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I would like to mount the timer to a pole, which would be staked into the ground. The timer would sit 10 inches above the ground. I do not have a clear idea what would be a simple effective means to mount the timer to the pole.

If parts were available via Amazon or Home Depot that would be great: links are appreciated. Looking forward to clever ideas or similar examples of work (photos).

enter image description here

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    Not much to go on here. Are there mounting holes on the back? How important are aesthetics? My first thoughts are a 2x4 with a pointy tip pounded a few feet into the ground, and then use mounting holes to screw this on, or screw a piece of stainless-steel strapping on, or really hacky: zip-tie it on (black UV-resistant ties).
    – gregmac
    Apr 27 '17 at 2:25
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    Since this is a plastic cheapie, I recommend putting it inside a full enclosure, and plumbing highly flexible hoses so the stiffness of the hose is not putting physical strain on the plastic. I would prefer fastened down hard lines exiting the enclosure, so someone tripping over a hose doesn't yank the controller and crack it. Also since I note you are asking this question in April, which is when people in freeze country feel safe activating outdoor plumbing... think about how to drain the water out of all of it without too much work.
    – Harper - Reinstate Monica
    Apr 27 '17 at 14:36
  • My experience with these timers is that at least with some of them there is an abrupt shut-off of the water leading to water hammer heard in the kitchen. Over time this can damage pipes and fixtures. Maybe newer and better units have a more gradual shut off, but if your doesn't have this , you may want to use one of those water hammer dampeners between this timer valve and the water source.
    – Jim Stewart
    Apr 27 '17 at 15:17
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I have a battery powered timer that is similar to what you have and it looked not so sturdy so I purchased a hose hanger like this and drilled 2 holes for the hose to enter and exit. The small storage space keeps the unit dry and out of site. It still looks new after 3 years. The second unit on the back side of the barn failed in less than 2 years (not protected). Now both have these hose hangers that look nice and the controllers are protected and the grand kids don't play with them.

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I like Ed's suggestion as it offers some protection. In my experience, "waterproof" electronic gizmos don't tend to retain that quality after extended use.

My first idea was to use a faucet on a post as your mounting hardware:

enter image description here

You could then mount the timer directly to that, as shown in the product photos:

enter image description here

Home Depot links for reference only.

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  • I neglected to mention that the reason for not mounting the timer directly to the hose bib is because I fear that the timer's weight may weaken the aged pipes. Your clever suggestion is appreciated
    – gatorback
    Apr 30 '17 at 3:10
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With respect to the mounting, if the back of the timer is flat, using a double sided foam tape would give you the ability to attach a plastic panel in which you can drill holes to bolt or screw the timer to the post.

3M Outdoor Mounting Tape is weather capable. I attached a sports logo to a motor vehicle for a friend with the stuff and it's been through a few years of car washes and remains attached.

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Similar to Ed's idea, you could get a plastic weatherproof junction box - or really any box that could be mounted and drilled through. Then drill some holes through the top and bottom for your connections and seal. This would keep the unit a little better isolated from the weather and you could paint the box, but it might look odd depending on where you place it.

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