20 Best Water Heater Timer (2022 Updated)

It’s been 2 years now and no problems with this unit. I have to adjust the settings for daylight savings time though. I installed it myself, I used to be a professional electrician many year ago. So for me it was work but logical to install.

I use it because my electric coop has a 3 hour window of high rates $16~ per kilowatt hour for the highest hour in a month. so, during the three hour period the water heater doesn’t need to be heating water.

There’s enough hot water in the tank for washing dishes and for two or three people to take Navy showers.

I replaced a mechanical timer with this digital model. The dimensions and housings of the two were nearly identical. The mechanical timer failed when the trippers wore out. This digital model will not have that problem, and it is working just fine.

It is more versitile with time settings and has a convenient button external to the housing for easily turning the power off or on manually. However, this digital model requires an alkaline battery back up which you must remember to replace every couple of years.

Itermatic should have used a rechargable battery with an internal trickle charger, but they did not. So, I deducted one star for cutting corners in the design.

Living in a hot climate (Arizona) it’s silly for the hot water heater to kick on for a few minutes every time someone ran the hot water for a few seconds, so I decided to put it on a timer so it only runs during lower-cost hours of the day.

It has already made a noticeable difference on our utility bill, between ~$10 and ~$18/month (over time, versus before we installed it). The life of our water heater should be extended because it’s running only half the time now, and it paid for itself (including the power cable that I bought with it) within 6 months.

And it was easy to install.

I had one of these hooked up to my water heater for 18 years before it failed. That’s a great life span for a mechanical device in my opinion. Nice thing is that all I had to do was remove the failed mechanical guts, and then place the “new guts” into the old Little Gray Box already on the wall, and rewire it.

If I can get another 18 years out of these “new guts, I’ll be a happy camper. Comes with 4 pairs of ON/OFF petcocks so you don’t need to buy them separately.

The faceplate is made plastic, secured by a single nut which fits on the threaded switch post. You can’t tighten the nut tight enough to keep the plate from spinning exposing the wiring in the electrical box.

I’m using this to power a small air compressor. The switch is mounted up high out of reach, it works for my use case.

replaced the 30 min timer with this 4hr timer of same make and it was easy. wires pushed into place and locked on back of unit. timer is rock solid. no rattling. very durable. did not test the timer for accuracy however the timer is really slow and suitable for my needs.

If I had to guess I’d say the timer is really close to accurate. extras included to mount the face plate.

I was thrilled to find this timer to replace the failed one (it would not turn off at night) in my pool panel as the mounting is custom made for this device. As others noted the actual SPDT load switch on the new unit has the Normally Open and Normally Closed contacts reversed as compared to the original switch.

Funny thing is that the printed diagram’s on both units is the same and I’d say that the old unit was actually wrong. In any case it was a 5min swap to fix my panel and sort the connectors. The original unit lasted over 15years so hopefully this one will go the same distance.

Very nice product that was an exact replacement for my Aquasafe aerobic septic timer. Easy to install and setup. Remember to pull the breaker and verify there is no power supply when replacing!

The reason that I selected this product was I currently own an electronic timer. When I use the electronic timer it is 1) difficult to set up with the current time and the operating intervals; 2) even though it has a battery backup, it loses the current time setting when a power outage occurs; 3) the button controls are unresponsive at times when trying to set up the timer; 4) various other problems with the operation of the device.

Although I have not installed the intermatic non-electronic timer yet, I can see that the interval setting are very simple as well as the current time setting. This timer should simplify and greatly improve my ability to control the swimming pool filter that I will use it for.

One strike against electronic gadgetry.

Did not work at all. We had one that looked just like this that lasted 20 years but this one was apparently defective. Will return and find something else in its place. The only positive was that it arrived quickly when ordered.

I have had Intermatic timers on my water heaters for as long as I can remember and never a problem. That is why a purchased a new one. My last one just gave out after approximately 10 years. I ordered a new one thru the Walmart website and installed it about a month ago.

It just does not operate properly. The timer speeds about about 3-4 hours daily, usually in the afternoons and several times the timer has not engaged. Walmart does not take it back, so you have to go back to the supplier.

No comment.

Does not work half the time. Have reinstalled three time. Must be defective. Misplaced receipt and husband discarded box. First one I bought lasted 20 yrs. cant return without receipt

I have used one of these for 30 + years. The initial water heater, electric, 30 gallon lasted 30 years. I just replaced the unit with a new Rheem 44 gal. , high efficiency unit. The timer motor may make noise after a year of use.

The first unit lasted 24 years. The newer ones seem to last 5-7 years. My last unit locked up. My first unit cost $ 35. 00. The new unit cost $ 59. 00. I purchased the entire unit with box, but because of design, I was able to remove the unit and install in the old box leaving wiring in place etc.

Just had to connect as expected after snapping in the new replacement unit. You can buy the unit only for a few dollars less.

If you are questioning whether this least expensive product can be used to replace the 220 volt timer mechanism in the PLASTIC outdoor weatherproof box below, the answer is YES. Rather than buying just the timer mechanism, or motor, at the higher parts price, just buy this product, remove the internal complete mechanism by squeezing the spring clip at the top holding it into the metal box and tip it forward and out of the metal box.

The plastic outdoor box has a plastic clip inside performing the same function; after removing the connected wires, lift the plastic clip and remove the old unit from the plastic box, and slide the new timer unit into its place.

Then reconnect the wires to their same positions, replace the plastic insulator plate, add the new included timing clips, set the clock to current time, and you are done. The metal box can be recycled or put to some handy use around the house, such as a key box, or other small item storage in the garage.

If your plastic outdoor box has been damaged for some reason, this is the replacement item for it. http://www. Home Essentials Direct. com/Intermatic-2T2502GA-Plastic-Enclosure-Timer/dp/B004H74IPK/ref=pd_sim_60_4?ie=UTF8&dpID=41A-5qpsgcL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR144%2C160_&refRID=05P4RGTFG59X8YNZBT2E.

replaces the existing timer in our pool equipment. There are two versions of this timer available. one for 110 V and one for 220 V hookup. If you replacing your existing timer make sure you look at the number of electrical leads going in the timer.

other than that its pretty straight forward. These type of timers should last 10 years or longer. I flip houses and over the years bought about half a dozens to replace units that had the gears wear out.

I prefer them over the high end pool timers that cost thousands and way too complicated to be repaired or replaced by do it yourselfers. This unit even came with the sturdy metal box. Thats good in case your cover is rusted out or so.

But you can also only replace the interior mechanism and leave the old box in place. So far my experience was they all fit. I am sure I will buy one again soon for the next house.

I first bought this product around 1988 or so, and 20 years later, like the energizer bunny, it is still going. The timer is very easy to install. The key to using it, is to know how to set the time for heating the water.

If you work, set it from 30 minutes till you awake then for another hour, then depends on how big a family you have, you might leave it on longer. Then say, it is a weekend and you need hot water right now.

Then the box has a bottom to press to start the heating right away. At the top right, of the time, is a hole which you can see the light when the timer is on. I use Bulldog elements in the water heater.

They are nearly double the size of a regular water element but bend back. Figured i could heat the water faster too. The unit is easy to set up and I can not really find any fault with it. The only thing i might say, is if they added two more clips for the timer, if anything.

Otherwise, I know this timer has paid for itself time and again. Feb 2009.

Exactly the product I was looking for st a good price. I rely one this for my outdoor lighting

Working fine for the last 6 months. User friendly for program. Plastic box make it strong against weather conditions. Perfect!

The schematic for the timer was incorrect. If you do not have a electrical background you could damage your equipment.

Thank you for a perfect replacement unit and helping saving some $$$! I really only needed the motor assy, which was more expensive from Intermatic than the entire switch. These timer switches are rock solid except they suffer from being fully mechanical and won’t keep time under power outages.

In retrospect, my application only needed the switch, so I could have simply disconnected the timer motor leads (it was making a helluva racket) — I am at a loss why I used the timer in the first place, but I digress :).

We had just moved into our new home after both retiring and I’m in the process of updating several things. The timer that I just bought from you is a real blessing. I install a new 40 gallon A. O. Smith hot water tank and then I put a thermal blanket around it as well.

Then, with the new timer, I have it set to go off at 10 P. M. and back on at 6 A. M. There is no sense in keeping it on though the night when we are sleeping. So it is off for an 8 hour period daily.

It really adds up in the end, and definitely pays for itself with a little time. Not hard to install. And even if you need an electrician to do it for you, that will pay off as well. A definite plus.

Ive owned a INTERMATIC WH40 for the prior 10 years till failure of switch and the timer motor became excessively noisier. The newly purchased and installed INTERMATIC WH40 is much INFERIOR quality than previous model! The metal enclosure is of a lighter gauge metal and the modified timer dogs are inferior as well.

The off dogs slipped after the second day. The manual trip lever is an improvement from previous generation but my enclosure door will not close. NOT RECOMMENDED AS A QUALITY TIMER FOR MY HYBRID 50 GALLON ELECTRIC H2O HEATER!.

Hands down this should automatically come with the purchase of a tankless water heater but it doesnt. But it is very much worth the investment. In the first month our gas bill went down $250 dollars! I agree with some of the other review comments in that the one feature that it needs is to have a battery backup so that anytime there are power outages you dont have to go in and reset it.

BUT – its still worth it and I highly recommend it. Being able to regulate when the system recirculates is a money saver. Thank you!.

The property manager was concerned that the Wi-Fi controller that came with the Rinnai water heater we purchased would be too complicated for the average tenant to figure out, so we purchased this manual controller to make it easier for them.

Note that not all compatible water heaters are listed on the literature that came with this controller. A call to Rinnai confirmed that ours was compatible.

Installation was straight forward. Instruction easy to follow. Controller was easy to program. The recirculating feature is fantastic. Having hot water on demand in the mornings at programmed time is perfect.

My pool timer finally called it quits after 15 years. I considered that a very reasonable service life for a mechanical device buzzing along 24/7 for 15 years!I was concerned that the robust, identical parts may not be still available after so many years.

Lo and behold, a quick search on DiscoverMyStore produced this exceptional vendor’s page. Identical drop-in replacement part, took all of 20 minutes. Quick and easy install, exceptional vendor pricing with super speedy shipping to boot!Works like a charm! With any luck, it will give me another 10-15 years of trouble free service!A truly “Five Star Experience” all the way!.

This part was a perfect replacement part for the original in my 15+ year old spa. Easy to install. However while the original lasted more than 12 years, this replacement lasted only 34 mos. , longer than the lame 1 year warranty.

But I bought another one.

The timer motor only worked until it hit the first “on” cog, and then it stopped. I tried to force it through cogs several times to wear down sharp edges, but still the same result: stops when it hits the first “on” cog.

Apparently the motor is under-powered for the resistance of the switch mechanism. The original 110V timer it replaced worked fine for 10+ years. I’m going to try the version with a 240V motor.

Works great and easy to install. Works as expected. It is a little hard to be precise with it but if an hour and ten minutes is ok with you rather than only one hour that this will work for you. If you need more precision then get a smaller increment timer.

Have installed this unit but only used it for 5 days now so can’t say as to longevity but by feel and operation it seems sturdy and well built.

Works great. Some operation. Great for exhaust fan in bathroom.

We installed this timer on our electric water heater. There is absolutely no need to heat the water 24 hours a day. We have our timer set to turn the water heater on between 4-7am & 4-7pm. This provides us with more than enough hot water to shower, do laundry and run the dishwasher.

Why pay to heat your water when you’re at work or in bed? The savings in our hydro bill makes this one of the smarter purchases I’ve made.

Easy to setup and use. You can remove the timer from the case and get it all programmed and the jumpers pre-wired. Then just install the case (don’t forget the knockout holes for wire access) slide the timer in, wire it up and you’re good to go.

I replaced an EH-10 model that uses a motor timer. It kept hanging up on the mechanical trippers and would stall the motor. Going all-electronic is perfect. I would have given this five stars but the LCD display is really tiny and hard to read.

Other than that, I love it.

Sweet! Do you really need hot water when you’re sleeping or at work? A little bit to install unless you have some electrical. Not too, too bad. Don’t forget those terminal block jumpers. I had to twist and solder mine together to make them longer.

The red indicator light is not on the load side, so you’re not connected yet. The digital is great. Careful with the 240 V.

This was very well priced in my opinion. The only thing that I saw was one of the levers was long and can not been turned off without force but will shut off with the control on and off trippers. Other than that, I am perfectly happy and glad I was able to replace my old unit.

This is better than the one it replaced and that one was in use for 20 +/- years. Price was very reasonable and shipping was lightning fast. Would recommend it to anyone! Bill Mobile, Al. on the bayou

One timer quit working after 6 months. No warranty. Imagine that.

Good product but when there is a power failure you have to reset the clock. If you don’t do that the clock will read 00:00 and the timer will not work. It needs a built in back up battery. Akos, Rinnai needs to develop a remote control app for this timer.

Easy to set up and program.