0% for 18 months on purchases and balance tra… Citi Simplicity® Credit Card Calculators How we make money
VOATLAS
How to Pay for a Smart Irrigation System

How to · Home

How to Pay for a Smart Irrigation System

Automate your yard and lower your water bill without paying for the hardware all at once.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $220 before anything else
Across the 0% window $14.67/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $220 spread evenly across the 15-month introductory window on the Discover it® Cash Back. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Your yard stays green without you standing there with a hose at 6 AM. These timers adjust for the rain and manage different zones so you don't drown the roses while the grass dries out. It takes about an hour to swap your old manual timer for a smart one.

We suggest buying this in early spring when garden centers run promotions. If you are hiring a pro to blow out the lines or set up the zones, get three quotes first. Costs for labor vary depending on how many zones you have.

The 15-month intro window is a hard deadline, not free money. If you still have a balance when that period ends, the standard interest rate kicks in on the remaining amount.

The steps

  1. 01

    Watch for sales

    Most big-box stores drop prices on irrigation gear in March and April. You can save a decent amount by timing your purchase with these gardening events.

  2. 02

    Manage the cost

    One option is the Discover it® Cash Back (Discover). This card offers 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. Paying $14.67 a month clears a $220 balance before the intro period ends.

  3. 03

    Swap it yourself

    Most systems use standard wiring that plugs right into the new unit. Label your wires before you pull the old ones out so you know which zone is which.

  4. 04

    Sync your schedule

    Use the app to set watering times when rates are lowest. Most smart systems check the local weather and skip watering if it just rained.

  5. 05

    File for rebates

    Many local utility companies give you money back for installing water-saving devices. Keep your receipt and file the paperwork as soon as the unit is on the wall.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Discover it® Cash Back carries the date a person verified it against Discover and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Discover it® Cash Back terms →

Common questions

Do smart timers save money?

They stop the water when it rains and only water as much as the soil needs. Most people see their water bill drop enough to pay for the device in two seasons.

Is it hard to install?

If you have an existing timer, it is usually just a few wires and a mounting bracket. You just need a screwdriver and the app on your phone.

What happens if the Wi-Fi goes out?

The timer stores your schedule locally. It will keep watering your grass even if your router takes a nap, though it won't get weather updates until the connection returns.

Will this work with any valves?

Most smart timers use a standard 24V system that works with almost every brand of irrigation valve. If your current system is very old, check the voltage before you buy.