I would like to have a water pump/valve that I can tie into my house water and will run on a timer. Kind of like a sprinkler system but not so expensive an on a much smaller scale. Basically what I am trying to do is set up an auto-watering (from the tap) system for my animals when I am away for a day or two. I know this is more in the lines of a pet category but than again - not really.
Your okorder /... You can get a hose connection adapter for your tap. You could make one yourself with a toilet float valve. Setting up a pump on a timer may cause you a flood or water damage. It's not a good idea to leave such a system unattended for a few days. You might be better off my leaving several water bowls out if it's only a few days. Good luck!
You can find the timers at any walmart or big lots, they have outdoor timers (they normally use them for christmas lighting) for around $6, just make sure that they can withstand the amperage of your pump since you are not mentioning the size of it.
Most self watering devices for animals don't use a timer. Imagine a big coffee can with no lid, with a small hole on the side near the lip. Fill the coffee can with water, place a pie tin over the coffee can opening, and flip them both over. The pie tin will fill with water for awhile, but only until it covers the hole in the side of the coffee can. At that point, air can't get into the coffee can, therefore water can't get out of the coffee can. Your pets will drink out of the pie tin. When the water level falls below the hole in the side of the can, a little air gets in, and a little water gets out. So water will be available on demand for your pets until the coffee can is empty. A coffee can holds nearly a gallon of water, and being short and squatty your pets won't knock it over. Fun science project.
