How to Use a Hose and a Drip Irrigation System From the Same Faucet

You can use one outdoor faucet for a timed drip system and a separate garden hose by connecting a suitable two-outlet splitter. Connect the timer and drip components to one outlet and the garden hose to the other. Before leaving the setup unattended, check local backflow requirements, component instructions, leaks, and whether the water supply can support the way you intend to use both branches.

At a glance: one faucet, two branches

Outdoor faucet → suitable splitter → timed drip branch + separate garden hose branch.

This is a branch overview, not a complete installation sequence. The position and type of backflow protection, filter and pressure regulator must follow the equipment instructions and local requirements.

What you need

• A two-outlet splitter with connections that fit your faucet and both branches.
• A hose-end timer suited to your water source and drip system, if you want automatic watering.
• A drip system with the filtration and pressure regulation specified by its manufacturer.
• Appropriate backflow protection, as required by your local water provider or building authority.
• A garden hose for the second outlet.

Check connection types before buying. Hose threads, tubing connections, and adapter requirements vary; similar-looking fittings are not always interchangeable. If your water comes from a gravity-fed tank rather than a pressurized faucet, verify the timer's minimum operating pressure with its manufacturer before choosing it.

Set up the two branches

1. Check the faucet and protection requirements

Turn off the faucet and inspect its threads and washer. Ask your water provider or local building department which backflow protection is required for your setup. If the faucet already has a device fitted, check its type and placement before adding anything; do not remove or bypass it to make the splitter fit.

For background on drip-system filtration, pressure regulation and backflow protection, see Colorado State University Extension's guide to drip irrigation for home gardens. It also recommends checking local backflow requirements with your building department or water provider.

2. Attach the splitter

Connect the splitter according to its instructions, using the supplied washers where specified. Support the assembly if its weight or position puts strain on the faucet. Arrange the outlets so both controls remain accessible and the connections will not be knocked by tools or foot traffic.

3. Connect the timed drip branch

Attach the timer and the drip-system components to one outlet in the order specified for those products and your local backflow arrangement. A drip setup commonly needs a filter and a pressure regulator, but their placement and rating must suit the equipment. Connect the drip tubing and secure it so it cannot be pulled loose.

Do not assume a regulator intended for the drip branch is appropriate for the hand-watering branch. Keep each component where the relevant manufacturer and local requirements call for it.

4. Connect the garden hose

Attach the garden hose to the other outlet. Make sure the hose can reach the areas you hand-water without pulling on the splitter. If a neighbor will use it, show them which outlet operates the hose and which outlet supplies the timer.

5. Test each branch, then test them together

Open the faucet slowly and check every connection for leaks. Run a manual watering cycle on the timer and check the first and farthest emitters. Then test the garden hose. If you expect to use the hose while the timer is running, test both at the same time: flow at the drip emitters or the hose may change when both branches draw water.

If the drip line performs poorly with both branches open, avoid overlapping the two uses. Check for partially closed valves, kinks, leaks and a dirty filter; consult the equipment instructions before changing the setup. A splitter cannot create more water supply. An irrigation professional can help assess persistent pressure or flow problems.

6. Set the schedule and do a final check

Program the timer for your plants and local conditions. Confirm that the timer has the power it requires, the drip-branch valve is open, and the faucet is in the position required for automatic watering. Close the hand-hose outlet when you are finished if that is how your splitter is designed to operate. Check the assembly regularly and follow each manufacturer's freezing-weather guidance.

Common questions

Can I use the hose while the drip timer is running?

Sometimes. It depends on the available supply and the demand from both branches. Test both together and check the farthest emitters; if watering becomes uneven, use the hose outside the scheduled drip cycle.

Does a two-outlet splitter automatically control both branches?

Not necessarily. A manual splitter lets you open or close its outlets; an automatic timer controls only the branch connected to it. Check the controls and instructions for your particular equipment.

Will any hose timer work with a rain barrel?

No. A gravity-fed barrel may not provide the operating pressure a timer requires. Compare the timer's stated operating requirements with your water source, and ask the manufacturer when the specification is unclear.

Where should the filter and pressure regulator go?

They normally serve the drip branch, but the exact assembly depends on the equipment and local backflow requirements. Follow the drip kit, timer, and backflow-device instructions; ask a qualified professional if those instructions conflict.

Explore related RainPoint resources

If you are still deciding how to automate watering, compare the approaches in our guide to manual and automatic hose timers. You can also browse RainPoint hose timers and check each model's compatibility and operating requirements before buying.