After discovering the overwhelming complaints on-line about this product, I wrote a letter to Melnor, vowing never to buy one of their products again. I should point out the new aqua duo was bought to replace an older model Melnor timer that cracked internally and was spewing water from BEHIND the battery cover plate.

Funny. No one at Melnor service bothered to respond to the concerns of a consumer who had been duped into buying an historically defective product. Another reason to avoid Melnor.

But, foolishly, I thought I’d give Melnor another chance. I exchanged the defective unit for another one at my local Home Depot. There were dozens on the shelf, so I figured, maybe I just had bad luck. Besides, I need a timer and frankly, the concept is a good one. Apart from what some reviewers say about not understanding that only one outlet is timed, that was clear to me, and it’s a good design idea.

So I get the second unit home, hook it up, and Voila! It works! Yeah. Except for the giant LEAK where it connects to the faucet…once again, rendering the unit completely useless.

I just don’t understand how the company can allow this product to be sold, given the immense frustration and ill-will it’s engendering among consumers - particularly those consumers who are keen about gardening. But I also can’t understand why Home Depot would ignore what must be return after return of a product that just doesn’t work.

I have since written to Home Depot outlining my concerns. At least THAT company sent me an automated response to indicate they got the email. Melnor’s front office must be in China, along with the unbelievably miserable factory where this cheap plastic crap is slapped together.

So, don’t waste your time, like I did. It looks good. But it’s a fraud. DO NOT BUY THIS PRODUCT. YOU WILL BE DISAPPOINTED, AND YOU WILL BE REWARDING BUSINESS INCOMPETANCE, ARROGANCE and NEGLIGENCE.

Nothing broken on it!

http://www.amazon.com/Melnor-Electronic-DUO-AquaTimer-3060/dp/B00004SDVT/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1208998546&sr=8-1