so it knows when it went on and when it goes off. by when it goes on i mean an actual clock that would display in time from on till time it goes off. one clock starts at 0 ends at turn off and returns to 0.

 

OK, here is a rather different scheme that just popped into my head!! Use a CHEAP crystal microphone taped onto the water pipe near each water valve. Amplify the sound from the water flowing and use that to operate a relay to switch on both a RUNNING TIME METER and also an indicator light to remind "Grandma" that the water is running.
No plumbing changes or additions, no expensive parts, except the running time meter, and the rest of the system can be powered by a battery or a "wall wart" power pack.
For the running time record, an older style PLUG-IN, mains powered mechanical clock can work. NONE of the modern electronic clocks can be suitable. It MUST be the kind that stop when the power goes off and starts when the power comes back on.

 

Then why does he ask if it would be "a good project to try and do for grandma as she leaves the water on all day"

How is knowing that the water was on for 48 hours help grandma with her problem of leaving the water on all day?

It the X Y problem again. I think we should be guiding him toward solving the actual problem instead of helping with his flawed solution. That has been done, it is up to the TS to accept it.

 

Solving today's problem is often a mistake when trying to help someone transition to a different way of living. Look ahead a year or two and you realize the watering problem is not the real issue. Grandma needs a simpler environment whether that's a live-in "nurse" or an assisted living facility or whatever.

I know this may sound like a harsh response to someone eager to DIY a solution and help out. But it's based on real experience and hindsight. Think about the future and face it head on. Delaying the inevitable and deluding yourself will be something you regret later.

 

Look ahead a year or two and you realize the watering problem is not the real issue. Grandma needs a simpler environment whether that's a live-in "nurse" or an assisted living facility or whatever.

Quite the leep to take with no information but a few sentences from a TS who disappeared..

 

OK, here is a rather different scheme that just popped into my head!! Use a CHEAP crystal microphone taped onto the water pipe near each water valve. Amplify the sound from the water flowing and use that to operate a relay to switch on both a RUNNING TIME METER and also an indicator light to remind "Grandma" that the water is running.
No plumbing changes or additions, no expensive parts, except the running time meter, and the rest of the system can be powered by a battery or a "wall wart" power pack.
For the running time record, an older style PLUG-IN, mains powered mechanical clock can work. NONE of the modern electronic clocks can be suitable. It MUST be the kind that stop when the power goes off and starts when the power comes back on.

That could work. I have a small microphone module I could try out of curiosity. Just a matter of bending the microphone down and attaching it to a pipe, hose or whatever. Anyway, the thread starter has yet to return and add anything.

Ron

 

My interpretation of the of the TS requirements was to record how long the water was on. No flow measurement or control, just how long the water was on... Hence, flow switch and clock recorder.

A "flow sensor" of some kind can trigger off the flow noise at the control valve and thus not require any plumbing changes.Simpler and much easier, and cheaper.

 

A SOLENOID VALVE downstream of the outside water connection can work very well. My sister uses them vor her garden watering control.