Welcome to the Irrigation Valve Buying Guide!

The purpose of this guide is to explicate what valves are used for, why they are of import, how they piece of work, who needs them, and finally, how to choose a valve.

What are valves used for?

Irrigation Valves are used to create various watering zones in an irrigation system. This separation allows for different watering devices to be encompassed in a single arrangement. Past the opening and endmost of a valve, each zone in your irrigation system tin can be watered according to the needs of that zone (such as pressure requirements or limitations, watering frequency or elapsing).

(Pictured: RainBird DV/DVF Serial Valves)

Why are valves important?

Valves allow for ane system to exist split into diverse zones. Why is this necessary? Not all zones in an irrigation system should be watered the aforementioned. Some zones may require devices with higher pressure, while other zones may require very depression pressure.

Additionally, a water source can merely provide so much water at once. Often times in larger systems, the water source cannot supply the volume of water needed to water the unabridged system at once. By creating zones, this ensures the water source is not over taxed, and that each watering device is receiving the catamenia rate required for optimal performance. (To check the flow rate of your water source, here is our flow rate figurer).

Different zones can also be programmed to have longer durations or more frequent watering times, depending on the needs of each zone. Beneath are examples of areas that should be in split watering zones for various reasons:

Lawns and shrubs

Sunny and Shady areas

Spray heads and Rotors

Drip Irrigation and sprinklers

(Pictured: RainBird Nozzle)

How valves work:

When idle, water flows into the inlet and fills the bonnet chamber above the diaphragm. The pressure from the water holds the diaphragm in place, keeping the valve shut.

First, an electrical betoken is sent from the controller to the valve solenoid. The solenoid ringlet becomes an electromagnet, and pulls the plunger up into the solenoid, which allows the water in the bonnet sleeping room to flow through the outlet of the valve, decreasing the pressure above the diaphragm.

Now that the pressure to a higher place the diaphragm is decreased due to the water flowing out, the water from the inlet tin then ascent high plenty to button the diaphragm up, which opens the valve, allowing continuous water flow through it.

Once the flow of electricity to the solenoid stops, the plunger drops within the solenoid and the water stops flowing in the solenoid dump port.

Later the bonnet chamber water pressure higher up the diaphragm becomes high enough to start the h2o pressure beneath the diaphragm, the valve closes.

(Pictured: RainBird DV/DVF Serial Valve)

Who needs a valve?

Valves are typically used with systems that contain a manifold and a controller. Controllers and manifolds are not normally used in applications with hose bibbs as the h2o source. If y'all will be zoning your system using a controller and manifold, you will need valves in gild to operate each zone.

Information technology is also important to note that devices, such equally backflow preventers, filters, and pressure regulators are not designed for constant pressure level, and are recommended to be installed after the valves, to relieve the constant pressure.

How to choose a valve:

In order to choose a valve all-time suited for your organisation, you lot will need to sympathize the various types of valves and their different features. Here are the factors to consider when choosing a valve; the ability source, type of valve, the features offered, materials it is made from, size of the valve, and the limitations and capacities of the valve.

And then, with this information, you will want to assemble the organization requirements of your arrangement and each zone (flow rate required for each zone, as well as the PSI) in order to choose a valve that will be uniform with all watering devices and their specific needs.

Power Source:

There are two operation types when choosing valves, manual and automatic. Automated valves come up in two options; Alternate Current (Air-conditioning) and Direct Electric current (DC).

Transmission valves are cocky-explanatory in that the valve has a handle that you need to manually open and close during each zone watering cycle.  Manual valves are less expensive than automated valves; however, the bulk of sprinkler systems use automatic valves in their design. If you are interested in using manual valves, so you may want to check out our line of manual valves, but please continue reading this guide, you might just change your pattern since this guide will concentrate on making your irrigation system hands free with the use of automated valves.

Hither is an example of a manual valve:

Today, the most commonly used sprinkler control valves are electric powered, using 24 volt alternate current (VAC) solenoid valves.  These electrical solenoid valves are turned on and off by an irrigation controller, which eliminates the need for y'all to constantly open up and close a valve manually. Each zone can be programmed individually, allowing for total customization of your irrigation system. Anti-siphon and globe (angle and inline) valve styles are all available as automatic valves.

Nigh 24 VAC valves and controllers are compatible with each other, nevertheless, that being said, if you lot volition be using different manufacturers for your controller and valves, it is ever best to double check compatibility with the manufacturer.

The nigh common exception to this rule are valves operated by controllers that are battery or solar powered (DC). A DC solenoid valve volition non piece of work with an AC powered controller, fifty-fifty if they are the same brand or manufacturer.

Circumspection: Practise non confuse battery powered controllers (DC controllers) whose only source of power is their bombardment, with the Air-conditioning controllers that accept an internal battery to back upwardly their programing in case of a power failure.

DC valves and controllers are a nifty option when you want to automate a zone and Air conditioning power is unavailable in the location. Only DC solenoid valves will exist compatible with DC controllers. In some cases, an AC solenoid may be replaced with a compatible DC solenoid to convert a the valve to DC.

Takeaways:

Prior to buy and installation, we recommend confirming your controller and valve specifications are compatible.

Air conditioning controllers and AC valves are compatible, DC controllers and DC valves are compatible. On many valves a DC solenoid may be used to replace an AC solenoid in order to convert a valve from Air conditioning to DC.

Types of valves:

There are three basic styles of control valves to cull from. The bending valve, anti-siphon valve and the globe valve.

Angle Valves:

Angle valves are typically buried, and are similar to globe valves in their recommended applications. Nonetheless, the angle valve is constructed a bit differently. This type of valve features an additional inlet at the base of operations of the valve. This feature creates a 90-degree angle betwixt the inlet and outlet connections. This allows for moderation of pressure, incase a pressure drop occurs inside the valve. If force per unit area fluctuations are prevalent in your system, angle valves are going to be a better choice than standard globe valves.

Anti-siphon Valves:

Anti-siphon valves are designed with a backflow prevention device built into the valve and are available in three/iv" and 1" size. This is of import if you are going to use fertilizer or other contaminants in your irrigation organization. Backflow prevention is a must, equally you practise not want any contaminants flowing astern into your drinking water source. Another difference from globe valves is that anti-siphon valves must be installed higher up basis and at least half-dozen" higher than the highest sprinkler head. The elevation is needed to make sure the backflow prevention feature works correctly.

Globe Valves:

Globe valves are mutual in commercial landscape systems and are typically buried under ground inside a valve box.  Globe valves come in many sizes; however, they are not bachelor with internal backflow preventers.  Then while earth valves are less expensive than comparable anti-siphon valves you should consider the cost of having to buy a carve up backflow preventer when designing your irrigation system, as backflow prevention devices tin can be expensive, but they are necessary to protect your water source.

Additionally, some municipalities require specific backflow certified devices. It is always a good idea to double cheque the requirements of your area when setting upwards an irrigation arrangement.

Specialty Valves (Earth Style):

These are also a class of globe valves, nevertheless these speciality valves offering additional features non normally included in valves. This includes push-to-fit valves that make installation easy, and all-in-one valves which feature a pressure regulator and filter as function of the assembly.

Takeaways:

Choosing between an angle, anti-siphon and globe valves comes down to a few choices.

Do you want to bury the valve? If yes, and so you would use either an angle or globe valve (y'all volition demand a carve up backflow prevention device).

Exercise you have noticeable pressure level fluctuations? If yeah, then an angle valve may be the best choice.

Practice you want backflow prevention at each valve, or will this be installed vi" or more higher up ground? If yes, and so an anti-siphon valve is the clear choice.

It is always a skilful option to double cheque the backflow requirements of your area to ensure you are complying with all municipal requirements.

Features:

All-In-1 (Filter + Regulator Combo):

One option to consider are the all-in-one valves that feature a built in filter and pressure regulator. These features are only available in globe valves, and can come in very handy if you lot desire to avoid buying actress filters or pressure regulators for specific zone needs.

An example of this is if you were running sprinklers on the majority of the zones, just needed to filter to a finer mesh and/or reduce and regulate the pressure level for a drip zone. Many of the all-in-one valves we deport filter to 200 mesh and regulate the pressure at the valve to 30 PSI or below, making them ideal for almost drip systems.

Every bit a note, we always recommend verifying the operating pressures and filtration requirements needed for specific watering devices, every bit these requirements vary beyond different devices.

Filter Sentry:

Filter Sentry washes the filter clean with a wiper that slides up and covers the entire screen when the valve opens. Even more than, the wiper continues to scrub the filter's upper role during valve operation. Filter Sentries can be added after the valve is installed as well. This feature is ideal for dirty water applications that bargain with higher levels of droppings.

Menstruation Control:

Period control handles are an option on angle, anti-siphon and globe valves. These handles regulate the flow of water through the valve when the valve opens (non to be confused with a manual on/off switch). Typically it is a stem connected to the top of the diaphragm that goes up through the top of the valve to the period control handle. The flow control handle works past regulating how far the diaphragm opens and allows water to go through when the valve opens.

By reducing the flow of water through the valve, this besides reduces the water pressure of that valve'due south zone. This may brand the difference in your power to become a valve operating correctly in your irrigation organisation vs. having to replace the valve.

Flow control tin can besides be used to override the automated open up and close office of the valve if there is an emergency, such as the valve being stuck open. Should that occur, the valve can be manually closed, allowing you time to asses the problem.

To manually operate a valve, turn the solenoid a quarter (¼) plow, counterclockwise. You lot'll hear the water outset to menstruation, when y'all are set up to close the valve, turn information technology a quarter plow clockwise. Yous do not need to overtighten the solenoid, you'll experience it finish. Once the valve is airtight you will hear the water terminate.

Considering the minimal boosted expense to purchase a valve with flow command is coin well spent on your irrigation system in the event of a valve that is stuck open or a valve that is causing trouble due to too much water pressure.

Jar-Top:

Jar top valves are globe valves that accept eliminated the need for tools when disassembling the valve. These valves feature a threaded bonnet, instead of one that requires screws to concord information technology in place. Just every bit you lot would open a jar by turning it to the left, the same is true for these valves. Hence the name, "Jar-Top", making it incredibly easy to get into the valve equally needed. Closing it up is just equally simple, just turn to the right until the threads stop.

Manual Bleed (Internal and External):

Manual bleed features are options on angle, anti-siphon and world valves. The item description of the valve will indicate if an internal or external (or both) are featured.

The external bleeder spiral can be used to manually flush the system of dirt and debris during installation and system kickoff-up. This tin can be located typically in the center of the flow control handle or on the top of the valve. By opening the transmission bleeder spiral, it allows the h2o and droppings to evacuate out through that hole.

Internal bleed is used for spray-free transmission functioning. This operates the valve without allowing water into the valve box; on valves with pressure regulation, this allows the pressure regulator to be adjusted without turning on the valve at the controller offset. The internal bleed feature is office of the solenoid. In order to do this, yous volition have to manually operate the valve using the solenoid.

Push button-to-fit:

This feature is offered on the globe valves nosotros carry, and makes setting upwards your irrigation system significantly easier. Push to fit fittings include: PVC-Lock and Blu-Lock. Information technology is incredibly important to notation that PVC-Lock and Blu-lock fittings are proprietary in design.

PVC-lock fittings are simply compatible with PVC pipe. Blu-lock fittings are only compatible with Blu-lock Tubing. For your convenience, here is a link to our Blu-lock tubing. For more information on these push-to-fit fittings bank check out our Blu-Lock and PVC-Lock article.

Reverse Flow:

This feature is available on the globe valves we comport, and it essentially works as a preventative and proactive maintenance device. The preventative part of this feature is typically, (and this is not always true) when a reverse menstruation valve fails information technology won't let the valve turn on. This means there is less run a risk of flooding and impairment from broken valve. When a forward flow (normal period) valve fails it won't turn off, which tin can cause flooding and possible damage.

The proactive part of this device is that with reverse period valves, usually the diaphragms terminal a petty chip longer than regular valves. This is considering the internal construction is different and is designed to relieve pressure level and undue stress on the diaphragm, thus giving it a longer life.

One disadvantage to consider with this design is that when you close a opposite period valve it takes a few seconds longer to shut off.

Slow Shut:

A feature to consider if you're worried nearly water hammer is a slow closing blueprint. This feature is made to reduce water hammer; resulting in less stress on the organization. This is offered in both angle and earth valves.

Here is a list of some of the valves we deport with a tiresome close feature:

Hydro-Rain HRB Serial Commercial Valves

Irritrol 700 Series Valves, Irritrol 200B Serial Valves,

RainBird PGA Valves, RainBird Inline Plastic Industrial Irrigation Valves

Takeaways:

If you lot will be using your valve in a drip system, an all-in-i valve may be a good choice, as information technology offers features such as filtration and pressure regulation, meaning you do not have to buy an additional filter or pressure regulator for your system.

A filter sentry is a adept feature to consider if you accept dirty water in your organization.

Period control is a feature that allows for manual operation of the valve, enabling you lot to decrease menses and thus, pressure, as needed. Information technology is too a helpful feature in troubleshooting a valve.

If you want a valve that is easy to disassemble to service, Jar-top valves are a great choice, every bit they require no tools.

Manual bleed features are a great idea if a valve volition need to exist flushed, or if manual operation will need to happen in order to adapt or plan the valve without turning on the controller.

Push to fit connections brand set-upwards incredibly easy, simply it is too paramount that these connections are used with the uniform tubing or pipe.

Reverse catamenia valves are a not bad measure to preserve and protect the longevity of your valves and ultimately your system. One drawback to recall is that they do take a footling bit longer to close.

Boring close is a great characteristic if y'all are worried about h2o hammer or stress in your system.

Choosing a material:

Contumely vs. Plastic Valves

When a valve is buried underground the reliability of both plastic and brass valves are virtually the same. With the reliability existence and so similar when buried, price is what drives the majority of sprinkler installers to use plastic valves.

If your valves will be higher up ground, then you may want to consider a contumely valve equally the plastic degrades over time when exposed to UV radiation. A fix for this would be to build an enclosure effectually the plastic valves shielding them from UV rays.

Nosotros carry a very large option of plastic valves. The merely brass valve we carry at this time is a manual anti-siphon valve, the Orbit Contumely Anti-Siphon Sprinkler Valve.

How to pick the right Size of valve?

This is probably the about challenging attribute of choosing a valve. Most people remember that if you lot have 1" PVC pipe in your irrigation arrangement then you demand a 1" valve. This is not ever the example, and this thinking could get you in trouble downward the road.

Automatic valves get a spring start on opening by receiving an electrical charge sent from the controller to the solenoid. However, the heavy lifting is washed by the water pressure. In that location has to be enough force per unit area loss at the valve to allow it to open and close by itself.  With that in mind, too much pressure loss will cause the valve to "snap" closed too speedily which will cause the value to wear out apace; this "snap" when closing tin besides crusade water hammer to occur.

A good rule of thumb to follow is the maximum static pressure loss from the mainline should not exceed of 10% of the static pressure available in the mainline.

Additionally, the valve should either be the same size as the largest pipe or no more one nominal size smaller.

The size of the automatic valves is determined by the manufacturer's recommended flow range, together with the pressure loss through the valve at the selected menses. You will demand to go the valve manufacturer's flowchart for the model of valve you program to utilize. This data should be on the valve packaging. If you can't discover it on the package, endeavor the valve manufacturer's website. How do you choose the right size of valve then?  Y'all will need to look at the manufacturer'south flow chart.  You desire to to proceed the pressure loss beneath 6 PSI (to avoid "snap" endmost).

Please visit the valve particular page for each specific pressure loss chart.

Valve Capacities and Limitations:

Lastly, the concluding gene to consider when choosing a valve is the specific operating conditions and restrictions of the valve. A practiced rule of thumb when choosing whatsoever arrangement components is to check the menses charge per unit capacities and the pressure (PSI) requirements and limitations. All valves require a minimum flow charge per unit and a minimum PSI in society to operate properly.

In improver to the minimum requirements, all valves have limitations and capacities. All valves will list a maximum flow rate and PSI. It is incredibly important to stay within the operating ranges listed; equally exceeding whatsoever of these limitations tin can upshot in damage or failure of the valve, which could lead to possible arrangement damage and flooding.

Delight meet our chart below for specific manufacturer and model data:

Valve Links:

Manufacturer/ Model

Galcon:

24 VAC Electric Valve w/Menstruum Command

Irrigation Valve with DC Latching Solenoid

3" DC Valve No Flow Control

Hunter:

PGV Globe Valves

PGV Earth Valves

PGV Jar-Height Valves

ICV Global Valves west/ Filter Sentry

Hydro-Rain:

HRJ Series - Jar Top Valve

HRA Serial Anti- Siphon Valve

HRB Serial Commercial Valves

HRZ 1" All-In-One Drip Command Zone

PVC-Lock Push to Fit 1" Valve

HRV Series - Reverse Flow Valves

Blu-Lock Push Fit 1" Valve

Orbit:

Brass Anti-Siphon Sprinkler Valve

Irritrol:

700 Serial Valves

2500TF Valve

2400TF Valve

205 Serial Valve

200B Series Valve

Thou-Rain:

ProSeries 100 Male person Fitting Valve

ProSeries 100 Female Plumbing equipment Valve

Pro 150 Valve

Pro 150 Valve

Pro 150 Jar Top Valve

Rainbird:

DV/DVF Series Inline Valve

Anti-Siphon Residential Valve w/Flow Command

Low Flow Command Zone Kit

HV Serial Inline Sprinkler Valves

Inline Industrial Valve

PGA Inline Residential/ Commercial Valve

Signature:

9000 Serial Valves

7900 Series Valves

If you accept any further questions virtually valves, please experience free to reach out to our helpdesk for all your irrigation valve needs!