Even though a sprinkler system is a fairly simple setup overall, it can be a little confusing to understand exactly what does what. How your water pressure works, what kind of coverage you have, and especially what sort of valves work with your system are things you should probably understand in case anything ever goes wrong. And if it does, so you are aware that most problems are simple fixes- as long as you know what you are talking about.

There are some basic components that work together to make your system effective, and some of the most important are the valves you use. The best sprinkler valves are those that will be long lasting and effective for the job you need them to do. Below is an explanation of the most common types of valves you will see used and some of the best you can buy.

If you need additional lawn coverage, you might enjoy our look at the best garden and lawn sprinkler heads.

5 Best Sprinkler Valve Comparisons

What is a Sprinkler Valve?

Irrigation systems use two main types of valves: a shut-off valve and sprinkler valve. Shut off valves control the water supply, and sprinkler valves work to deliver pressurized water to the sprinkler head. Sprinkler heads also are categorized as one of two types: in-line or anti-siphon. Even though they sound complicated, the names simple denote what type of irrigation system they belong in.

In-line systems run in a line connected to pipes underground. They control or block the flow of water either manually or through a control panel. An anti-siphon system uses valves that are found above ground in pipes laid above ground, or when an underground system loops up above the ground. They keep water from back flowing into the pipes, which could bring debris into the system. These are more conveniently located to work on.

Identification of Sprinkler Valves

When on the hunt for a sprinkler valve, it's best to know in advance what you need. They are identified by their size, their inlet connection size and type, their outlet connection size and type (if different), and their mechanism (what they do).

Gate Valves

Gate valves are most often used in systems that require manual on and off. These control the main water source and can handle large amounts of pressure to supply the main irrigation lines. These utilize a disk-shaped ‘gate’ that can be lowered and raised by turning the handle.

Ball Sprinkler Valves

Ball valves use a hollow ball that swivels when turned. They can be used for both shut-off and pressure control function and are considered highly durable. These are typically found in high use systems due to their ease of use.

Automatic Control Sprinkler Valves

It used to be that valves had to be turned on and off manually, but now many can be tied right into electronically controlled systems. These are very efficient to provide proper pressure and timing of your watering.

Check Valves

Check valves have a 45-degree angle disk that is seated on a seal to let water through. As water flows, it floats up, but any backflow seals off the opening.

Globe Valves

Globe valves use a disk and stationary ring to help regulate the water flow in a pipeline. By turning the know it can be lowered to block the flow of water.

Angle Valve

Angle valves are like they sound and have inlets on both the bottom and side to create an angle. These need to be used with a separate backflow preventer.

Indexing Valve

Indexing valves are part of the new wave of sprinkler technology and can integrate up to 6 sprinkler zones through one valve body. These are great for large properties that need control over multiple areas.

Connection Types

To purchase the correct valve for your system you need to know how it is supposed to connect to the water pipes. The following terminology can help you better understand what your valve is and where it fits.

• FPT or FIP: Female threaded
• MPT or MIP: Male threaded
• NPT: National pipe thread
• S (Slip): Straight, smooth female connector
• Barb: Male connector with barbs
• Union: a two-piece threaded connector that is often found in pairs on either side of a valve so it can be easily disconnected.

Top 5 Sprinkler Valve Reviews

The following picks highlight the variances in the sprinkler valve needs to give you an idea of the different designs and uses for these tools. All are considered top brand picks often found in professionally installed sprinkler systems, and are fairly universal in their use with other brand name system parts.

Rain Bird CP075 In-Line Automatic Sprinkler Valve

• Type of Valve: Inline female x female
• Sizes available:1”, ¾”
• Compatible with: any standard sprinkler timer
• Automatic or manual: both

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Rainbird is a trusted brand name in the sprinkler industry and designs quality products that work well with to interchange with many other brands. This in-line automatic valve is made to work underground and allows for your choice of 1 or ¾ inch female connectors. Compact and dependable, you can also convert this to a manual valve with just a turn of a screw. Fail-proof, if ever damaged it is designed to keep the valve closed to save water and keep flooding from occurring. It also is incredibly easy to service.

Pros

• Long expected lifetime (10-15)
• Simple to take out and put in
• Does not leak

Cons

• Do not use power tools to remove top casing- may crack

Who Should Buy This

For inground systems, you can’t much better than this. Durable and designed for long lasting use with a strong solenoid, this in-line option is top notch.

Rain Bird DASASVF075 Professional Grade Anti-Siphon Valve with Flow Control

• Type of Valve: Anti-siphon female x female
• Sizes available:1”, ¾”
• Compatible with: any standard sprinkler timer
• Automatic or manual: both

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Rainbird truly is a quality sprinkler product and their flow control anti-siphon valve is one of the best in the business. Available in 1 and ¾ inch female input/output, this above ground design will effectively stop any backflow is placed 6 inches above the highest sprinkler head height. It will operate automatically but can be turned to manual with a turn of a screw. It has a flow range from 0.2 to 22 gallons per minute for effective control over water pressure.

Pros

• Super easy to install
• Great flow rate control for water coverage
• Expected to last 10 to 20 years

Cons

• Easy to gall the threads without a care

Who Should Buy This

When you need dependable flow control, this valve helps optimize water pressure for sprinkler coverage.

Hunter Sprinkler PGV101G PGV Series 1-Inch Globe Valve with Flow Control

• Type of Valve: Globe
• Sizes available: 1, 1.5, 2”
• Compatible with: Most 1 to 2 “ systems
• Automatic or manual: both

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Built for heavy residential use, this Hunter Globe valve helps regulate water flow to your system. It is actually available as both a flow control and nonflow control version depending on what your needs are. It also comes in a variety of sizes to fit a wider variety of systems. This valve is perfect to reduce flow in high-pressure zones, or completely cut off a zone if a solenoid goes bad- making it a great backup solution as well.

Pros

• Sturdy and well made
• Easy to install
• Works great for backup valve parts- dependable quality

Cons

• Doesn't come in a ¾ inch

Who Should Buy This

If you have a large system and need flow control, or want to have a good backup for restricting water to a particular zone, this works great.

K-RAIN 4404 4000 Series Indexing Valve with 4 Outlets and 4 Zones

• Type of Valve: Indexing female
• Sizes available: 1.25”
• Compatible with: Most 1.25” systems
• Automatic or manual: automatic w/ irrigation timer switch

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Also available in a 6 outlet, the K-Rain INdexing Valves provide you 2 to 6 watering zones in one convenient valve. Built from a high impact polymer, it can handle high pressure and is designed to last for many years. Low operation of 10 gallons per minute, you can adjust psi from 25 to 75, and reliable water small commercial and large residential lawns with ease. No solenoids mean less moving parts - all you have to do is hook it up to a mechanical cycle and irrigation timer switch.

Pros

• Works as described
• Easy to install
• Popular with repeat customers

Cons

• Be sure to cover - the sun will rot it

Who Should Buy This

This is a great pick if you have multiple zones you need to set in your system and you have limited space and don’t want to run multiple valves.

Orbit 57281 1" Fnpt Inline Valve

• Type of Valve: In-line female x female
• Sizes available: 1”
• Compatible with: Most sprinkler brands
• Automatic or manual: automatic

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Orbit also specializes in sprinkler parts and their 1” inline valve is designed to work with all 24V systems and be compatible with all major brands as a replacement part. A fail-safe design prohibits flooding and the soft close design keeps water hammer from occurring. If used with an Orbit manifold system, you can put this together fast and easy with a glueless assembly. Valve is fully automatic also, and only open when power is applied.

Pros

• Easy installation
• Well made and durable
• No leaks

Cons

• Overall length may be a bit short for certain brands when used as a replacement

Who Should Buy This

This is a dependable part that allows for quick and easy replacement and is easily interchangeable.

Conclusion

Valves are an important part of your sprinkler system and help regulate water flow and pressure. They also serve as excellent safety measures to prevent flooding, as well as backflow which can contaminate your lines and cause trouble with your sprinkler heads. Although there are many types of valves, you need to get the one that either replaces exactly the type you are replacing, or one that helps get water to where you need it and at the proper pressure. When unsure of your irrigation design, look at the original blueprints to see what was used for the correct flow control.

If you have any questions, please let us know below, and, as always, please share.