The 6 Best Sprinkler Irrigation Control Valves (2023 reviews)

If you often find yourself scrambling for good valve, rain bird great valve should be your first option for buying. These are fine as long as you use rain bird polytubing. It comes with 1/2" drip irrigation tubing. It fits and functions perfectly. It is designed for working pressure of 0 to 50 psi. This softens up the plastic so the tubing slips on easily. It makes for a good visibility spout shutoff valve. They slide on to the rain bird XFD drip line easily. It is extremely hard to turn it off and on.

Why We Like This:

Works great with rain bird tubing and other adaptors
Good brand reputation

Best With Flow Control: Irritrol whole Valve

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The irritrol 2400 series globe and 2600 series angle valves are popular with users because of the convenience of their threaded bonnets, the reliability of their double-beaded diaphragm and the durability of their heavy-duty, corrosion and uv. It is easy to remove old parts and insert parts from this valve. It works perfectly and is much easier than replacing the whole valve.

It is easy to install and service, these 1-inch residential plastic valves offer an encapsulated solenoid, internal/external bleed, an optional flow control feature and are available in multiple configurations. The valve typically operates a group of sprinklers. It is easy to rebuild dirty, sticky, leaky valves using a new one that matches. It would not shut off completely.

Why We Like This:

Easy install to put irrigation system back in operation
Very robust & reliable valve for new or service
Minimum recommended operating pressure is 10 psi

Best For Drip System: Toro Sprinkler Irrigation Control Valve

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The Toro 53380 irrigation valve is constructed so that removing four screws on the top of the valve allows the user to replace the entire top and all interior components of the valve in less than 10 minutes. Specifically there are the solenoid plunger and a spring that can easily fall out so you have to keep your fingers over them as you lower it on to the valve body. It comes with a screw to manually activate the valve box.

These valves are very compact and run flawlessly. The nice thing about these valves is they are repairable. The internal parts of this 53380 valve are compatible. It is an off/ on valve tied to a timer for activation.

Why We Like This:

Easy to disassemble and repair as needed
Replaces 20yr old toro valve in minutes
Compact size makes for easy install in cramped areas
Worked really well for the front yard irrigation system

Best With spring: Irritrol Sprinkler Irrigation Control Valve

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The Irritrol 205 Series 1-inch plastic valve is the irrigation industry's time-tested leader for dependable operation in potable and dirty water applications. It is great for repairing old richdel r-204 valve. The valve is controlled by your timer box from the two leads that connect to a zone, inside your timer box. The proper input comes from the sprinkler control box which is always a separate item.

The valve is held closed by water pressure so as long as the power is off and the water is on the valve is closed. The hole in the top of the diaphragm is larger than at the bottom, so the pin will go into the hole with ease when inserted in the top but will be trickier to get through the bottom. That feature is really helpful when you have a power failure while the sprinklers are running,they shut off and don’t flood your yard.

It comes with a proven track record of success in a wide range of environments, these debris-tolerant valves are available with flow control as an optional feature. A manual bleed and a rugged, nylon-reinforced Buna-N diaphragm add to this valve's wide popularity.

Why We Like This:

Allows precise adjustment and manual shutoff
Tested leader for dependable operation in potable and dirty water applications
Clean any debris off with no abrasive cloth

RELATED: Best finding Irrigation lines

Best For soaker Hose: Rain Bird Sprinkler Irrigation Control Valve

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The rain bird sprinkler irrigation control valve's material feels more premium than its price would suggest. Setting up a manifold is very easy, and if aesthetics are important, these valves look great. It features 3/4" npt threads plus it is great for 100+ launches and counting. This works great for drip watering, where you often need to lower the pressure. It will be used with all types of watering devices including rain bird spray heads, rotors, and impacts.

It reduces stress on diaphragm for dependable operation. It will work together seamlessly.

Why We Like This:

Made a z-wave controlled valve using this
Readily available pipe threaded fittings work
Has worked great for 100+ launches and counting

Best With backflow: Orbit Sprinkler Irrigation Control Valve

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Best part: orbit sprinkler irrigation control valve costs comparatively low and it is available to ship in 24 hours. It is the cutting-edge commercial and agricultural counterpart of orbit, featuring built for speed offerings that are engineered specifically for professional contractors and growers. The actuator fits an older style Orbit valve. The valve has a " T " knob that you can turn in or out to increase or decrease water flow on the outflow side. They work well for a few years, invariably wind up leaking after a time.

The valve works well as designed, only as good as the control unit. The anti-siphon lid can be unscrewed. The solenoid is what activates the valve.

Why We Like This: