This came up in another post about irrigation valves, but my valves just don't make it through more than two summers. The valve mechanisms are cheap, low voltage valves that just die on me, especially after a valve sits through a winter. Seems every spring, at least one valve no longer opens and c…

Well, growing season is coming to an end, and I am close to dismantling the valves for winter. I thought I would update here that his has worked very well for me all summer. In the first week, I had a couple valves get stuck on, but that never came back, I guess the valves just need some exercisin…

In ground irrigation valves are quite reliable. They are 24VAC coils are non latching but there are millions installed. Generally for higher flow rates but they would work for gardens too. At $15-20 each they aren't overly expensive. [image]

[image] CuriousB: n ground irrigation valves are quite reliable. They are 24VAC coils are non latching Those look pretty heavy duty, but I'm going with the 4/$15 12V valves since I already ordered them. I could always switch to 24V in the future, the Zigbee board will also run off of 24V AC…

[image] aaiyar: No. 24VAC. Ah, those should be dependable then. Google was giving me mixed messages on the Rachio valves, saying their smart valves were 6v locking and their professional systems use 24V AC.

[image] chrisbvt: Google was giving me mixed messages on the Rachio valves, saying their smart valves were 6v locking and their professional systems use 24V AC. The standard for irrigation systems is 24VAC (solenoid) valves. That said for a smaller garden system you have other options as you…

As I recall, I once put several of those 24vac sprinkler valves on a post with a hose fitting on each for several hoses. Connected the valve header to the hose bib. Controlled by a panel inside the garage. Probably easier to drain for winter. I had one split valve in a sprinkler system I put in …

We covered this somewhat recently [image] Garden hose timer, what is the latest and easiest? Devices Good point. I'm looking at options, and those Zigbee boards can run on 24V so it probably makes more sense to go higher volts anyway. Anything with better dependability …

[image] chrisbvt: Not bad to get what is essentially four valves for less than $50. I just think this setup will last longer than the battery smart valves, at least I am hoping it will. Traditional dumb irrigation valves are time-proven devices designed to work outdoors in wet, dirty environm…

[image] dcaton1220: Traditional dumb irrigation valves are time-proven devices designed to work outdoors in wet, dirty environments. A $4 washing machine valve is not likely to compare in any way to those. I'm not comparing to dumb irrigation valves, I'm comparing to unreliable smart valves. …

Why not just get a Rachio unit? Hubitat has built in compatibility. That way you can just use standard solenoids and integrate the Rachio schedule. Also integrates with Weatherflow (if you have one) so if it rains or is due to rain it won't run.

[image] rlithgow1: Why not just get a Rachio unit? I really would rather spin something up myself, and that is really why I consider Hubitat a hobby, and not just a tool. The growing season is so short in VT, I really don't want to sink too much money into this anyway. Year round would be …

I'm so done with Smart Irrigation Valves

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JumpJump April 8, 2026, 2:20am 14

We covered this somewhat recently

24v is better when you have them around the yard also. Smaller wire.