Have you ever wondered how to connect your irrigation system to your tap? How to build your own valve manifold or what pipe you should use in between?
Key Components when connecting your water supply to your Irrigation System
The following items are the key components when connecting your irrigation valves to your water supply:
- Tap Connection Kit
- Master Valve (Optional)
- Mainline Pipe (Connection between your tap connection kit & Valves)
- Valve Manifold
Read on below for more information on each component:
Tap Connection Kit
The tap connection kit comprises of an mains isolation valve & backflow prevention device. This allows you to immediately turn your irrigation system off if you have a break & component failure. Check out our ready made tap connection kit here.
Master Valve
A Master valve is generally the same model as your zone valves. They are installed as close as possible to your water source and add another layer of protection to your irrigation system. They only open when your solenoid valves open protecting your system from potential leaks.
They also give you the opportunity to install:
- Filter – protecting your zone valves and sprinklers/drip from potential blockages from poor quality water.
- Pressure Reducer – if all your zones are drip you can install one pressure reducer after your master valve rather than one after each zone valve
- Flow Meter – Available for connection to some controllers. These read the live flow rate in your system and alert you if you have a leak or blockage.
Basic Wiring & Valve Layout of an Irrigation System
The below image gives you an idea of the basic layout of the automation side of an irrigation system including:
- Where your Master Valve sit
- Where your Solenoid Valves sit
- The basic wiring layout between your Irrigation Controller and Solenoid Valves

Irrigation System Main Line
There are several connection options available between your backflow and your solenoid valves, most importantly you must use pipe that is rated to constant pressure. LDPE is not an option, it will leak. Read on for the most common options when selecting your main line :
- Copper – Incredibly neat and durable this is a great option if you only have a short run between your water source and valves. It does however require a skilled operator and expensive tools.
- PVC – The most popular option, PVC is very easy to use with some basic skills (check out the following guide). You do need to use glue and primer to make your connections, which requires 24 hours to set before pressurising
- Blue Line Pipe – So easy to install with simple compression fittings this is the perfect option for those with limited skill. The only downside is that the fittings are bulky and somewhat more expensive than PVC. No glue or primer means that you can pressurise your system instantly.
Find your range of pipe and fittings here.
Irrigation Valve Manifold
Like your mainline there are also many options to choose from, the most popular are:
- Copper – Very neat and durable, however some skill is required as well as expensive tools.
- PVC – Customisable and durable, PVC is the most popular option for the professional. Limited skill is required, fittings do require glue and primer which takes 24 hours to set before pressurising.
- Pre-built – Great option for all installers, there are several brands available on the market that allow for instant installations plus easy repairs & adjustments over time.
Should I install my solenoid valves above or below ground?
Either are great options depending on the environment they are installed in, read on below for the pro’s & con’s of each one.
Above Ground
Easy access for maintenance, however you must be careful to install them away from the hot summer sun and damage from other environmental factors. Whilst most components are UV stabilised and made to be in the elements, all materials last longer if they are protected from the harshest environments. Above ground installations must also be secured very well otherwise they can be prone to water hammer which can cause damage to components.
Below Ground
Out of site and out of mind in a valve box this is the most common way to install your valves. Safe from environmental and structural damage, they can however be hard to maintain if they are not installed with maintenance in mind, such as:
- To deep
- To near to large trees which can crush components
- Too close to the sides of the valve box making them hard to access without digging up the entire box.
I hope this helps you in the installation of a high quality, long lasting irrigation system!
We are here to help, if you have any questions simply get in touch.
Happy Irrigating,
Simon Bando