24V Multi Zone Irrigation Tap Manifold
24V irrigation valve manifold for connecting 2 or 4 automatically controlled watering zones directly to a standard outside garden tap.
From: £118.00 (excl VAT)
From: £141.60 (inc VAT)
Free Economy delivery on orders over £150 + vat
Product details
A 24V multi-zone irrigation tap manifold provides automatic control of several watering zones directly from a standard outside garden tap. It is a simple alternative to installing an underground valve box, making it particularly suitable for garden irrigation systems where the water supply is already available from an outside tap. Available with 2 or 4 independently controlled zones, the manifold uses 24V AC solenoid valves connected by low-voltage signal cable to a compatible mains-powered irrigation controller. Each outlet can operate a separate irrigation area, allowing lawn sprinklers, border drip irrigation, hedge watering or other zones to run independently with their own watering schedules. The manifold is installed above ground close to the tap, keeping the valves and connections easy to access for servicing. It is an ideal solution where a permanent automated irrigation system is required without the additional work involved in installing an underground valve box.
At a glance
- 24V multi-zone irrigation tap manifold
- Choice of 2 or 4 independently controlled watering zones
- Connects directly to a standard outside garden tap
- Uses Hunter PGV 24V AC solenoid valves
- Designed for mains-powered irrigation controllers
- Only low-voltage control cable runs to the manifold
- Ideal for lawns, borders, hedges and other separate irrigation zones
- Above-ground installation with easy access for servicing
- ¾” BSP female inlet to the tap
- 1″ BSP female or ¾” BSP male outlets
- Controller and outside tap not included
Why use a 24V irrigation tap manifold?
A 24V multi-zone irrigation tap manifold provides a simple way to control several watering zones automatically from a single outside garden tap. It is particularly useful where the tap is already the main water supply and installing an underground valve box would add unnecessary excavation and pipework. The manifold keeps all of the solenoid valves together in an accessible position close to the tap. Each outlet can supply a different part of the irrigation system, allowing lawn sprinklers, border drip irrigation, hedge watering or other areas to be operated independently.
How does a multi-zone tap manifold work?
The manifold connects to a standard outside tap using a flexible braided hose. Water entering the manifold is distributed to either two or four separate 24V solenoid valves, with each valve supplying an individual irrigation zone. A mains-powered irrigation controller is connected to the valves using low-voltage multi-core signal cable. The controller opens and closes each valve according to the programmed watering schedule, allowing the zones to operate independently and normally one at a time. This makes it possible to give different parts of the garden different watering durations while also keeping the total flow demand within the capacity of the tap and water supply.
24V tap manifold or multi-zone tap timer?
A multi-zone tap timer is a simple and convenient way to automate smaller garden watering systems, but the internal waterways and valves can restrict the amount of water that can pass through the timer. This can become important when operating larger irrigation systems, particularly lawn sprinklers or systems requiring higher flow rates.
The 24V tap manifold uses full-size Hunter PGV irrigation valves, which have a substantially higher flow capacity than an all-in-one tap timer. Hunter rates the PGV valve for flows up to 9,000 litres per hour, compared with up to 3,860 litres per hour through the Hunter 2-Zone Bluetooth Tap Timer.
For smaller drip irrigation systems, pots or individual garden areas, a multi-zone tap timer may be perfectly adequate. For larger sprinkler systems or installations where maintaining a high water flow is important, the 24V manifold is generally the better choice.
| 24V Tap Manifold | Multi-Zone Tap Timer | |
|---|---|---|
| Valve type | Full-size Hunter PGV irrigation valves | Integrated tap timer valves |
| Maximum published valve flow | Up to 9,000 l/hr | Hunter 2-Zone BTT: up to 3,860 l/hr |
| Best suited to | Larger irrigation systems, sprinklers and higher-flow applications | Smaller garden watering, drip systems, pots and borders |
| Controller | Separate mains-powered irrigation controller | Controller and valves combined in one unit |
| Installation | More involved, but greater system capacity and flexibility | Very quick and simple installation |
Which mains irrigation controller can I use?
The tap manifold uses standard 24V AC solenoid valves, so it can be operated by any compatible mains-powered irrigation controller with enough available stations. For most domestic garden irrigation systems, the Hunter X2 is a straightforward and reliable choice. It is available with 4, 8 or 14 stations and can also be upgraded with the optional WAND module for Hydrawise Wi-Fi control. Where built-in Wi-Fi, remote management and more advanced irrigation control are required, the Hydrawise Pro-HC is a suitable alternative.
| Controller | Zones | Best for | Key features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hunter X2 | 4, 8 or 14 | Most domestic and landscape irrigation systems | Simple dial programming, outdoor cabinet and optional WAND module for Hydrawise Wi-Fi control |
| Hydrawise Pro-HC | 6, 12 or 24 | Systems where built-in Wi-Fi and remote management are required | Integrated Wi-Fi, Hydrawise remote control and colour touchscreen |
Battery or mains powered tap manifold?
Both battery and 24V tap manifolds allow several watering zones to be controlled automatically from a single outside tap. The 24V tap manifold uses standard 24V AC solenoid valves connected by low-voltage cable to a mains-powered irrigation controller. This is generally the preferred solution where mains power is conveniently available for the controller and a permanently wired irrigation system is required. Where mains power is unavailable or inconvenient, the Battery Multi-Zone Irrigation Tap Manifold provides similar multi-zone control using 9V DC latching solenoid valves and a battery-powered controller.
| 24V tap manifold | Battery tap manifold | |
|---|---|---|
| Solenoid valves | 24V AC | 9V DC latching |
| Controller | Mains-powered irrigation controller | Battery-powered irrigation controller |
| Mains electricity required | Yes, at the controller | No |
| Water connection | Standard outside garden tap | Standard outside garden tap |
| Installation | Above ground close to the tap | Above ground close to the tap |
| Best suited to | Permanent installations where mains power is readily available for the controller | Gardens where mains power is unavailable or inconvenient |
Tap-mounted or underground irrigation valve manifold?
A tap-mounted manifold is usually the simplest choice where the irrigation system is supplied directly from an existing outside garden tap. Installation requires minimal excavation and the valves remain easily accessible above ground. For a more discreet permanent installation, the 24V Underground Irrigation Valve Manifold houses the solenoid valves below ground in a purpose-made valve box. This is normally the better option where an underground water supply pipe is already available or where the valves and pipework need to be hidden from view.
| Tap-mounted manifold | Underground valve manifold | |
|---|---|---|
| Water connection | Directly from an outside garden tap | Pressurised underground water supply pipe |
| Installation | Above ground close to the tap | Below ground in a purpose-made valve box |
| Excavation required | Minimal | Yes |
| Appearance | Manifold remains visible | Valves and connections hidden below ground |
| Access for servicing | Very easy | Through the valve box lid |
| Best suited to | Systems supplied directly from an existing outside tap | Permanent, discreet garden and landscape irrigation systems |
Technical specification
The 24V multi-zone tap manifold is supplied with either two or four Hunter PGV solenoid valves and fittings for connection to a standard outside garden tap. It is designed for use with a compatible mains-powered irrigation controller connected by low-voltage signal cable.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of zones | 2 or 4 independently controlled irrigation zones |
| Solenoid valves | Hunter PGV |
| Solenoid voltage | 24V AC |
| Controller type | Compatible mains-powered irrigation controller |
| Controller included | No |
| Water inlet | ¾” BSP female, suitable for connection to a standard outside garden tap |
| Water outlets | 1″ BSP female or ¾” BSP male – both included |
| MDPE pipe connection | 20mm, 25mm or 32mm using the appropriate compression male stud |
| Installation | Above ground close to the outside tap |
| Controller connection | Low-voltage multi-core signal cable |
| Outside tap included | No |
Excludes controller and tap.
UK Water Regulations
When connecting an automatic irrigation system to the mains water supply, suitable backflow protection must be provided in accordance with the UK Water Regulations. The irrigation tap manifold controls the individual watering zones but does not itself provide backflow protection.
The level of protection required will depend on the type of irrigation system, how it is connected and the potential contamination risk. Fixed and automatic garden irrigation systems are also generally notifiable to the local water undertaker, so the requirements should be confirmed before installation.
For more information, see our UK Water Regulations for Domestic Gardens guide.
Underground irrigation manifolds are also available
Frequently asked questions
What is a 24V irrigation tap manifold?
A 24V irrigation tap manifold allows several separate watering zones to be controlled automatically from a single outside garden tap. Each outlet has its own 24V AC solenoid valve, which is operated by a compatible mains-powered irrigation controller.
Can I run several irrigation zones from one outside tap?
Yes. The manifold divides the water supply from one outside tap into either 2 or 4 independently controlled zones. Each zone can supply a different part of the irrigation system, such as lawn sprinklers, border drip irrigation, hedge watering or containers.
Does mains electricity run to the tap manifold?
No. The mains electricity supply is connected to the irrigation controller, which should be installed in a suitable location. Only a low-voltage 24V control signal runs from the controller to the solenoid valves on the tap manifold.
Should I choose a 2-zone or 4-zone tap manifold?
Choose the number of zones according to how many parts of the garden need to be watered independently. A 2-zone manifold may be suitable for a lawn and a separate border irrigation system, while a 4-zone manifold gives greater flexibility for larger gardens or future expansion.
Which irrigation controller can I use?
The manifold can be operated by a compatible mains-powered irrigation controller designed for standard 24V AC solenoid valves. The controller must have at least as many available stations as there are valves on the manifold. Suitable options include the Hunter X2 and Hydrawise Pro-HC.
What is the difference between a tap manifold and an underground valve manifold?
A tap manifold connects directly to an existing outside garden tap and is installed above ground, making it quick to install and easy to access. An underground valve manifold is installed below ground in a valve box and is normally connected to a permanent underground water supply, providing a more discreet installation.
What is the difference between the battery and 24V tap manifolds?
The 24V version uses standard 24V AC solenoid valves connected to a mains-powered irrigation controller. The battery version uses 9V DC latching valves with a battery-powered controller. The battery option is particularly useful where mains power is unavailable or inconvenient.
Can different types of irrigation be connected to the same manifold?
Yes. Each outlet is controlled independently, so one zone could supply lawn sprinklers while another operates drip irrigation for borders, hedges or planters. Each zone can then have its own watering duration and schedule.
Will all of the irrigation zones run at the same time?
Normally, no. The irrigation controller operates the valves independently and typically runs one zone at a time. This helps keep the total water demand within the available flow and pressure from the outside tap.
Can the tap manifold be left outside?
The manifold is designed for outdoor irrigation installations, but the mains-powered irrigation controller must be installed according to the manufacturer’s requirements. As with any outside irrigation equipment, the system should also be protected from frost and drained where necessary during winter.
Does the irrigation controller come with the manifold?
No. The irrigation controller is purchased separately, allowing you to choose a controller that best suits the number of zones and the level of automation or remote control required.
Does the tap manifold provide backflow protection?
No. The manifold controls the individual irrigation zones but does not itself provide backflow protection. Where an automatic irrigation system is connected to the mains water supply, suitable protection must be provided in accordance with UK Water Regulations.
