24V Underground Irrigation Valve Manifold

Product details

A 24V underground irrigation valve manifold provides automatic control of multiple watering zones from a mains-powered irrigation controller. The solenoid valves are housed neatly below ground in a purpose-made valve box, creating a discreet and permanent installation for garden and landscape irrigation systems. Available with 2 or 4 independently controlled zones, the manifold uses 24V AC solenoid valves connected to the controller by low-voltage signal cable. This makes it ideal for permanent irrigation systems where a mains-powered controller can be installed in a garage, shed or other suitable location, while the valve box itself remains outside and below ground.

At a glance

• 24V underground irrigation valve manifold
• Choice of 2 or 4 watering zones
• Uses 24V AC solenoid valves
• Designed for use with mains-powered irrigation controllers
• Only low-voltage signal cable runs to the valve box
• Suitable for lawns, borders and landscape irrigation systems
• Valves and connections remain hidden below ground
• Accessible for servicing through the valve box lid
• 1″ BSP female inlet
• Controller and signal cable not included

Why use an underground irrigation valve manifold?

An underground irrigation valve manifold provides a neat and professional way to control several irrigation zones from a single water supply. The solenoid valves and pipe connections are housed below ground inside a purpose-made valve box, keeping them protected and out of sight while still allowing access for servicing. This type of installation is ideal for permanent garden and landscape irrigation systems where different areas need to be watered independently. The valve box can be installed in a lawn or planted border, with only the access lid visible at ground level.

How does a multi-zone irrigation valve box work?

Larger irrigation systems are normally divided into separate watering zones. For example, lawn sprinklers may form one zone, border drip irrigation another, with additional zones for hedges, planters or other areas of the garden. Each zone is connected to its own 24V solenoid valve inside the manifold. The mains-powered irrigation controller sends a low-voltage signal to the appropriate valve, opening and closing each zone automatically according to the programmed watering schedule. Dividing an irrigation system into zones also allows areas with different watering requirements to run for different lengths of time and prevents too many sprinklers or drip lines operating from the water supply at once.

2-zone or 4-zone irrigation valve manifold?

The correct size of manifold depends on how many parts of the irrigation system need to operate independently. A 2-zone manifold is ideal for a straightforward system, such as lawn sprinklers on one zone and border drip irrigation on the second. A 4-zone manifold provides greater flexibility for larger gardens, allowing separate control of areas such as lawns, borders, hedges and planters. It can also be a good choice where the irrigation system may be expanded in the future. Each zone requires a separate output on the irrigation controller, so the controller should have at least as many available stations as there are valves in the manifold.

Which mains irrigation controller can I use?

The underground manifold uses standard 24V AC solenoid valves and can therefore be operated by a compatible mains-powered irrigation controller with enough available zones. The controller is installed above ground and connected to the valve manifold using low-voltage multi-core signal cable. For most domestic garden irrigation systems, the Hunter X2 provides a straightforward and reliable solution. Where Wi-Fi control, remote access and more advanced irrigation management are required, the Hydrawise Pro-HC is a suitable alternative.

Battery or mains powered irrigation valve box?

Both battery and mains powered irrigation valve boxes provide automatic control of multiple watering zones. The main difference is the type of controller and solenoid valves used. A 24V irrigation valve box uses standard 24V AC solenoid valves connected by low-voltage signal cable to a mains-powered irrigation controller. This is generally the preferred option for permanent irrigation systems where a suitable mains supply is available for the controller. Only the low-voltage control cable runs outside to the underground valve box. Mains-powered irrigation controllers can also control multiple valve boxes – for example, a 24-zone Hydrawise Pro-HC can operate up to six separate 4-zone valve boxes.

Where mains power is unavailable or inconvenient, our Battery Underground Irrigation Valve Manifold provides the same multi-zone control using 9V DC latching valves and a battery-powered irrigation controller.

Technical specification

The 24V underground irrigation valve manifold is supplied ready assembled in an underground valve box with a choice of two or four Hunter PGV solenoid valves. It is designed for connection to a compatible mains-powered irrigation controller using low-voltage multi-core signal cable. 

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 underground valve manifold controls the individual irrigation 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.

Images are for illustrative purposes only