# Whats the best low pressure solenoid valve for regulating water flow? \[SOLVED\] **URL:** \ **Category:** General Guidance\ **Created:** [May 8, 2014, 1:10am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/whats-the-best-low-pressure-solenoid-valve-for-regulating-water-flow-solved/232254 "2014-05-08T01:10:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 17\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![system](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/system/32/1140315_2.png) [@system](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/system)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2014, 1:10am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/whats-the-best-low-pressure-solenoid-valve-for-regulating-water-flow-solved/232254/1 "2014-05-08T01:10:40Z")
I have a 5 gallon bucket of water suspended 5 feet in the air and I want to use an arduino to control the water coming out of a hole in the bottom of the bucket (it goes to a drip irrigation system). This is about 2 psi of pressure. I've tried two kinds of solenoid valves attached to the bottom of the barrel with no success. I've tried this one: [http://tinyurl.com/okkem3r](http://tinyurl.com/okkem3r) which I discovered has a pressure rating too high and doesn't work at all. Then I tried this one: [http://tinyurl.com/ptmkd8d](http://tinyurl.com/ptmkd8d) which is rated for 0 psi but very very little water goes through. What do you suggest? ---
**Author:** ![system](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/system/32/1140315_2.png) [@system](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/system)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2014, 1:16am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/whats-the-best-low-pressure-solenoid-valve-for-regulating-water-flow-solved/232254/2 "2014-05-08T01:16:22Z")
That's a lawn sprinkler valve ! this has a minimum of 3 psi > **[12V Solenoid Valve - 3/4" - ROB-10456 - SparkFun Electronics](https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10456)** > > Have you ever wanted to control the flow of a liquid using your computer or microcontroller, but didn't know how? Well, here's how: The 12V solenoid contro ---
**Author:** ![zoomkat](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/zoomkat/32/1190177_2.png) [@zoomkat](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/zoomkat)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2014, 2:00am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/whats-the-best-low-pressure-solenoid-valve-for-regulating-water-flow-solved/232254/3 "2014-05-08T02:00:54Z")
> which is rated for 0 psi but very very little water goes through Put the valve as low as possible so it has more pressure across it. ---
**Author:** ![dave-in-nj](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/13edae/32.png) [@dave-in-nj](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/dave-in-nj)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2014, 2:03am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/whats-the-best-low-pressure-solenoid-valve-for-regulating-water-flow-solved/232254/4 "2014-05-08T02:03:08Z")
cannot use a solenoid 'valve' you can use a solenoid that is connected to a spring to close the tubing. then pull the solenoid back to allow the tubing to pass water. you can use a solenoid connected to a real valve you can use a peristaltic pump ---
**Author:** ![dave-in-nj](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/13edae/32.png) [@dave-in-nj](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/dave-in-nj)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2014, 3:05am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/whats-the-best-low-pressure-solenoid-valve-for-regulating-water-flow-solved/232254/5 "2014-05-08T03:05:11Z")
you might be able to use a battery solenoid from a device on the end of a garden hose. uses less than 10 inhces of water to allow water to pass. just a trickel. I have used the clippard minimatic over the years back in the day of pnuematics. it slided an o-ring past the opening. allows flow without needing line pressure. however, they are small. and not cheap. you can get a motorized ball valve from amazon for low cost. ---
**Author:** ![retrolefty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/dec6dc/32.png) [@retrolefty](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/retrolefty)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2014, 3:11am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/whats-the-best-low-pressure-solenoid-valve-for-regulating-water-flow-solved/232254/6 "2014-05-08T03:11:44Z")
> dave-in-nj: > cannot use a solenoid 'valve' you can use a solenoid that is connected to a spring to close the tubing. then pull the solenoid back to allow the tubing to pass water. > > you can use a solenoid connected to a real valve > > you can use a peristaltic pump There are solenoid valves that work with 0 inlet pressure, they just cost more: > **[Brass Liquid Solenoid Valve - 12V - 1/2 NPS](https://www.adafruit.com/product/996)** > > Control the flow of fluid using the flow of electrons! This liquid valve would make a great addition to your robotic gardening, aquarium, or pool project. There are two 1/2" (Nominal ... ---
**Author:** ![Robin2](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/robin2/32/216045_2.png) [@Robin2](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/Robin2)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2014, 7:17am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/whats-the-best-low-pressure-solenoid-valve-for-regulating-water-flow-solved/232254/7 "2014-05-08T07:17:20Z")
Could you have a flap or a plug inside the bucket that is held down by the water pressure. It could be lifted a little using a servo on the rim of the bucket with a string or wire attached to the flap. _Heath Robinson rules (Rube Goldberg for our transatlantic colleagues)._ ...R ---
**Author:** ![dave-in-nj](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/13edae/32.png) [@dave-in-nj](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/dave-in-nj)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2014, 10:30am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/whats-the-best-low-pressure-solenoid-valve-for-regulating-water-flow-solved/232254/8 "2014-05-08T10:30:59Z")
> retrolefty: > > > dave-in-nj: > > cannot use a solenoid 'valve' > > There are solenoid valves that work with 0 inlet pressure, they just cost more: > [Brass Liquid Solenoid Valve - 12V - 1/2 NPS : ID 996 : Adafruit Industries, Unique & fun DIY electronics and kits](http://www.adafruit.com/product/996) I stand corrected. > **[2W160-500.pdf](https://www.stcvalve.com/STC-DOWNLOAD/2W160-500.pdf)** > > 598.97 KB the call this a direct lift solenoid valve. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/system/32/1140315_2.png) [@system](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/system)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2014, 12:56pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/whats-the-best-low-pressure-solenoid-valve-for-regulating-water-flow-solved/232254/9 "2014-05-08T12:56:24Z")
How about trying an ordinary domestic ball valve operated by a servo? That gives you very accurate and repeatable position control, minimal power consumption when it isn't moving, and doesn't involve any DIY on the 'wet' part of the problem. Alternatively, do away with the valve completely and just use a micropump to transfer water from the bucket to the top of the drip line. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/system/32/1140315_2.png) [@system](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/system)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2014, 3:15am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/whats-the-best-low-pressure-solenoid-valve-for-regulating-water-flow-solved/232254/10 "2014-05-13T03:15:47Z")
Thanks everyone! The issue is solved. I used a 12 3/4" Motorized Ball Valve: > **[3/4 inch Motorized Ball Valve 12 VDC Low Power High Flow Motor Driven Gas Water...](https://www.ebay.com/itm/121055299303?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649)** > > Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 3/4 inch Motorized Ball Valve 12 VDC Low Power High Flow Motor Driven Gas Water at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products! with a relay and it works great! ---
**Author:** ![system](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/system/32/1140315_2.png) [@system](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/system)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2014, 7:53pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/whats-the-best-low-pressure-solenoid-valve-for-regulating-water-flow-solved/232254/11 "2014-06-04T19:53:52Z")
I set something up similar and used a 0 pressure gravity valve like this one. > **[1/2" 12V DC Electric Brass Solenoid Valve](https://www.electricsolenoidvalves.com/1-2-12v-dc-electric-brass-solenoid-valve/)** > > This Solenoid Valve works great with water, air, gas, diesel fuel and vacuum. Operates normally closed and has a solid brass body. This valve is compact in size and works very well with a variety of applications. It is a diaphragm type valve so when you energize it the whole valve opens up. That ball valve is a good solution to but they can be kind of pricey. ---
**Author:** ![gevax](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bc79bd/32.png) [@gevax](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/gevax)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2015, 8:20am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/whats-the-best-low-pressure-solenoid-valve-for-regulating-water-flow-solved/232254/12 "2015-12-17T08:20:17Z")
[http://gevax.com/urun.php?id=453&baslik=referans%201901-KBND010-120-12DC%20kullan�m%20alan�%20GENEL%20MAKSAT&lang=eng](http://gevax.com/urun.php?id=453&baslik=referans%201901-KBND010-120-12DC%20kullan%FDm%20alan%FD%20GENEL%20MAKSAT&lang=eng) Pilot Operated Solenoid Valves Gevax solenoid valves pass through all life-time and performance tests,and all the valves are %100 applied functional tests before delivery. The pressure values are given for AC coils; for DC applications Pmax may decrease as per applications features. ---
**Author:** ![DustinMuise](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/c5a1d2/32.png) [@DustinMuise](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/DustinMuise)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2016, 12:40am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/whats-the-best-low-pressure-solenoid-valve-for-regulating-water-flow-solved/232254/13 "2016-08-06T00:40:36Z")
I am working with a rain barrel (60 gallons, at a height of 3 feet from drip, etc), and trying to run it off an 'orbit irrigation time-controller' (like the kind of computers that automatically water lawns with those pop-up sprinkler systems, etc) .... I tried using the standard automatic solenoid valve, obviously without success because the water source I am using has very little pressure (1 psi). I would like to find a valve that I can use with the timer system, so that everything works as it should (and without losing water pressure or velocity from the valve, etc). All the valve solutions that have been proposed and shared in this forum thus far, seem to run at 12 volts. // & the timer~wire system runs on 24 volts. .... I wanted to ask if this is a problem .... could I use a 12 volt solenoid on a 24 volt wire ? thanks ---
**Author:** ![dave-in-nj](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/13edae/32.png) [@dave-in-nj](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/dave-in-nj)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2016, 1:08am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/whats-the-best-low-pressure-solenoid-valve-for-regulating-water-flow-solved/232254/14 "2016-08-06T01:08:05Z")
hijacking a thread is a no-no, hijacking a solved thread is not going to get favourable results. ---
**Author:** ![DustinMuise](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/c5a1d2/32.png) [@DustinMuise](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/DustinMuise)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2016, 3:32pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/whats-the-best-low-pressure-solenoid-valve-for-regulating-water-flow-solved/232254/15 "2016-08-06T15:32:04Z")
> dave-in-nj: > hijacking a thread is a no-no, hijacking a solved thread is not going to get favourable results. sorry, I am new to this forum writing stuff. // is what you wrote in reply to my earlier post? // I am unfamiliar with what "hijacking a thread" means ... I wrote something about trying to use a 12v solenoid valve in the place of automatic 24v solenoid valve in an orbit irrigation system. ... /// I am not so savvy with electrical engineering stuff, etc. ---
**Author:** ![dave-in-nj](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/13edae/32.png) [@dave-in-nj](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/dave-in-nj)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2016, 3:59pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/whats-the-best-low-pressure-solenoid-valve-for-regulating-water-flow-solved/232254/16 "2016-08-06T15:59:22Z")
'hijacking' is to use a thread that was started by someone else, and in this case has been closed for over 7 months. the correct thing to do is to start a new thread with your question. read = how to use this forum. it is at the top of every forum and the subject line is important. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/system/32/1140315_2.png) [@system](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/system)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2021, 5:10pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/whats-the-best-low-pressure-solenoid-valve-for-regulating-water-flow-solved/232254/17 "2021-05-05T17:10:19Z")