Sprinkler Type Electric Solenoid Valves

[tegelert]

Anybody have experience using standard sprinkler solenoid valves for controlling features in their pond? For example to turn off a waterfall, etc. Just wondering if there's some reason you wouldn't use them. i.e. pressure rating is too low.

 

[addy1]

I don't see why that would not work, a lot of water goes through them to water the lawn. The solenoid valves I used, previous grass lawns, were on 1 inch piping, that lets a good amount of water through.

Good idea btw.

 

[DrCase]

Where will you send the water when the valve shuts ?

 

[taherrmann4]

I am with Drcase on this one. If you shut it down where are you diverting the water to? If it was a feature that was split off your main line that you did not want to run all the time it would probably be ok. On my sprinkler system the timer will only allow you to keep open the solenoid for 2 hours max. Yours may be different though.

 

[addy1]

sigh never thought of where would the water go from the pump if shut off...............guess a blond moment

 

[Waterbug]

Pond water isn't very clean and a valve would fail pretty fast.

You can get auto switches to turn a pump off and on which is how it is normally done.

 

[tegelert]

Just FYI. The valve would never be used to shut off the flow of water, just individual features. i.e. waterfall, river, drain

To shut off water flow I'll just have a switch on the pump.

 

[DrCase]

I would just use regular ball valves ,
It will allow more flow and a positive open & shut position over time
Waterbug brought up a good point with the pond waters effect on the valve it wont take much trash to keep the valve from shutting all the way.