OpenValve is an open-source and 3D-printable irrigation valve. It waters plants based on actual soil moisture, works with both gravity-fed and pressurized irrigation systems, and runs on a 9V block battery for about 3 months.

For more information check the Official Website, the Github Repository and the Documentation.

Is OpenValve suitable for my setup?

OpenValve can be used with both gravity-fed water sources and pressurized water lines. It works with a wide range of irrigation setups, from rain barrels and elevated tanks to conventional garden taps.

🪣 Gravity-Fed / Rain Barrel

OpenValve works especially well in low-pressure systems such as rain barrels or elevated water tanks and does not require a pump, as long as gravity provides enough water pressure and flow.

• The water level in the container needs to be above the irrigation outlets. As a rule of thumb, 1 m of height difference provides about 0.1 bar.
• At very low pressure, the complete irrigation system matters: hose diameter, hose routing and especially the choice of emitters can significantly affect the available flow.
• Use emitters that are suitable for very low pressure. Not every conventional drip emitter works reliably in a gravity-fed system.

For more details, see the Low-Pressure Setup Guide.

🚰 Pressurized / Garden Tap

OpenValve can also be connected to a garden tap, pump or another pressurized water line.

• The pressure at OpenValve must not exceed 4 bar.
• For typical drip or micro-irrigation systems, a pressure regulator is recommended when the water pressure is above 2 bar.
• If your water source can exceed 4 bar, a suitable pressure regulator must be installed upstream of OpenValve.

For more details, see the Pressurized Setup Guide.

🌧️ Sensor-Based Irrigation

OpenValve does not water on a fixed schedule. Instead, it uses a soil moisture sensor to determine when watering is actually needed.

A single OpenValve can supply multiple plants, even if they have different watering needs. The amount of water delivered to each plant can be adjusted individually by using suitable adjustable emitters.

The soil moisture sensor determines when watering starts, while the emitters determine how much water each plant receives. The sensor should therefore be placed at a suitable location where changes in soil moisture reliably reflect the watering cycle.

For a detailed explanation of the watering logic and how to configure it, see How OpenValve Waters.

Important to Know

• OpenValve is designed for outdoor use and is rainproof and UV resistant, but it is not frost-proof and should not be left outside in freezing temperatures.
• When used indoors or on balconies, OpenValve must not be connected to a pressurized water line. In these locations, only use a gravity-fed setup with a finite water reservoir. This limits the amount of water that can escape in case of a leak or system failure.
• The valve sleeve is a replaceable wear part and should be replaced approximately every 1,500 valve cycles. In typical irrigation use, this corresponds to several years of operation. One replacement sleeve is already included in the kit, and additional replacement sleeves are available here.

Not sure if OpenValve will work with your setup? Send me an e-mail or a DM on Discord with a short description, photo or sketch of your irrigation system and I will help you check compatibility before ordering.

Required Materials

...to build a complete OpenValve:

• OpenValve Assembly Kit v1.0
• Soil Moisture Sensor: Pino-Tech SoilWatch 10 (3V) - 5 m
• 3D-printed ASA parts
• 9V Alkaline Battery

This product includes:

• OpenValve Assembly Kit v1.0
• Soil Moisture Sensor: Pino-Tech SoilWatch 10 (3V) - 5 m (optional)¹
• 3D-printed ASA parts (optional)²

¹ Choose the kit without the sensor only if you already own a compatible SoilWatch sensor or intentionally plan to use a different sensor. Using a different sensor requires firmware modifications and flashing the modified firmware.

² Choose without the printed parts only if you can reliably print ASA yourself. Print profiles for the ASA parts are available on Printables and MakerWorld.

NOT included in the product:

• 9V Alkaline Battery

...to install OpenValve in your irrigation system:

In addition to the assembled OpenValve, you need the components for your individual irrigation setup:

• a suitable water source, such as a rain barrel, elevated tank, or pressurized water line such as a garden tap
• hoses or pipes for your irrigation system
• suitable fittings to connect to OpenValve's standard ½″ BSPP male threads
• emitters that work with the available water pressure

OpenValve is designed to integrate with standard irrigation hardware. Hoses, fittings, adapters, emitters, and other components are commonly available from local irrigation or garden-supply stores, so you are not locked into a proprietary system.

Optional Connection Accessories are also available for common upstream and downstream connections.

Assembly

Tools required:

• soldering equipment (soldering iron, solder)
• basic hand tools (allen keys, pliers)
  

Build time: ~120 minutes

Difficulty: 3/5

In the Assembly Guide Video the whole assembly process is shown in detail. If you get stuck, email me or ask for help in the Discord Community and I'll help you finish the build.

Discover Accessories:

• Connection Accessories: Upstream/downstream connectors that help you integrate OpenValve into your irrigation system.
• Replacement Sleeve: Replacement sleeve for periodic maintenance. In typical irrigation use, one sleeve lasts several years.
• Continuous Hose Conversion Kit: Converts OpenValve from an irrigation valve into a food-safe dispensing valve.

40% Early Adopter Discount

The Assembly Kit is currently available at approximately 40% off the regular price. This early-adopter offer is limited to the first 25 kits and is intended as a thank-you to the people supporting OpenValve at an early stage.

The listed price already includes the discount — no coupon code is required.

Technical Specification

OpenValve was designed and is made in Austria 🇦🇹⛰️

Orders are usually prepared and shipped within 5 business days. All shipments include tracking.