Irritec Zero Pressure Hose End Timer

Most automatic irrigation valves, whether they are a standalone solenoid valve or part of a timer/valve combo require water pressure on the inlet side to operate. Letting some of the work of opening and closing the valve be done by water pressure saves power and results in longer battery life and fewer moving parts. However, it means that those items are useless for applications that lack the necessary pressure, usually 5-7 psi minimum.

The Irritec zero-pressure timer includes a mechanical valve. Instead of using water pressure, this valve uses a mechanism to physically turn the valve open and closed, like a smaller (and much less expensive) version of a valve that would operate a gate in a canal or a damn spillway. This means that the valve will open and close regardless of inlet pressure, albeit while using more power and featuring more moving parts than a traditional irrigation valve. While this valve can be used for any irrigation application, it is best suited to low- or no-pressure systems.