Drain Valve (Brass) 1/2" MPT

Proper placement is the key to ensuring your system drains completely. Follow these steps for a successful installation:

Step 1: Locate the Lowest Point
Identify the absolute lowest elevation point of the specific irrigation zone. Because water flows downhill, the valve must be at the lowest spot to successfully drain the entire line.

Step 2: Prepare the Sump Pit
Since this valve expels water underground, dig a small hole (about 12 inches deep) beneath where the valve will sit and fill it with coarse gravel. This creates a "sump" that gives the water a place to drain and prevents the valve from sitting in thick mud.

Step 3: Apply Thread Sealant
Wrap standard thread sealant tape 2 to 3 times around the 1/2" Male Pipe Threads on the brass drain valve to ensure a watertight seal when the system is pressurized.

Step 4: Connect the Valve
Thread the drain valve into a 1/2" Female Pipe Thread (FPT) tee or elbow fitting on your mainline. Ensure the valve is oriented pointing slightly downward into your gravel pit.

Should I install the 1/2-Inch Brass Automatic Drain Valve during my summer system installation?
Yes! Incorporating the 1/2-Inch Brass Automatic Drain Valve while building your system in the summer saves you from digging up lines later. It is much easier to plan for winterization during initial trenching.

It is a common mistake to wait until fall to think about freeze protection. Adding these inexpensive valves during your summer installation provides instant peace of mind for the lifetime of your system, especially since they require zero maintenance once buried.

Where is the best place to install the 1/2-Inch Brass Automatic Drain Valve?
Always install the 1/2-Inch Brass Automatic Drain Valve at the absolute lowest elevation point of each independent irrigation zone. This allows gravity to pull all remaining water down to the valve for proper expulsion.

If you have a very long run of tubing with multiple dips and hills across uneven terrain, you may need to install a drain valve at the bottom of each "valley" to ensure complete drainage.

Does the 1/2-Inch Brass Automatic Drain Valve leak when the water is running?
No, the 1/2-Inch Brass Automatic Drain Valve remains completely sealed while the system is pressurized. It only opens when the water is turned off and the pressure in the line drops close to zero.

You might notice a quick spurt of water escape right as the system turns on and pressurizes, but the internal mechanism will instantly snap shut and remain watertight for the duration of the watering cycle.

Why choose the 1/2-Inch Brass Automatic Drain Valve over a plastic version?
The 1/2-Inch Brass Automatic Drain Valve offers maximum durability. The solid brass construction is vastly superior at resisting crushing pressure from rocky soil, ground shifting, and freezing temperatures compared to plastic models.

If you are burying your valve deep underground or have aggressive soil conditions, upgrading to brass is a smart choice to prevent future cracking or fatigue.