Drain Valve (Plastic) 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. Water flows downhill, so the valve must be at the lowest spot to drain the entire line.

Step 2: Prepare the Sump Pit
Because 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 prevents the valve from sitting in mud and getting clogged.

Step 3: Apply Thread Sealant
Wrap standard thread sealant tape 2 to 3 times around the 1/2" Male Pipe Threads on the 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 Plastic Automatic Drain Valve during my summer system build?
Yes! Incorporating the 1/2-Inch Plastic 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.

Where is the best place to install the 1/2-Inch Plastic Automatic Drain Valve?
Always install the 1/2-Inch Plastic 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, you may need to install a drain valve at the bottom of each "valley" to ensure complete drainage.

Does the 1/2-Inch Plastic Automatic Drain Valve leak while my system is running?
No, the 1/2-Inch Plastic 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 few drops of water escape right as the system turns on and pressurizes, but it will instantly snap shut and remain watertight for the duration of the watering cycle.

What fittings do I need to connect the 1/2-Inch Plastic Automatic Drain Valve?
The 1/2-Inch Plastic Automatic Drain Valve features a 1/2-inch Male Pipe Thread base. You will need a matching 1/2-inch Female Pipe Thread adapter or tee fitting to connect it to your poly tubing or PVC.

We highly recommend using thread sealant tape on the male threads before inserting them into your female fittings to ensure a drip-free connection while the system is under pressure.