Dura Valve Boxes

A quick guide to properly burying your valve box to ensure good drainage.

Step 1: Dig the Hole
Dig a hole slightly wider and deeper than the Dura Valve Box. Pour 2 to 3 inches of crushed gravel into the bottom of the hole. This gravel base is critical; it allows water to drain away from your electrical valves.

Step 2: Prep the Box
Cut or snap out the pre-scored "mouse holes" at the bottom edges of the valve box to allow your PVC or poly mainline tubing to pass through the walls of the enclosure.

Step 3: Set and Level
Place the box over your assembled valve manifold so it rests securely on the gravel base. Ensure the lid of the box is perfectly level and sits flush with the final grade of the soil or mulch.

Step 4: Backfill
Place the lid securely on the box so dirt does not fall inside. Backfill the dirt around the outside edges of the box, tamping it down firmly to prevent the box from shifting over time.

As I start my system this spring, how do I clean out my Dura Valve Box?
During spring startup, remove the lid of the Dura Valve Box and manually scoop out any winter debris, insects, or mud that washed in. Ensure your waterproof wire connections are dry and intact.

Cleaning your valve box before pressurizing the system prevents dirt from getting sucked into the valves if you need to perform a manual bleed, and it deters pests from nesting near the warm solenoids.

Can I drive my lawn tractor or car over the Dura Valve Box?
No, you cannot drive vehicles over the Dura Valve Box. It carries a "Light Duty Pedestrian" rating, meaning it is only safe for foot traffic and standard push lawn mowers.

Installing this box in a driveway or a path used by heavy riding mowers can cause the lid to cave in, which will crush the expensive valves and timers housed inside.

Do Dura Valve Boxes have holes for my irrigation pipes?
Yes, Dura Valve Boxes feature pre-molded pipe knockouts, often called "mouse holes," at the base of the unit. You can easily cut or snap these out to fit over your mainline pipe.

If you have a complex manifold and need more pipe entry points, the HDPE plastic can easily be cut with a standard handsaw or heavy-duty shears to create custom openings.

Can I put a battery-operated timer inside the Dura Valve Box?
Yes, placing a waterproof battery node timer inside the Dura Valve Box is the standard commercial installation method. The box protects the timer from direct sunlight, weather, and lawn equipment.

Just make sure your timer is fully rated as IP68 submersible, as valve boxes can occasionally fill with water during heavy rainstorms despite having a gravel drainage base.