Drip Irrigation Installation: 8 Things to Know Before You Start
Jun 15th 2026
The Automatic Flush Valve by Irritec is a self-cleaning device designed to purge debris from your drip irrigation lines at the start and end of every watering cycle. By installing this valve at the end of your mainline tubing or drip tape rows, you allow a small burst of water to flush out fine sediment before the system pressurizes and seals. This simple addition works in tandem with your system filter to prevent clogged emitters and drastically extend the life of your setup.
Available in both Hose Thread (VFH) and Pipe Thread (VFP) configurations, these are essential irrigation fittings for low-maintenance systems. Whether you are running a home garden on standard poly tubing or a commercial field, adding a flush valve ensures that dirt settling in the lines is expelled automatically, saving you the manual labor of opening end caps week after week.
Choose the correct thread type for your system below.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Automatic Flush Valve |
| Operating Pressure | Closes at ~2 PSI (Opens when pressure drops) |
| MPN (Hose Thread) | A2-FVFHTH (Often used on 1/2" Systems) |
| MPN (Pipe Thread) | A2-FVFPTH (Often used on 3/4" Systems) |
| Material | High-Impact Plastic / Rubber Diaphragm |
| Brand | Irritec |
These valves should be installed at the lowest point or the very end of your irrigation zone. Follow these basic steps:
Step 1: Choose Your Location
Identify the end of your mainline tubing run or the termination point of your drip tape rows. If your landscape is sloped, install the valve at the lowest elevation point for gravity assistance.
Step 2: Attach the Correct Adapter
For the Hose Thread Model (VFH): Use an Easy Loc Tee (ELMT) or a male hose end adapter (ELMH) for 1/2" tubing. For 3/4" tubing, use the ELMT34 or ELMH34.
For the Pipe Thread Model (VFP): Use a male pipe adapter (EL34M) for 1/2" tubing, or the EL34M34 adapter for 3/4" mainline.
Step 3: Connect the Valve
Thread the Automatic Flush Valve onto the installed adapter. Ensure the valve is oriented so that the flush ports point downward. Hand tighten only—do not overtighten.
How often should I check the Automatic Flush Valve during peak summer watering?
During summer when you water frequently, check the Automatic Flush Valve every few weeks. Unscrew the cap to ensure the internal rubber diaphragm is clear of heavy algae or sediment buildup to maintain proper flushing.
Heavy watering seasons can move more debris through your system. Checking the diaphragm ensures the valve can properly seal and release without getting stuck.
Where is the best place to install an Automatic Flush Valve?
Install the Automatic Flush Valve at the lowest elevation point or at the very end of your mainline tubing and drip tape rows. This ensures gravity helps push accumulated dirt out during the flushing cycle.
Water naturally pushes sediment to the furthest or lowest points in a system. Placing it there guarantees you are expelling the maximum amount of debris.
Does the Automatic Flush Valve stay open all the time?
No, this flush valve only stays open briefly when the system starts up and shuts down. Once the water pressure inside the line reaches approximately 2 PSI, the valve automatically closes and seals completely.
You will notice a small spurt of water for several seconds when your timer kicks on. This is completely normal and indicates the valve is doing its job.
Can I use the Irritec Automatic Flush Valve on a 3/4-inch mainline?
Yes, the Irritec Automatic Flush Valve works on 3/4-inch systems. You just need the correct adapter, such as a 3/4-inch Easy Loc Tee or adapter, matching the valve's hose thread or pipe thread configuration.
It can easily scale from smaller garden beds up to larger 3/4-inch commercial systems as long as you bridge the connection with the proper fitting.
Please double-check your existing fittings before selecting a valve type:
Ensure your installation is secure and leak-free with these required parts:
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