Features

What sets OpenValve apart from other irrigation devices.

Waters when plants need it

OpenValve uses soil-moisture sensor data instead of a fixed timer, so watering responds to the actual needs of the plants. Learn more.

From gravity-fed to pressurized

The custom pinch valve performs especially well at very low pressure, making rain barrels and elevated tanks practical for automatic irrigation while still supporting pressurized systems up to 4 bar.

Works with dirty water

Unlike many irrigation valves, OpenValve tolerates particle-rich water, not just perfectly clean tap water. Dirty water, algae, or liquid fertilizer: well within its comfort zone.

3D-printable and repairable

Every custom plastic part of OpenValve is 3D-printable, so damaged parts can be reprinted, modified, or replaced without replacing the whole unit. Learn more.

Open source and modifiable

3D models, BOM, and software for OpenValve are available on GitHub, making it easy to modify, extend, and adapt the system to your own use case.

Rainproof, flexible installation

Because the housing is rainproof in any orientation and both sides can serve as inlet or outlet, OpenValve can be installed close to the plants instead of being tied to the faucet.

Small Greenhouses

This example shows OpenValve in a pressurized greenhouse setup with micro-drip hoses. The valve is mounted upright for easier access and visibility, though it can be installed in any orientation. In a small greenhouse, soil moisture can change fast as heat builds up during sunny periods, which makes sensor-based irrigation especially useful.

Garden Beds

This garden-bed setup uses a pressurized line with a pressure reducer before the valve. OpenValve is installed directly beside the plants and can remain outside in a horizontal position, because the housing is rainproof in every orientation. Since outdoor beds are affected by rainfall as well as sun and heat, soil-moisture-based watering is far more useful than a fixed timer.

Balconies

This example shows OpenValve on a balcony in a gravity-fed setup. The elevated container provides roughly one meter of water head, which can supply up to 30 plant pots. Because stored water in containers often becomes dirty or algae-rich over time, tolerance for particle-rich water is especially valuable in setups like this.

Technical Specification

Valve

  • Valve Type: Pinch Valve
  • Sleeve Material: Silicone Hose 8mm ID x 12mm OD, 60° Shore A
  • Flow Coefficient: ~2 CV
  • Gravity Irrigation Performance: max. 6 l/min at 0.1 bar (1m elevation)

Sensor

  • Standard: Pino-Tech SoilWatch 10 3V (5m)
  • Sensor Signal Input: 0-3.3V analog
  • Sensor Supply Options: 3.3V or Supply Voltage

Power

  • Battery: 9V Block (Alkaline)
  • Battery Life: ~3 months
  • Supply Voltage Range: 5 - 10V
  • Operating Current: max. 1A

Installation

  • Threads: 2x ½″ BSPP male
  • Operating Temperature: 0 - 50°C
  • Max. Pressure: 4 bar (60 psi)
  • Weather Resistance: Rainproof & UV Resistant

faq

Got questions? Here are some answers. For deeper technical details, check out the GitHub repository or the Documentation.

What is OpenValve?

OpenValve is an open-source, 3D-printable irrigation valve that is battery-powered, rainproof, and built for outdoor use. Instead of watering on a fixed timer, it measures soil moisture and irrigates only when your plants actually need it.

What makes OpenValve so "open"?

OpenValve was created for irrigation, but it is flexible enough to go far beyond that. You can use it as a standalone valve in your own builds, integrate it into custom systems, or connect analog sensors of your choice to automate other liquid control tasks. 3D models, BOM, and software for OpenValve are available on GitHub, so you can access the design files and adapt them to your needs.

Why is it different from normal irrigation timers?

Traditional irrigation timers are built around faucets and fixed schedules. OpenValve is designed for more flexible, sensor-driven irrigation: it performs especially well with low-pressure sources such as rain barrels and elevated tanks, while also working with pressurized systems up to 4 bar. Because it uses soil-moisture feedback instead of relying only on schedules, it responds to real conditions in the field. And since it is fully rainproof in any orientation, it can be installed close to the plants instead of being limited to the faucet.

Is the 3D-printed valve reliable?

In a valve cycle test with a static pressure of 5 bar, above the recommended operating range, the silicone sleeve repeatedly completed at least 1500 cycles before tearing. That corresponds to roughly 4 years of daily watering. At the recommended operating pressure of up to 4 bar, sleeve life is usually longer. As a safety measure, OpenValve keeps track of valve cycles and alerts the user when it is time to replace the sleeve. The sleeve itself is inexpensive and easy to replace.

Get OpenValve

OpenValve is already available as a hands-on assembly kit for makers. A fully assembled and polished version for people who want a ready-to-use product is still in development.

Build it yourself

Available now

OpenValve Assembly Kit

For makers, open-hardware enthusiasts, and people who are comfortable assembling electronics.

The kit is designed as a straightforward 1-2 hour build with basic hand tools and a little soldering. The soldering is simple: just a few wires on large, easy-to-reach pads. To build OpenValve, you also need a supported soil-moisture sensor and additional 3D-printed ASA parts. Both can be selected with the kit, or you can print the parts yourself. Accessories and fittings for your irrigation setup can be added optionally.

This is an assembly kit and not a finished, ready-to-use consumer product.

Buy the assembly kit →

Ready to use

Join the waitlist

OpenValve

For gardeners who want an out-of-the-box product: open the package, follow the manual, and set it up without soldering or electronics assembly.

The fully assembled version is not available yet. Join the waitlist to receive development updates and be among the first to hear when it becomes available.

Join the waitlist →

Join the waitlist

Join the waitlist for the future ready-to-use OpenValve and help us understand demand for a polished product.