Why we use Rain Bird DV100 for master valves (service-first)

What a master valve does (in plain terms)

A master valve sits upstream of the zone manifold and normally stays closed. When a zone runs, the controller opens the master valve and the active zone valve. When the run ends, the master valve closes and the downstream system is no longer under constant pressure.

• Reduces risk: lateral-line failures become less dependent on chance discovery.
• Supports diagnostics: abnormal flow events become clearer when the system is isolated by a master valve.
• Improves serviceability: it limits nuisance seepage when valves age and debris shows up.

Why DV100 is a strong master valve standard

• Serviceable platform: diaphragm + solenoid style repairs are familiar and repeatable.
• Parts availability: DV-series rebuild parts are common, which matters years later.
• Field consistency: standardizing the platform reduces time spent guessing and speeds up repairs.

We avoid hard-spec claims here without a site measurement because the right size/selection depends on the property, zone demand, and supply conditions.

How this ties into SRMS

SRMS Tier 2 combines smart control with protection. The master valve is the “shutoff muscle” and the flow meter is the “sensor”.

• Flow meter: tells us when flow is abnormal (too high, too low, or unexpected).
• Master valve: can isolate the system when an event indicates a potential leak or failure.
• Result: faster diagnosis, less water waste, and fewer catastrophic losses.

See: SRMS™ (tiers and scope for 3/4"–1" systems).

Zone valves vs. master valves

Zone valves do the normal work of scheduling irrigation. Master valves support system-level protection and isolation.

• Zone valve problems: stuck on/off, weeping, low flow, wiring faults.
• Master valve problems: can affect multiple zones and can look like “nothing works” when it fails closed.

Reference: Rain Bird DV series valve guide (incl. MV scenarios).

When a DV100 master valve may not be the right answer

• Systems outside SRMS scope: service lines larger than 1" may require different approaches (in development).
• Hydraulic constraints: if supply flow/pressure is already marginal, selection must be verified under flow.
• Access constraints: a master valve that can’t be serviced cleanly is a future headache.

Access discipline matters: lost valve boxes turn simple repairs into digs. See Lost valve boxes and the NDS enclosure guides in Irrigation parts.

This is a living guide. We update it as SRMS standards and preferred hardware evolve.