If you’ve ever worked with an irrigation system on a farm, in a greenhouse, or across a turf field, you know how critical it is to manage water evenly, reliably, and in just the right amount. This comes with a level of control that can only be delivered by the parts working quietly behind the scenes, like the hydraulic control valve.
These valves may not look like much on the surface, but their role in managing flow and pressure is key to modern irrigation systems. Whether you are automating backflush cycles in filters or simply regulating pressure in a field, a well-built control valve can make or break the system.
Let us understand what makes them tick and why they’ve become a trusted tool across so many water systems.
What is a hydraulic control valve?
Put in simple words, a hydraulic control valve is a diaphragm-actuated valve that opens and closes using water pressure without the need for any external power and the water itself drives the valve’s movement.
Inside, a reinforced diaphragm reacts to changes in pressure in the pipeline. Depending on the system setup, sometimes with help from solenoids or pressure-reducing pilots, the valve knows when to open fully, modulate, or shut off completely.
They are common in places where low-maintenance, highly responsive control is needed, and they tend to shine in areas where electricity isn’t practical, or where the system reliability is critical.
Where Are They Used?
Though these valves are excellent for crop irrigation, they are found to be used even in:
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Greenhouses, where water pressure needs to be gently controlled to protect delicate plants
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Golf courses and sports fields, where turf requires precise watering
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Municipal water systems, where smooth flow is key for treatment and distribution
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Industrial setups, including mining and marine, where durability under pressure is essential
The beauty of a hydraulic valve is that it handles both ends of the spectrum; small-scale, delicate systems and high-pressure, high-volume operations.
The Hydromat Series
Automat, a trusted name in irrigation solutions, offers a lineup of valves designed for real-world reliability. One of its standout innovations is the Hydromat control valve.
The Hydromat control valve has been turning heads in this space for its Curved Bridge design, which offers smoother transitions for water inside the valve. That means it requires less pressure to open, while still offering high flow capacity. For growers and irrigation designers, that translates to less energy used and more consistent performance.
The valve is polymeric, and offers great durability and corrosion resistance, which makes it well-suited for demanding environments. Internally, a fabric-reinforced diaphragm ensures a snug shut-off and smooth motion, even as pressures fluctuate.
With just four core parts, its maintenance is straightforward, which is an advantage in systems where simplicity matters. It is no surprise the Hydromat is being used widely, from traditional farming to turf irrigation and even waterworks and treatment plants. It is an example of good design meeting real-world needs.
Filter Backwash Hydraulic Valves
If your irrigation system runs a media, disc, or screen filter, regular backwashing is a must as dirty filters can throttle flow, drop pressure, and cause uneven irrigation. That’s where the Filter Backwash Hydraulic Valve comes in.
This valve is purpose-built to automate the backwash process, and does not require manual intervention. It uses a double-chamber structure, allowing it to react reliably to system pressure—no matter how much that pressure shifts during backwashing cycles.
Its internal sealing is smartly designed to reduce wear. A dynamic seal structure avoids the friction and erosion that plague less refined valves. That means smoother operation, less downtime, and a longer service life.
Just like the Hydromat, it’s made from UV-stabilized, engineering-grade plastic, making it a great fit for outdoor and harsh environments. Installers will appreciate that it can be mounted in various orientations and offers in-line inspection, so you can check or service it without disassembling the system.
Whether managing a single filter or a full array of filters, this valve helps systems run cleaner and more efficiently—all without constant babysitting.
Bronze Hydraulic Control Valves
In addition to its polymeric valve options, Automat also manufactures robust metal valves for heavy-duty use. There are times when plastic-bodied valves are just not enough, especially in high-pressure environments, or in systems where long-term wear is a concern. That is where the Bronze Hydraulic control valve earns its place.
Built from solid brass, this valve is tough, reliable, and impressively corrosion-resistant. Its metal-reinforced rubber valve lid ensures consistent shutoff even under challenging conditions, and it’s designed to hold its shape—no deformation, even when pressure runs high.
What’s equally important is how little pressure is lost as water passes through. The internal layout is highly efficient, resulting in minimal head loss, which is good news for pump energy and system design.
Installation is simple, thanks to a built-in directional arrow and compatibility with common irrigation controllers. That makes it a great fit for everything from greenhouse drip setups to turf sprinkler systems and field crop irrigation. When ruggedness matters most, this valve is a proven choice.
The Unsung Backbone For Good Irrigation
In any discussion about smart irrigation design, control valves for irrigation rarely get the spotlight, but they deserve more credit.
Without them, water would be delivered unevenly, filters would clog up quickly, and pressure fluctuations would be a constant headache. A well-chosen valve can smooth out all those bumps and keep your system balanced, efficient, and reliable.
In short:
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They prevent water waste
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They reduce strain on pumps and pipes
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They lower maintenance needs
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They enable automation, freeing up time and labor
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And most importantly, they give system operators peace of mind—knowing the flow is steady, the pressure is right, and things are running as they should.
Choosing the Right Valve:
How do you pick the right hydraulic control valve for your system? A few things to consider:
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Material: For outdoor and chemical-heavy environments, go with corrosion-resistant polymer. For high-pressure and heavy-duty use, brass or bronze makes more sense.
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Internal components: Look for reinforced diaphragms and efficient water paths that reduce pressure loss.
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Ease of maintenance: Fewer parts mean less downtime.
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System compatibility: Check whether it works with your current controllers or filter systems.
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Installation flexibility: Some valves are designed to work in multiple orientations and allow in-line servicing, which is a big plus.
A little extra thought at the beginning saves a lot of stress later on.
A Small Device With A Big Impact
The best part about a good hydraulic control valve is that once it is installed, you mostly forget that it is there. It just works. No power required, no constant adjustment, and no fuss. It opens and closes quietly, day in and day out, delivering water where it’s needed with precision.
Whether it’s the smartly designed Hydromat, the durable Filter Backwash Hydraulic Valve, or the dependable Bronze model, these valves are unsung heroes of efficient water systems. And behind all three lies the thoughtful, real-world engineering of Automat—a brand that continues to build solutions that support smart irrigation wherever it’s needed most.
