Hunter solenoid valves are the zone control valves in an automated irrigation system. The controller sends a signal, the valve opens, water flows to that zone. When the cycle is complete the valve closes. Hunter makes two solenoid valve ranges — the PGV for residential and light commercial use, and the ICV for commercial, high pressure, and dirty water applications.
Which Valve Do You Need?
| PGV | ICV | |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $41 | $132 |
| Application | Residential and light commercial | Commercial and high pressure |
| Water source | Clean mains / town water | Mains, bore, dam, pond, or reclaimed water (with Filter Sentry option) |
| Pressure rating | 20–150 PSI (up to 1,035 kPa) | 20–220 PSI (up to 1,500 kPa) |
| Construction | Heavy-duty UV-resistant PVC | Glass-filled nylon — strength comparable to brass |
| Available sizes | 25mm, 40mm, 50mm | 25mm, 40mm, 50mm, 80mm |
| Warranty | 2 years | 5 years |
| Best for | Home gardens, standard irrigation systems | Large commercial sites, high pressure systems, bore and dam water |
The short answer: on clean town water in a home garden, the PGV is the right valve and the better value. On bore, dam, or reclaimed water, high pressure, or a commercial site — choose the ICV.
Hunter PGV Solenoid Valve
The PGV is Hunter’s most popular solenoid valve and the standard choice for residential and light commercial irrigation systems. It’s straightforward to install and service, with a double-beaded leak-proof diaphragm, internal and external manual bleed, and low-flow capability that makes it suitable for drip and micro-irrigation zones as well as sprinklers. The 25mm size is also available in a Jar-Top version — the lid screws off by hand for the fastest servicing in the industry, no tools needed. Available in 25mm, 40mm, and 50mm, with flow control standard on the 40mm and 50mm models.
PGV from $41 — Shop PGV Valves →
Hunter ICV Solenoid Valve
The ICV is Hunter’s heavy-duty commercial valve, built from glass-filled nylon and rated to 220 PSI — the highest pressure rating of any Hunter plastic valve. Its fabric-reinforced EPDM diaphragm and reverse-porting solenoid design give it built-in protection against pressure surges and water hammer, so it keeps working through high velocities and fluctuating flows that would wear out a lighter valve.
Where the ICV really earns its keep is dirty water. The optional Filter Sentry mechanism scrubs the valve’s internal filter screen clean every time the valve operates, making it the right choice for bore water systems, dam and pond supplies, and reclaimed water. If water quality or pressure is a factor on your site, this is the valve. Available in 25mm, 40mm, 50mm, and 80mm, with flow control standard on all sizes and a 5-year warranty.
ICV from $132 — Shop ICV Valves →
Key Specifications
Both the PGV and ICV operate on 24VAC, the standard solenoid voltage used by all Hunter controllers. Both are normally closed — they default to off and only open when the controller sends a signal.
Thread: BSP thread on all sizes — standard Australian pipe fittings.
Voltage: 24VAC — compatible with all Hunter controllers.
Battery systems: both valves accept Hunter’s DC latching solenoid (P/N 458200), so either can run on a battery-powered Hunter Node controller. Our Node kits are supplied with the DC latching solenoid included.
Pressure regulation: both valves accept the Hunter Accu Sync pressure regulator, which holds a constant downstream pressure regardless of incoming fluctuations — ideal for protecting spray zones on high-pressure supplies.
Flow ranges: 25mm — up to about 150 L/min; 40mm — about 75–450 L/min; 50mm — about 150–570 L/min; 80mm ICV — up to about 1,135 L/min. Size your valve on flow and pressure loss, not just pipe size.
Full manufacturer specifications and troubleshooting documentation are available from Hunter Industries valve support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upgrade from a PGV to an ICV later?
Yes — both valves use the same solenoids and the same Accu Sync regulator, so an ICV drops into a system in place of a PGV of the same size. If you’re on bore or dam water, or your pressure runs high, it’s worth choosing the ICV from the start.
Do I need Filter Sentry?
On clean town water, no. On bore, dam, pond, creek, or reclaimed water, yes — it’s the difference between a valve that needs pulling apart every season and one that keeps itself clean.
Which valve works with the Hunter Node battery controller?
Both. The Node uses a DC latching solenoid, which fits the PGV and the ICV alike. Our Node valve kits include the latching solenoid fitted and ready to go.
What size valve do I need?
Match the valve to your zone’s flow rate, not just your pipe size. Most home systems run 25mm valves; large residential and light commercial zones use 40mm; 50mm and 80mm are for big commercial flows and mainline duty. If you’re unsure, contact us with your flow and pressure details and we’ll size it for you.
