Get OpenValve | Build OpenValve | Getting Started | Join Discord
OpenValve is an open-source irrigation and liquid-control valve, built around a custom pinch-valve mechanism and optimized entirely for 3D printing. It waters plants based on actual soil moisture, works with gravity-fed systems, and runs on a 9V battery for about 3 months.
- works from 0 bar, ideal for gravity-fed setups
- requires no minimum flow and no minimum pressure
- tolerates imperfect or particle-rich water
- provides a straight 8 mm inner flow path (Cv ≈ 2)
- handles pressures up to 2 bar (0–30 psi)
OpenValve waters plants only when they need it - not on a schedule - by the help of a soil moisture sensor.
OpenValve regularly takes measurements from the connected soil moisture sensor.
When the soil gets dry (below a user-defined threshold):
- The valve opens automatically
- Water flows until measured soil moisture rises (+ user-defined extra time)
- The valve closes automatically
This cycle automatically adapts to plant demands and rainfall.
No timers. No schedules.
Just plants getting exactly what they need.
OpenValve uses a standard ½″ BSPP thread on both ends, making it easy to integrate into a wide range of irrigation hardware:
- garden hoses
- quick-connect systems
- compression fittings
- micro-irrigation adapters
- rainwater tank outlets
Whether you’re setting up a balcony drip line or a small greenhouse system, OpenValve fits right in.
Because every custom plastic part is 3D-printable and source files are open:
- print replacement parts
- tweak the housing
- make custom mounts
- modify firmware
- integrate in your own projects
Besides a soil moisture sensor OpenValve can be used with any other 0–3.3V analog sensor, for example:
- potentiometers
- temperature sensors
- distance sensors
- weight sensors
- custom DIY sensors
OpenValve was designed for balconies, garden beds, small greenhouses, and other small-to-medium irrigation setups. It has been deployed across multiple real-world locations. Both gravity-fed and faucet-fed (<= 2 bar) setups were tested through whole summer seasons.
OpenValve’s user interface is intentionally minimal:
- 1 button
- 2 LEDs (one blue, one bi-color: green/red → also orange when combined)
Because the device is designed to run autonomously, the UI focuses on simple, essential interactions:
- Short and long button presses for menu navigation and configuration
- LED patterns to indicate status, watering activity, sensor readings, and possible errors
To make this easy to understand, every UI state is documented and can be explored interactively:
👉 Interactive Manual: https://ui.open-valve.com/
This web-based “digital twin” mimics the behaviour of the real device - showing the same LED patterns and button interactions, along with explanations for each state.
It’s the easiest way to learn how OpenValve thinks and operates.
Not yet.
OpenValve is currently still in the prototype stage and is not yet available as a finished product.
Turning OpenValve from a working prototype into a real product requires additional steps such as:
- certification / compliance
- small-batch production setup
- packaging and logistics
- support infrastructure
These steps come with significant cost and effort.
If you’d like to get an OpenValve for yourself once it becomes available, you can join the waitlist here:
The waitlist helps me measure real demand and decide whether it makes sense to invest in the next steps needed to turn OpenValve into a product. If you join the waitlist, you’ll also be among the first to hear about updates on availability.
Contributions are welcome!
If you’d like to help improve the firmware, CAD files, documentation, or electronics, feel free to open an issue or submit a pull request.
You can also join the project discord to discuss ideas, ask questions, etc...