Hunter Irrigation Valve Guide: PGV, ICV & Solenoid Replacement

The valve is the workhorse of every zone: the controller energizes a 24 VAC solenoid, the diaphragm lifts, and water flows. When a zone won't run — or won't stop — the valve is the first place to look.

PGV: the residential standard

The PGV series covers ¾" and 1" zones in every configuration: angle, in-line, male × male, or barb. The 1" PGV-101G with flow control is the safe default for residential systems — flow control lets you throttle a zone that mists, and the captive solenoid plunger means no lost parts during service. PGV handles flows from 0.5 to 30 GPM.

ICV: commercial and hard conditions

The ICV is a heavy-duty glass-filled nylon valve rated to 220 PSI, available in 1" to 3" sizes. Specify it for commercial mainlines, high-pressure supplies, or reclaimed/dirty water (add the Filter Sentry option). If a PGV diaphragm keeps failing on a high-pressure system, moving to ICV usually ends the problem.

Troubleshooting a dead zone

1. Zone never turns on: swap the wire from a working zone at the controller. If the dead zone now runs, the problem is field wiring; if not, it's the solenoid or diaphragm.
2. Manual bleed test: twist the solenoid a quarter-turn. Water flowing means the electrical side (solenoid or wire) is at fault; no water points to the diaphragm or a closed flow control.
3. Solenoid swap: Hunter solenoids are interchangeable across PGV, ICV, SRV, and JT valves — a two-minute, screw-on fix and by far the most common repair part we ship.
4. Zone won't shut off: almost always debris under the diaphragm. Shut the water, open the bonnet, rinse the diaphragm, and check it for tears.

Buying tips

• Match the valve size to your flow, not your pipe: a 1" valve on a ¾" line is fine and reduces pressure loss.
• Always install valves in a box with unions or swing joints for serviceability.
• Keep one spare solenoid and diaphragm per valve model on hand — mid-season failures never happen at a convenient time.

Shop Valves, Valve Accessories, and replacement parts. Not sure which diaphragm fits your model year? Send us the number on the bonnet and we'll match it.