Servo Water Valve For Irrigation and Flow Control

This 3D-printed mount system allows you to automate an Antelco manual irrigation valve using a standard MG995 or MG996 servo. It’s an ideal low-cost solution for DIY and smart IoT irrigation projects. Great for a rain-barrel garden irrigation project.  For gardening, use an adapter to convert your hose or faucet to ½ irrigation tubing, and you are ready to automate your smart watering project with an Arduino, ESP32, etc.  

🔗 Valve product link:

Antelco Manual Valve (Drip Depot)

Antelco Manufacturer Page

💡 Features

Compatible with 14mm, 16mm, and ½-inch Antelco barb valves

No supports required when printed correctly (see printing tips below)

Fits MG995 or MG996 servo motors

Press-fit coupler attaches to the valve handle— valve not damaged, can be reclaimed.

Uses standard M3 x 20mm bolts for assembly

Designed with low-power IoT applications in mind: servo can be disconnected after actuation to mimic a latching valve

🖨 Printing Recommendations

Material: PLA or PETG

No supports needed

Important: Rotate the coupler onto its edge (on the build plate) before slicing to ensure clean printing without supports

⚙ Assembly Instructions

Attach the dual servo horn to the printed coupler with two screws supplied with servo.

Press-fit the valve handle into the coupler—no adhesive required.

Attach the coupler to the servo output shaft/spline (see notes on alignment below).

Place the assembled valve and servo into the holder.

Secure using M3x20 bolts. Note: bolts for one side of the servo insert from the back—see posted photos for guidance.

⚡ Power Tips

Servo startup current may briefly exceed 500mA @ 5V.

Use an adequate power supply and capacitor to prevent brownouts.

For ultra-low-power builds, disconnect servo power when inactive using a load switch,  MOSFET, etc.

🔧 Calibration

Before final assembly, use a simple sketch like Sweep.ino to test valve range and servo alignment:

Sweeping to  0° opens the valve, and sweeping to 90° closes it, but confirm for your specific build.

🔗 See Also

For a similar design adapted to smaller tubing, check out:
Servo Ball Valve for Drip Irrigation (Printables)