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Master Valve only on specific zones
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6](https://community.rachio.com/u/Skilesstyle "Skilesstyle")
6](https://community.rachio.com/u/rpw128 "rpw128")
6](https://community.rachio.com/u/DLane "DLane")
5](https://community.rachio.com/u/franz "franz")
5](https://community.rachio.com/u/Gene "Gene")
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Nov 2014
post by jstew4880 on Nov 6, 2014
1
I only need my master valve to be active for a few of my stations, not all. Would be nice to be able to select that feature for each station instead of the whole timer. This’ll be helpful for me. Thanks for a great product!
17.6k views 46 likes 11 links 32 users
6](https://community.rachio.com/u/Skilesstyle "Skilesstyle")
6](https://community.rachio.com/u/rpw128 "rpw128")
6](https://community.rachio.com/u/DLane "DLane")
5](https://community.rachio.com/u/franz "franz")
5](https://community.rachio.com/u/Gene "Gene")
read 11 min
Top replies
post by peacock on Nov 7, 2014
A deeper discussion of the master valve function is appropriate. A master valve function can have different applications:
It can be used as main valve to prevent uncontrolled water flow in case a zone valve malfunctions and becomes stuck in the open position.
It can be used to activate a pump relay for those who use well water.
It can be used to selectively activate a fertilizer injector by zone. This allows variations in “fertigation” based on zone and plant types. In this application, the master valve function controls a valve to open or close the fertilizer suction line.
Most residential irrigation controllers do not have a master valve by zone feature (i.e. application #3) and only concentrate on applications #1 and #2. Application #3 is generally found on better professional level controllers.
I hope to see Rachio offer a master valve by zone feature. Better yet, I hope to see the capability to have more than just one master valve. For example my front yard has a valve set manifold and my back side has another valve set manifold. Each manifold requires its own independent master valve. I like to see each zone being able to selectively enable either MV1, MV2, MV3, etc. This is a wish list of functions that I’d like Rachio to seriously consider for future software upgrades.
post by franz on Nov 7, 2014
franz Co-Founder/CTO @ Rachio
@jstew4880 @peacock Definitely plan on doing this, fortunately ‘master valve by zone’ is just a software change. For more than one master valve, would you need new physical connections on the backplate for multiple master valves?
post by peacock on Nov 8, 2014
Franz, yes, to make the multiple master valves feature work, it would require a separate physical connection for each master valve. Maybe my impression has been muddled by other wifi-based controller brands I have been evaluating, but I have been under the impression that each ordinary (non-master valve) zone can be programmed to act as a master valve. If that’s the case, then realistically you’d just need to make a fairly simple software change to allow: 1) a master valve by zone feature and 2) multiple master valves to be designated. It would then be up to the user to designate which connection would be a master valve zone.
post by franz on Nov 8, 2014
franz Co-Founder/CTO @ Rachio
@peacock Ok makes sense, that’s kind of what I thought. The first change isn’t that hard, the second change gets harder. I can promise the first change is in our backlog, the second change might be too much work to make the cut. Thanks for the feedback!
post by peacock on Nov 8, 2014
In my particular application, I’ll only be using the MV output to turn on a fertilizer controller valve. Since I have two fertilizer injectors, one in the front yard and one in the back yard, I can use the same master valve output to energize both fertilizer intake valves. The problem with this setup is it would require the Iro’s MV output to drive TWO master valves simultaneously, in addition to a zone irrigation valve. Can the Iro handle this much current?
post by franz on Nov 8, 2014
franz Co-Founder/CTO @ Rachio
@peacock We support one valve per output. Hooking up two would draw twice the current threw that hookup. If there’s a situation where there are two other zone valves on at the same time and two master valves are on, you’ll blow the fuse. I wouldn’t do it or suggest it We are UL certified for up to 3 zones. Thanks and have a great weekend.
9 months later
post by Skilesstyle on Aug 5, 2015
I have a similar situation. I am using the blue terminal to operate a pump relay but only a few of my zones are supplied by the pump, the rest have a separate source. I would like to see a software update to allow the option for each zone to either energize or not energize the blue terminal.
post by Munch on Aug 6, 2015
What about setting the master valve to the individual watering schedules instead? Than you can set a schedule with or without the master.
post by Skilesstyle on Aug 6, 2015
Yes, if I had the ability to choose wether or not the master valve terminal was energized per watering schedule then that would solve my problem.
post by Skilesstyle on Aug 12, 2015
What is the rated current for each output or device total? I am thinking of adding a small relay in parallel to the valve for the zones that I want to run my pump for. The relay would be a switch in the pump start circuit that would close only when that particular zone was active. The current draw of the relay would be less than an additional valve, approximately 0.1 amp. Three devices would be operating simultaneously: valve, pump relay and the added relay.
post by brad on Aug 13, 2015
The Iro is rated for 0.3A inrush current per zone and 0.23A constant current per zone. As Franz mentioned, the hardware is capable of running up to 3 zones concurrently.
post by Skilesstyle on Aug 20, 2015
\ image.jpg2448×2448 1.13 MB](https://community.rachio.com/uploads/db1097/original/1X/2746f6d7ec4b5db0ec188e48da1809ca8896c15e.jpg "image.jpg")
The blue wire is for the pump start, it is wired through the normally closed contacts of each relay in series. There is one relay connected to each drip zone so when the zone is active it breaks the circuit to the pump.
post by Munch on Aug 20, 2015
Can you please give me the information on the relays you used.
post by Skilesstyle on Aug 20, 2015
URBEST®HH52P AC 24V Coil DPDT 8 Pins Electromagnetic Power Relay w DYF08A Base https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NN5ABG2/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_SbF1vbF1TMFGW
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NN5ABG2/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_SbF1vbF1TMFGW
post by Skilesstyle on Aug 20, 2015
I measured the current drawn by this relay at 0.077 A
16 days later
post by rakswc on Sep 5, 2015
franz](https://community.rachio.com/t/master-valve-only-on-specific-zones/239 "Load parent post")
Any idea when/ if a single master valve on/ off by zone will be coming out. This would be very helpful for me.
post by franz on Sep 6, 2015
franz Co-Founder/CTO @ Rachio
I don’t have a time frame for this feature at the moment. Will post when this is being worked on.
9 months later
post by jleeca on Jun 15, 2016
I’ve been waiting this feature for a while as it’s quite important to me. Is there any progress on this? Or do you have any updated time frame?
post by benblackmer on Jun 20, 2016
@jleeca, it is on our list but I don’t have an update. We’re upgrading our backend systems that should allow for this in the future, but I don’t have an updated time frame. Thanks for checking in!
post by dklambert on Jun 23, 2016
I need the ability to have the pump start relay active on some zones and off on other zones. Hopefully this feature can be added soon. Thanks.
9 months later
post by tracywlay on Mar 13, 2017
Where are we with this, it is desperately needed.
Thanks,
1 month later
post by rayics on Apr 18, 2017
What is the status for this minor enhancement?.. going on 4 years.
3 months later
post by adriantory on Jul 11, 2017
This is crazy. This is a buy/or go elsewhere decision for me. 4 years to make a simple software change for important functionality?? worrying. time to look at open source.
3 months later
post by nvanlaar on Oct 1, 2017
Will this be in the upcoming update? This has been a request since… at least 2014…
6 months later
post by Sheldonsilva on Mar 25, 2018
I need the same feature. WHEN will you include this software update???
16 days later
post by rayics on Apr 10, 2018
Is there any update on this software request? Need better control over the master valve circuit.
3 months later
post by rpw128 on Jul 17, 2018
I am a little concerned about this, I switched from OpenSprinkler (which is $80 less) which had this feature. I am starting to regret it after reading this thread…I hope it happens soon, or will need to look at if I am able to return.
post by DLane on Jul 17, 2018
@rpw128 - how many zones need or don’t need the master valve activated as there is an easy way to accomplish this for a few zones using relays.
post by rpw128 on Jul 17, 2018
I attached a drawing (hopefully it’s visible). Essentially I expanded my sprinkler system as my yard has evolved. The supply lines to the front are PEX so they are better rated to have pressure all the way. The supply lines to my side yard are Poly (which my understanding is not “supply rated”) so I put a valve in front of it to “protect” it.
Depending on how troublesome the relay solution is I may just see if I can return the Rachio. As I see it, I lost a major functionality of my previous [OpenSprinkler] where I thought this would be an upgrade.
Appreciate the help and curious how much time and cost is involved to put a relay.
\ image.png1178×845 31 KB](https://community.rachio.com/uploads/db1097/original/2X/0/04bb213f1ace7797c6508f67f22ab78b34403a30.png "image.png")
post by Gene on Jul 17, 2018
Looking at your schematic, it may be easier to simply connect Side Yard Supply valve (currently zone 5) to the master valve output (currently unused). This should make everything work. While the yard supply will be pressurized when ever any of the other zones are running, it should not actually activate given that you have individual control over the valves within the side yard box.
post by rpw128 on Jul 17, 2018
Thanks for the reply. I did have it this way initially but I think from repeated pressure the Poly/PE pipe got pushed out of the valve and the box flooded (thus losing pressure to every zone).
I since reconnected with a new section of pipe, but fear it will happen again. It’s also just not good practice to keep pressurizing a section of pipe like that (considering exactly what happened to me…will happen). It’s exactly the reason I put a master on that section since I didn’t want to replace the whole line with PEX.
The relay solution mentioned by @DLane or switching the controller would avoid having to over-stress that section.
post by DLane on Jul 17, 2018
1
@rpw128 - For just two zones I would put in two Single Pole Single throw (SPST) normally open relays that would active the side yard master valve that is on zone 5. The relays are inexpensive, ~$7-8 last time I looked.
Here’s is how one would wire it up:
Zone 6 - two wires, one to the Lawn West and one to the coil wire on the relay.
Relay - other size of the coil wire to C(ommon)
Relay Common - 24 V- VAC (if you have a Gen 3, then I think you’d use the 24-VAC terminal and a Gen 2 I believe you’d use the SC ( @Gene determined this is right one to use, instead of SP) - unless Rachio has changed things with the Costco version or an updated hardware.
Relay Normally Open Pole - output to the Side Yard Supply valve, can be combined together with the other relay pole.
Zone 7 - two wires, one to the Side Garden and one to the coil wire on the relay.
Relay - other size of the coil wire to C(ommon)
Relay Common - 24 V+ VAC (if you have a Gen 3, then I think you’d use the 24+VAC terminal and a Gen 2 I believe you’d use the SC ( @Gene determined this is right one to use, instead of SP) - unless Rachio has changed things with the Costco version or an updated hardware.
Relay Normally Open Pole - output to the Side Yard Supply valve, can be combined together with the other relay pole.
For relay, look for one with a 24 VAC coil that is normally open.
As an example:
One can use a SPDT (Single Pole Double Throw) relay, instead of the SPST, just use the Normally Open and Common tabs (don’t use the Normally Closed tab).
Let me know if you have any questions, the wiring and relays are easy and will all be right there by the Rachio.
post by Gene on Jul 17, 2018
rpw128](https://community.rachio.com/t/master-valve-only-on-specific-zones/239 "Load parent post")
If the poly got pushed out before, it may be a good idea to get a few of these guys (link) from your local home improvement store (search for right size for the pipe, no need to get a whole set) and secure the ends well. Even with precautions, the pipe may come loose again if not properly secured.
What @DLane has described is a viable solution, but you would need to use 24-VAC terminal (instead of 24+VAC) in the configuration that he has described since Rachio Commons are connected to 24+VAC.
I’ve thought about using just one SPDT relay (similar to the one @DLane has linked to), here is the schematic to help illustrate the approach (zone 5 would be unused in this configuration).
\ spdtsetup.png1718×1448 69.3 KB](https://community.rachio.com/uploads/db1097/original/2X/e/e708e01c30fb36f5a697ade43b8f03088888afd0.png "spdtsetup.png")
In this configuration which ever zone is connected to NO terminal, also drives the coil. (in this example, it’s zone 7, but can be any other zone as long as it is connected to NO terminal).
@DLane’s approach may prove to be better, in case the two valves and a relay running off of one zone (as in with my version) draw more than 300 mA combined (at which point Rachio may start showing errors due to a high current on an individual zone).
Cheers,
Gene
post by DLane on Jul 17, 2018
1
@Gene - thanks for catching my error buddy! (edited the original post)
And you would have to improve upon my design! While your design has just one relay, I was trying to KISS, by keeping everything similar and allowing for more than two zones.
To provide more detail for @rpw128 - zone 6 would power the side yard master valve when that zone is active as it is on the Normally Closed connection, no power to the side yard master valve when zone 6 or 7 is not running. When zone 7 fires, it would close the relay coil and power the master valve (zone 6 is NOT connected to the relay coil).
post by rpw128 on Jul 17, 2018
Awesome, thanks, I will give this a whirl for $8-10, appreciate the wiring diagram. I was going to put the worm clamp on but I realized it as soon as I pushed in the PE to the barb. Will need to snip it off and redo it though as it is a good idea.
Though seriously…this can’t be too hard to add the option to have Master on/off for zones in the software…
One question on the above design from @Gene, currently all commons are spliced together. Should I undo this for Zones 6/7 and if so where do they go?
Thanks again!
post by robertokc on Jul 17, 2018
I do not understand why one would want a master valve to not effect specific stations. It defeats the purpose of a master valve. This is not possible.
post by DLane on Jul 17, 2018
rpw128](https://community.rachio.com/t/master-valve-only-on-specific-zones/239 "Load parent post")
@rpw128 - Keep all the commons together. You can put the additional common from the relay into the other C port.
post by Gene on Jul 17, 2018
rpw128](https://community.rachio.com/t/master-valve-only-on-specific-zones/239 "Load parent post")
@DLane is right. If you have an extra ‘C’ terminal available on Rachio, connect it to one of the coil terminals on the relay (polarity doesn’t matter). It also doesn’t matter which C terminal on the Rachio you use, as they are all interconnected.
post by rpw128 on Jul 19, 2018
I installed the relay today took me a little bit to figure out the wiring but it works.
When in doubt the software fails…find a hardware solution I guess!
Thanks again!
post by Gene on Jul 19, 2018
1
Glad it worked out for you. Post some pictures if you can, always great to see the end result.
Don’t forget to add some worm clamps, you don’t need to redo the hoses, just unscrew the clamp to be fully open, wrap it around the ends and screw it closed / tight again.
Cheers,
Gene
11 months later
post by noahdare on Jun 19, 2019
Just wondering if anyone can help me figure out a wiring solution for my setup. I have 2 valve boxes. One for the main sprinkler system that runs 6 zones, one for the driplines in the back that runs 3 valves for my driplines. I have one of the 6 zones setup as a master valve as it supplies the secondary box. Currently this is set as the master valve and opens whenever a zone is running. This works but obviously is not ideal as it is poly pipe with blu-lock fittings and will eventually fail due to constantly being pressurized.
What I am thinking is to use 3 of the SPST relays attached to the 3 dripline zones to also activate the 1 valve used as the supply. I am unsure how to wire this so that it is not running 2 valves off of each of these zones at once. Can anyone give some guidance?
As a sidenote, I really wish they would add the feature to select the master valve per zone as they said they would. This would solve this issue without the need for any addon solutions. It seems like it would be simple as the logic and code already exists as the master valve can be selected/deselected in the controller settings. Just add that same routine to the zone routines and expose it to the user. This is a highly sought after feature and there are endless requests for it on every controller manufacturers forums including this one.
post by DLane on Jun 19, 2019
@noahdare - welcome to the community. The 24 VAC SPST relays that I’ve found on Amazon don’t pull much current, so there should be no issues with running them and the zone valve.
So - zone 6 = master valve and 7, 8 and 9 are the drip valves.
Disconnect the zone 6 wire from the Rachio master valve terminal.
Connect one side of the SPST relay coil to the Rachio terminal 7 along with the solenoid valve.
Connect the other side the SPST relay coil to the Rachio C terminal (all the relays can be wired together and just one wire put into the terminal).
Connect one side of the pole to the zone 6 wire (all the relays can be wired in parallel to this solenoid) .
The next step depends on which generation of Rachio that this is being connected to.
For Gen 3, connect the 24 VAC + to the other side of the pole on the SPST relay (again all the relays can be wired in parallel and only one wire needs to be in the Rachio).
For Gen 2 connect the SC (sensor common) to the other side of the pole on the SPST relay.
Let me know if there are any questions.
post by noahdare on Jun 19, 2019
I think I understand what you are saying. So the wire coming from the “Master valve” is connected to one side of the pole, with the other side of the pole in the 24 vac connector on my gen3. My confusion though is, what serves as the common then for the master? When the relay is activated by power from 7, does it just go to the common on the coil?
post by DLane on Jun 19, 2019
@noahdare - the common for the “master valve” will still be the C terminal on the Rachio, where it is currently connected.
So zone 7 fires both the solenoid for zone 7 and the SPST relay they will both return through the C terminal. When the SPST relay closes (I should point out the relay should be Normally Open - NO) the current from the 24 VAC + will flow out to the “master valve” and then back via the C(ommon) terminal.
post by noahdare on Jun 19, 2019
duh. I wasn’t thinking that through completely, obviously. Thanks for clearing that part up. Ordered the relays and am going to give it a shot.
post by noahdare on Jun 24, 2019
Spent Sunday afternoon getting things hooked up and it works great. Thanks for the help DLane. Went with the Packard relays, they do have quite a noticeable buzz when they are active. But they are in the garage and in an enclosure so it isn’t too bad.
post by MichaelJRogers on Jul 2, 2019
franz](https://community.rachio.com/t/master-valve-only-on-specific-zones/239 "Load parent post")
Is this still in the backlog? I need to disable my pump on a few of my zones, it would be nice to not have to build a relay system to do it.
10 months later
post by Jer on Apr 22, 2020
So here we are almost 6 years since the first post in this thread and still no option for the master pump on for specific zones.
Let me ask for some help from this crew as it looks like I am going to have to go the relay switch route this year. I need help understanding how to wire what I am looking to do so let me summarize.
I have an injector pump that injects rid o’ rust into the sprinkler system. Currently this works on the Rachio by setting the injector pump to turn on via the master pump valve connection. However, this makes the injector pump turn on and use rid o’ rust for EVERY zone I have any time I turn the sprinklers on. Rid o’ rust is not cheap and I only want the injector pump to send rid o’ rust to a few zones that spray over walkways and fences - not all my zones.
For example…I would like to have the injector pump with rid o’ rust turn on and be in use for zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 11 and off for all the rest.
Could someone on here walk me through the exact solutions I need to buy and wiring so that the injector pump only turns on for the zones I need it for and is off for zones I do not need it for?
Thanks!
P.S. Unless @franz has it working in software about to be released…
1 month later
post by BobPiet on May 26, 2020
franz](https://community.rachio.com/t/master-valve-only-on-specific-zones/239 "Load parent post")
As I currently need to activate a Master Valve when operating specific zones only, (Gen 2) I was pleased to read that, as a requested feature, it was well on the way to being implemented.
Quote:
@jstew4880 @peacock Definitely plan on doing this, fortunately ‘master valve by zone’ is just a software change.
As the work on this, presumably easy coding, began in 2014, I was wondering how the work was coming along. It seems this development cycle is a bit long.
Thanks, Bob
post by franz on May 26, 2020
franz Co-Founder/CTO @ Rachio
Not that easy just due to all the people we would need to bring in (firmware, mobile, cloud) to modify this, regression testing, firmware rollouts, etc.
Unfortunately not on the current roadmap as other priorities are ahead of this. I will definitely forward your request to our product team.
Thanks and have a great day!
post by rpw128 on May 26, 2020
BobPiet](https://community.rachio.com/t/master-valve-only-on-specific-zones/239 "Load parent post")
Bob
OpenSprinkler is able to do what you’re looking for natively but requires a bit more configuration.
I’m also a bit surprised this is still not a native feature. I had to jury rig this with a relay as described above (a bit odd for a $200+ controller). If they haven’t done it yet probably won’t happen…
I eventually brought a separate water supply to another valve box eliminating the need for the relay and just tied in the zones directly.
As a product manager, I will say I am concerned focus has turned more towards subscription based add-ons vs core product, the market seems saturated already with Sunday, Wondercide and so on.
2 years later
post by BillDaCat8 on Sep 8, 2022
franz](https://community.rachio.com/t/master-valve-only-on-specific-zones/239 "Load parent post")
Hi @franz
I’ve been quietly waiting for this for a LONG time. I don’t need to run a pump for all of my zones. So, whenever I’m running these zones, the pump is running needlessly. We’ve been asking for 8 years now.
Pretty please!?
12 days later
post by BillDaCat8 on Sep 20, 2022
1
So, I have decided to go the relay route for this. I only have a single zone that doesn’t need the Master valve. So, that simplifies things for me a bit. (It’s actually my swimming pool pump that I’m controlling. But, don’t tell Rachio that )
While searching for an appropriate relay, I came across the PAM-1. From what I can tell, It looks like it’s used for all sorts of switching needs in multiple industries. Anyway, it’s just what we need for this. It’s inexpensive. It’s all encapsulated and sealed up and ready for use in a wet environment. I just wired it in quick and dirty at the valves. Here’s a quick diagram of how I did it. Basically, the relay breaks the Common connection to the MV when the “No MV needed” zone is active.
\ pam1wiring812×546 48.8 KB](https://community.rachio.com/uploads/db1097/original/2X/6/6050dae5f4028ebc8eac26e386cbcfcc442cb58c.jpeg "pam1wiring")
post by Thomas_Lerman on Sep 20, 2022
Thomas_LermanRachio Power User
Looking at the label, I see maybe contradictory information. The text only talks about 24VDC and the graphic shows 24VDC/VAC. Off hand, your drawing does not quite look right to me, but I would have to look more into it. How many watts/amps does the swimming pool pump use?
post by BillDaCat8 on Sep 26, 2022
1
It works just fine.
Using the relay’s Red wire, the coil can operate AC or DC @ 24v. Read the “operating voltage” line in the pic again.
I guess that I sort of generalized the PUMP / MV connection. In my setup, there’s a simple Hunter 1" valve that’s being used there.
An Orbit pump start relay is what is what is actually doing the switching for the 240V pool pump. haven’t checked on what it draws. But, It has worked correctly and reliably for 3-4 years now.
My goal here was to avoid pressurizing the sprinkler valve manifold while the pool was running. Which is anywhere between six to eight hours a day. So, when the pump is switched on (green wire in this diagram), it triggers the PAM-1 relay, which breaks the master valve’s connection to the Common wire. One could also have it wired to break the P/MV wire connection instead. Same result.
I’m sure that it would be very handy for lots of other uses as well. Being that It’s an all sealed up unit; I just thought that this PAM-1 relay is a fantastic choice for this sort of thing and wanted to share.
25 days later
post by Hamx0r on Oct 22, 2022
Agreed, And even support multiple pumps. My 16 valve controller sends wires out to 3 different regions of the property with valve boxes at each region. Only some are so far away to need a pressure booster pump and would be nice to have it run only when those stations are on.
A solution for the present would be to use individual relays for each zone, using the zone power for the relay, and the relay then used to enable and disable pump powe
7 months later
post by nvanlaar on May 19, 2023
After reading through this thread I find this completely ridiculous that Rachio can’t implement a simple function/feature. This really is simple (or it should be). It was even stated as such way back in the beginning.
15 days later
post by New2Rachio on Jun 4, 2023
I share everyone’s frustration with not having this be a standard feature, but since it doesn’t seem like Rachio plans to add this anytime soon I wanted to share a possible workaround. I have a system that pumps rust inhibitor into the irrigation system to prevent rust stains, and I only need it to run for zones that hit my house or driveway (all others just waste the chemical). I used an 8 channel relay module to complete the master valve circuit only for the desired zones ($38 on Amazon):
Good BNTai 8 Channel Interface Relay Module 12VACDC 24VACDC 110VAC 230VAC DIN Rail Panel Mount Automation PLC Board (8Channel ACDC24V) https://a.co/d/eIXgtS8
\ 20230604_1334021920×2560 213 KB](https://community.rachio.com/uploads/db1097/original/2X/c/cfcbb2da93d70d7bfa3ccd60c8dc704e81653937.jpeg "20230604_133402")
post by Gene on Jun 4, 2023
Great solution, though there is a cleaner way to implement a similar solution by disabling the signal for zones that do not need rust removal, rather than enabling it for all those which do.
Here is a setup I helped create for a fellow member @aristobrat
In this case we used a 4 channel relay (amazon), but it can be used with the one you’ve bought.
He’s been using it for years.
\ 11920×1440 452 KB](https://community.rachio.com/uploads/db1097/original/2X/a/a9d4e9c28cf1846c9f89cf0bc55f1d79047032c8.jpeg "1")
\ 41920×2560 502 KB](https://community.rachio.com/uploads/db1097/original/2X/6/69e8666db48fa84b7da504fc47f8ae7b6299922f.jpeg "4")
2 months later
post by JPNDAVE on Jul 20, 2023
So almost a full decade and still no software update for such a basic function? I applaud the ingenuity of those putting together workarounds. It shouldn’t be necessary on a basic controller let alone a “premium” product.
17 days later
post by mjr0773 on Aug 7, 2023
I will just add to the vote that the master valve by zone option be added asap. Looks like I will have to turn it on whenever a zone is turned on regardless of whether needed or not which is not optimal. The controller I have on the wall right now has this option. Debating if I need to return the Rachio I haven’t installed yet or give it a try and see what happens.
25 days later
post by mjr0773 on Sep 2, 2023
franz](https://community.rachio.com/t/master-valve-only-on-specific-zones/239 "Load parent post")
Any update on when the ability to use or not use the master valve by zone will be. Seems many are asking for it, including me, and lots of workarounds are being created. Would be wonderful to have this option.
Thanks in advance.
20 days later
post by Snipe70e on Sep 23, 2023
My controller in my old house zones could be programed with master valve or without. And I used it. I am thinking of adding a NC relay to the one zone that does not need the master valve.
1 year later
post by BillDaCat8 on Nov 17, 2024
Three years after my last post on this topic. Still hasn’t been implemented. I’m pretty disappointed. From the looks of things, a lot of people are. We’ve been asking for over a decade now! Come on…
We need to be able to control the master valve by zone.
8 months later
post by Pedro on Jul 18, 2025
So, some 11 years after original post and still not implemented! I have supervised an installation for my neighbour and now need to isolate one zone from master valve as having to feed water supply from a different location using ShellyPlus1’s over wifi (for a roof garden). Neighbour very impressed with Rachio app I don’t want to leave main irrigation energised with no outlet, just asking for trouble! I am sure I’ll find a way around it but the option to disable master valve by zone would make my life a whole lot easier!
post by mjr0773 on Jul 25, 2025
Definitely would be a good update. Can we get that asap???
1 month later
post by alexM on Sep 4, 2025
franz](https://community.rachio.com/t/master-valve-only-on-specific-zones/239 "Load parent post")
Hello franz, here we are 11 years later…has this master valve by zone feature been implemented? If not for the front end user, is there a way to do this via the API on a custom webapp? Thank you!
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