SpudFiles

when you are attatching sprinkler valves, do you need to solvent weld them to the pvc?

Often they have threaded fittings, not solvent weld fittings. You'r probably fine just threading a male adapter into it with some teflon tape. (the male adapter would have to be solvent welded to the pipe) If you want, you could probably solvent weld the threaded fitting.

If they have solvent weld joints, though, you have to solvent weld them.

the solenoid valve wouldnt be made from pvc anyway unless it was made to be glued on to the pipe

Yeah the sprinkler valve should have threaded ends. If not, it's a very odd sprinkler valve and I would consider finding a way to put threads on since sometimes you need to take off your sprinkler valve for matnience.

Usually they are connected with threaded fittings that are glued to the pipe itself. I did know of one brand of sprinkler valve (Lawn-Genie) that had a model that was made to be glued directly onto the pipes.

Lots of brands have "slip" joints. (that means you solvent weld them to the outside of the pipe) Sometimes they charge a bit extra, but typicaly not.