Solenoid water valves are essentially the same as all other solenoid Valve in the way that they work, although the substance that they regulate is more specific then other models. Operated by way of a wire coiled around a metallic core that produces a magnetic field when electric currents pass through it, the solenoid water Valve, like all other solenoid valves uses the magnetic field to open or close a chamber door to release or block the flow of a substance. This regulation when applied to water substances, which does require specific solenoid characteristics, is referred to as a solenoid water valve.

A practical example of how solenoid valves are utilized is found in a machine that most people are familiar with, whether they have one at home or travel to a laundry mat to use it; a washing machine. This piece of equipment is programmed to allow the user to choose what type of wash they want for how long and with various levels of hot and/or cold water. To get the proper water temperature within a washing machine as well as ensuring it water comes out in the proper amount, solenoid water valves are necessary. Activated by specific electric signals from the machine, either the cold water valve will open or the hot water valve will open or both will open at the same time to achieve a warm water washing cycle. Without solenoid valves, a washing machine would not be able to function.

The size of a solenoid water valve may vary from miniscule to very large, depending on the system it is working within. If necessary, a water valve may be built for three-way or four-way passage. The material used is usually plastic although it may also be a particularly corrosion resistant metal such as stainless steel. However these other factors may change though, a solenoid water Valves will always be regulating water.