Abstract: A solenoid valve is provided which includes an axially movable solenoid plunger for moving an elastic diaphragm away from a position engaging an outlet stub of the valve housing. According to one aspect of the invention, the plunger and the diaphragm are connected by way of a wire ring which engages the diaphragm at a position peripherally outside of the engagement of the diaphragm of the outlet stub, whereby the movement of the diaphragm from the closed position is accompanied by a shearing action at the sealing edges, resulting in self-cleaning of the sealing edges. According to another aspect of preferred embodiments of the invention, the sealing element which is movable along with the plunger controlled by the solenoid valve, is connected so as to initially move away from the sealing surfaces at only one side of the sealing element.