What You Need Before Installation

Overview

Before your plumber arrives to install the PlumBuddy Valve, there are a few things you need to have in place. This checklist ensures the installation goes smoothly and your valve works reliably from day one.

Power Requirements

The PlumBuddy Valve runs on USB-C power connected to a standard household outlet.

What Is Included

USB-C power cable (10 feet long)
USB-C power adapter (plugs into a standard 120V outlet)

What You Need

A 120V power outlet within 10 feet of the valve installation location
The outlet should be a dedicated or lightly-used circuit — the valve draws very little power, but it needs constant access to the outlet

If No Outlet Is Nearby

If there is no outlet within 10 feet of where your main water line enters the home, you have two options:

Have an electrician install an outlet near the installation location before the plumber visit. This is the recommended approach.
Contact PlumBuddy support to discuss compatible longer USB-C cables. Not all USB-C cables maintain the correct power delivery over longer distances, so check with us before purchasing your own.

Battery Backup

The PlumBuddy Valve includes a built-in 19,000 mAh lithium-ion battery that provides backup power during outages. Depending on usage, the battery can last approximately 1 to 7 days without AC power.

During a power outage:

The valve retains its current state (open or closed)
It can still open or close if triggered by a leak detection
You will not receive push notifications until your internet service is also restored
The battery recharges automatically once AC power returns

The battery is not intended as the primary power source. Always keep the USB-C cable connected for continuous operation.

WiFi Requirements

PlumBuddy connects to your home WiFi network to communicate with the mobile app and PlumBuddy’s cloud servers.

2.4 GHz WiFi Is Required

All PlumBuddy devices use 2.4 GHz WiFi only. The 5 GHz band is not supported. This is by design — 2.4 GHz has better range and wall penetration than 5 GHz, which is important for devices installed in basements, garages, or utility closets.

Signal Strength

The valve should be within 100 feet of your WiFi router. However, walls, floors, concrete, and metal objects reduce effective range. In a multi-story home with the router upstairs, the effective range to a basement installation may be significantly less than 100 feet.

How to Check Your WiFi

Before the plumber arrives, test your WiFi signal at the installation location:

Stand next to where the valve will be installed.
Connect your phone to your 2.4 GHz WiFi network.
Try loading a webpage or streaming a video.
If the connection is slow or drops, you may need a WiFi extender.

If Your Signal Is Weak

Add a WiFi extender or mesh node near the installation location. This is the most common and effective solution.
Relocate your router closer to the valve location if practical.
Create a dedicated 2.4 GHz network for IoT devices if your router supports it.

Dealing with Combined Networks

Many modern routers combine 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz into a single network name. This usually works fine — the PlumBuddy device will connect to the 2.4 GHz band automatically. If setup fails, you may need to temporarily split the bands in your router settings. See our WiFi troubleshooting guide for step-by-step help.

Installation Space

Your plumber needs adequate space to work at the installation location.

Where the Valve Goes

The PlumBuddy Valve installs on your main water supply line, typically:

In the basement near where water enters the home
In a utility closet or mechanical room
In the garage (common in slab-on-grade homes)
In a crawl space (less ideal but possible)

Space Requirements

Clearance around the valve: Leave several inches of space around the valve for maintenance, airflow, and access to the physical buttons.
Height: If installed on a slab or low entry point, the valve should be at least 18 inches above ground level.
Accessibility: You and your plumber need to be able to reach the valve for testing, maintenance, and the USB-C power connection. Do not install in a location that is difficult to access.

Tools and Materials

What You Need to Provide

As the homeowner, you need:

The PlumBuddy Valve (order from plumbuddy.co)
A smartphone with the PlumBuddy app installed (iOS or Android)
A PlumBuddy account (create one in the app before the plumber arrives)
Access to your WiFi password (you will enter it during app setup)

What the Plumber Provides

Your plumber will bring the tools and fittings needed for installation:

Adjustable wrenches or pipe wrenches
Pipe cutter for your pipe material (copper, PEX, or CPVC)
Union fittings or threaded adapters (compatible with your pipe size)
Sweat adapters and torch if working with copper
Pipe sealing tape or thread sealant
Mounting straps or supports if needed
Safety gear

Pre-Installation Checklist

Use this checklist to make sure everything is ready before the plumber arrives:

Power outlet within 10 feet of the installation location
2.4 GHz WiFi with good signal at the installation location
PlumBuddy app downloaded and account created
WiFi password written down and ready to enter during setup
Main water shutoff valve location identified and accessible
Clear workspace around the installation area for the plumber
Battery installed in the valve (see installation guide for instructions)

What to Expect During Installation

The installation typically takes 1-2 hours. During this time:

Your water will be shut off while the plumber cuts into the pipe and installs the valve
The plumber will test for leaks and verify proper operation
You will pair the valve with the app and connect it to WiFi
The plumber will demonstrate the physical controls and verify app connectivity

After installation, your PlumBuddy Valve is ready to protect your home. Set your modes and thresholds and you are all set.