PlumAssist Installation

Step-by-step guide to installing the PlumAssist WiFi leak detection puck, including placement, battery setup, and app pairing.

Before You Begin

PlumAssist is a WiFi leak detection puck that does not require a plumber to install. It detects water leaks using sensing pins on the bottom of the device and connects to your WiFi to send alerts to the PlumBuddy app. When paired with a PlumBuddy Valve, a PlumAssist detection triggers automatic water shutoff. Installation takes about 10-15 minutes.

What Is in the Box

  • (1) PlumAssist Sensor
  • (1) PlumAssist Mounting Bracket
  • (1) Detachable Probe Extender (48 inches)
  • (1) CR123A Battery
  • (1) Set of Mounting Materials

Step 1: Choose Your Location

PlumAssist should be placed where leaks are most likely to occur or be first detected. Good locations include:

  • Under sinks — Kitchen and bathroom sinks have supply line connections and drain traps that can develop leaks.
  • Near the water heater — Water heater failures are among the most damaging household leaks.
  • Behind appliances — Washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators with water lines are common leak sources.
  • Near pipe fittings — Anywhere pipes connect is a potential failure point.
  • In basements or utility rooms — Low-lying areas where water collects first.

Choosing the Right Surface

Select a stable surface like a wall, cabinet interior, or floor. Make sure:

  • The area is clear of obstructions
  • The surface is clean and dry
  • The sensor will be within 100 feet of your WiFi router

Step 2: Pair with the App

Before installing the sensor in its permanent location, pair it with the PlumBuddy mobile app:

  1. Open the PlumBuddy app on your phone.
  2. Make sure your phone’s Bluetooth is turned on.
  3. Follow the in-app pairing instructions to add the PlumAssist.
  4. Give the sensor a descriptive name (for example, “Kitchen Sink” or “Laundry Room”).

Pairing first makes setup easier since you can hold the sensor and phone together.

Step 3: Install the Sensor

PlumAssist supports two installation methods.

Simple Installation (Floor Placement)

The quickest option for flat surfaces:

  1. Remove the mounting bracket from the PlumAssist sensor.
  2. Place the PlumAssist directly on the ground or surface with the sensing pins facing down.
  3. Make sure the pins make contact with the surface where water would pool.

This works well on tile, vinyl, sealed concrete, or any smooth flat surface.

For a more secure installation using the included mounting hardware:

  1. Pre-drill a hole in your desired surface at a safe location.
  2. Remove the PlumAssist sensor from the mounting bracket.
  3. Puncture the included screw through the center hole of the mount, and through the 3M adhesive sticker.
  4. Remove the 3M sticker backing.
  5. Orient the mounting bracket in a Y-shape.
  6. Place the mount with the screw on the wall, aligning the screw with the pre-drilled hole.
  7. Drill the screw and mount in until flat against the surface.

Vertical Mounting Orientation

If mounting the PlumAssist vertically on a wall:

  • The alert dot (on the front of the sensor) should be at the bottom.
  • Align the dot to the middle/bottom bracket arm.
  • This ensures the water sensing pins are positioned correctly to detect water.

Step 4: Insert the Battery

  1. Insert the included CR123A battery into the PlumAssist.
  2. Press the PlumAssist disk into the mounting bracket after the battery is inserted.
  3. Make sure the sensor pins on the bottom of the disk are aligned to the divots in the mount.

The CR123A battery provides approximately 5 years of battery life under normal operating conditions.

Step 5: Connect the Probe Extender (Optional)

The detachable probe extender allows you to monitor an area beyond where the sensor is physically located:

  1. Plug the probe extender into the jack at the bottom of the PlumAssist.
  2. Extend the cable and place the detection probe (small white disk at the end) in your desired monitoring spot.
  3. Make sure the cable is not taut or under tension — leave some slack.

Note: Each PlumAssist has one jack that accepts either the probe extender or the included detection probe. You can only use one at a time.

Step 6: Test the Sensor

Always test each sensor after installation:

  1. Dab a wet towel on the sensor pins, or gently tap the pins in water.
  2. What to expect:
    • The indicator light on the front of the sensor lights up.
    • An audible alarm sounds.
    • A push notification arrives on your phone (if synced to the app).
  3. Check the app to confirm the correct PlumAssist triggered the alarm.

Clearing the Test Alarm

  1. Dry the sensor completely.
  2. Wait 5 seconds.
  3. Clear the alarm in the PlumBuddy app.

Repeat the testing and installation process for each additional sensor.

Step 7: Connect the PlumSense Extension Cable (Optional)

If you purchased a PlumSense Leak Extension Cable for expanded coverage:

  1. Remove the cable from all packaging and straighten it. Inspect the cable to ensure it is intact.
  2. Ensure the PlumAssist is oriented correctly if wall-mounted (alert dot at the bottom).
  3. Before permanent installation, test the cable by plugging it in and placing the sensors in contact with water. Verify the alarm triggers.
  4. Plug the PlumSense cable into the jack at the bottom of the PlumAssist.

Note: The PlumAssist only has one jack. The PlumSense extension cable replaces the included detachable detection probe when connected.

Additional Setup

After installing all sensors:

  • Add additional sensors as needed and name each one clearly in the app.
  • Use a WiFi extender if any sensor is more than 100 feet from your router.
  • If you have a PlumBuddy Valve, pair each sensor with the valve so a detection triggers automatic shutoff. See our pairing guide.

Operating Specifications

SpecificationValue
Dimensions2.638” x 2.638” x 0.945”
BatteryCR123A (approximately 5-year life)
WirelessWiFi 802.11 b/g/n @ 2.4 GHz
Standby current1.1 microamps
ColorWhite
Operating temperature32 degrees F to 104 degrees F (0 degrees C to 40 degrees C)
Storage temperature14 degrees F to 149 degrees F (-10 degrees C to 65 degrees C)
Sensor typeWater sensing pins on bottom of device

Safety Notes

  • Do not fully disassemble the sensor. This can cause malfunction and voids the warranty.
  • Install according to the provided instructions.
  • Comply with local plumbing and building codes regarding sensor placement.
  • Accessibility standards may require the device to be installed differently depending on the location.

WiFi Requirements

PlumAssist operates on 2.4 GHz WiFi only. If the network is 5 GHz only, a split network or WiFi extender may be required. Ensure the device is within 100 feet of the WiFi router or PlumBuddy Valve.