PlumBuddy Valve Installation

Before You Begin

The PlumBuddy Valve must be installed by a licensed plumber. This is required to maintain your warranty. As the homeowner, your job is to prepare the installation site and handle the app setup after your plumber finishes the physical installation.

This guide covers what you need to do before, during, and after the plumber visit.

Pre-Installation Checklist

Complete these items before your plumber arrives:

1. Check Your WiFi

Confirm there is a 2.4 GHz WiFi signal near the installation area. The valve needs to be within about 100 feet of your router. If the signal is weak where your main water line enters the home, you may need a WiFi extender.

If your router only broadcasts on 5 GHz, or uses a single combined network, you may need to split the bands or add a 2.4 GHz network. See our WiFi troubleshooting guide for help.

2. Locate a Power Outlet

The valve needs a standard 120V power outlet within 10 feet of the installation location. The included USB-C cable is 10 feet long. Check that the cable can reach from the valve’s installation spot to the outlet.

If there is no outlet nearby, you may need an electrician to install one before the plumber can proceed.

3. Identify Your Main Water Shutoff

Your existing main water shutoff valve should be accessible. The PlumBuddy valve will be installed just after it. Know where your shutoff is so you can point it out to the plumber.

4. Download the PlumBuddy App

Download the PlumBuddy app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Create an account if you do not have one already. This way the app is ready for device setup as soon as the plumber finishes.

5. Install the Battery

Before the plumber installs the valve, unscrew the cap from the back of the valve. Connect the included 19,000 mAh 3.6V D battery to the valve using the cable connectors inside the battery compartment. Once connected, screw the cap back on tightly to seal the battery compartment.

What the Plumber Will Do

Here is what to expect during the installation. Share this section with your plumber if helpful.

Step 1: Shut Off Water

The plumber will close your home’s main shutoff valve and drain the nearby lines. Expect to be without water for 1-2 hours during installation.

Step 2: Choose Installation Location

The valve should be installed:

After the main shutoff valve and any pressure regulator
After any irrigation or fire sprinkler branches
Before the water heater and indoor plumbing branches
At least 18 inches above ground level if in a low-entry area or on a slab

The valve must never be installed on a fire suppression line.

Step 3: Install the Valve

The plumber will cut into the main water line and install the valve using fittings that match your pipe size. Key requirements:

The flow direction arrow on the valve body must point in the direction of water flow
Horizontal installation is preferred for best flow detection accuracy (vertical is possible but not ideal)
The plumber may use threaded, union, or sweat fittings as needed
If sweating copper, joints must cool completely before connecting the valve. Do not apply heat to the valve body
Thread sealant tape should be applied per fitting requirements

Step 4: Connect Power

Plug the included USB-C cable into the valve and into the power adapter. Plug the adapter into a 120V outlet.

Step 5: Restore Water and Test

The plumber will:

Slowly reopen the main shutoff to refill the system
Bleed air through nearby fixtures
Check for leaks at all connections and joints
Confirm the valve is securely supported by existing plumbing or added brackets

Testing the Valve

After installation, verify the valve works correctly:

Physical Button Test

Use the On/Off buttons beneath the swivel top cover:

Press and hold the On button to open the valve. The indicator light will flash blue.
Press and hold the Off button to close the valve. The indicator light will flash blue and green.

When plugging in the valve for the first time or waking it from sleep mode, press either the On or Off button to activate it.

App Control Test

After pairing (see below), test opening and closing the valve from the app to confirm remote control works.

Flow Test

Run water briefly to confirm the valve detects flow and the automatic shutoff function works as expected.

App Setup and Pairing

Once the valve is physically installed and powered on:

Open the PlumBuddy app on your phone.
Make sure your phone’s Bluetooth is turned on.
Tap Add Device and follow the on-screen prompts.
Confirm your property details when asked.
Put the valve in pairing mode: Press and hold both the On and Off buttons simultaneously until the indicator light flashes blue and green.
The app will search for and connect to the valve.
Connect the valve to your 2.4 GHz WiFi network through the app.
Once connected, verify the valve status appears correctly in the app.

After Installation

Verify Everything Works

Before the plumber leaves:

Confirm leak-free operation at all connections
Verify the valve opens and closes via both physical buttons and the app
Confirm the WiFi connection is stable and the app shows live data
Run a brief flow test

Get Oriented

Ask your plumber to show you:

Where the valve is installed
How to use the physical On/Off buttons
Where the power cable connects

Set Your Modes

Once the valve is online in the app, configure your Home, Away, and Standby mode settings to match your household’s water usage patterns.

Optional Additions

Your plumber may recommend:

Spring check valve: Installed upstream of the PlumBuddy valve to improve water isolation and flow detection accuracy. Recommended if you do not have a pressure reducing valve (PRV).
Bypass assembly: A manual bypass that allows water to flow if the valve needs to be removed for maintenance. Useful for commercial properties or situations where water service cannot be interrupted.
Mounting straps: Added bracing if existing plumbing cannot support the valve weight on its own.