WIRELESS FLOW METER
Let’s get started.
What’s in the box. What you’ll need.
Installation instructions are intended only for use
with recommended fittings. Visit rachio.com/flow
for a list of required tools, helpful videos, FAQs
and more.
Recommended fittings
Wireless Flow Meter
Battery Cover 4 Screws 2 AA Batteries
2 3
Recommended manual pipe cutter
Sandpaper or deburring tool
Fine point permanent marker
Stick ruler
Phillips screwdriver
Smartphone or tablet
Before you get started.
Before any pipe is cut, make sure your system meets
the installation requirements:
Installation site must be within 300 feet of an
installed Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller.
Backflow preventer and installation area must
System must have ¾ inch or 1 inch pipe made
of either copper, PVC, PEX, or SDR9 poly.
For 1 inch PVC pipe, 1 inch copper or poly pipe,
and ¾ inch PVC pipe, you will need 14 inches of
straight pipe between the backflow preventer and
valve box.
be above ground (recommended).
For ¾ inch copper or poly pipe, you will need
Below ground installation requires additional steps
not included in this manual. For more information,
visit rachio.com/flow-underground.
16 inches of straight pipe between the backflow
preventer and valve box.
If you have more than one Rachio 3 controller
The Flow Meter is not rated for potable water and
must be installed after the backflow preventer.
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or more than one backflow preventer, visit
rachio.com/flow-advanced.
Need some help?
IMPORTANT: Using installation methods other than
those recommended in this manual could damage
the Wireless Flow Meter or void the warranty.
WARNING: Inserting your fingers into the Flow
Meter or fittings can damage equipment or cause
personal injury.
Once attached, fittings cannot be removed from
the Flow Meter, but may be removed from the pipe
using fitting removers.
Using glue of any kind could damage the Rachio
Flow Meter.
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Check out our Help Center.
support.rachio.com
If you’re unable to complete any of the installation
steps, we recommend a professional installation.
To find a Rachio Pro, go to rachio.com/flow-install.
Give us a call.
1 (855) 300 3569
STEP 1 STEP 2
Pair flow meter. Turn water off.
Take the Wireless Flow Meter to the backflow
preventer where it will be installed.
Do not put the batteries in the Flow Meter
until prompted.
Open the Rachio app. From the “More” tab, select
“Accessories,” then add the Rachio Wireless
Flow Meter. You will be guided through the
pairing process and then prompted to continue
installation.
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Turn off water to the irrigation system at the
backflow or at the main shut-off.
Drain the system by running any zone for one
minute using the Quick Run feature in the
Rachio App.
STEP 3
Connect fittings.
Push the Flow Meter and fittings together firmly
using a twisting action until the fittings are flush
or nearly flush with the Flow Meter.
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STEP 4
Find your measurements.
For copper or poly pipe.
Use the chart on the next page to find the
size and material of your system. Reference
the matching pipe cutting instructions in the
following pages to mark pipes in preparation
for cutting.
Accuracy is important here!
Measure twice, cut once.
If you are not using the Rachio-recommended
fittings, please use your fittings’ specs to
complete installation.
12 13
¾ in
Page 14
1 in
Page 16
For PVC or PEX pipe.
¾ in
Page 18 Page 18
1 in
Instructions for cutting
3/4 inch copper or poly pipe.
1.
Identify 16 inches of straight pipe between
the backflow preventer and the valve box.
Mark 6 inches after the backflow; this will be
2.
the top cut (red line).
Backflow Preventer
6”
Mark 8½ inches after the first mark; this will
3.
be the bottom cut (red line).
Put a small X next to the first two marks.
4.
Mark 1⅛ inches above the top mark to
5.
indicate insertion depth (white line).
Mark 1⅛ inches below the bottom mark to
6.
indicate insertion depth (white line).
14 15
Bottom fitting can be buried
up to 2 inches if needed.
16”
8.5”
Valve Box
Instructions for cutting
Backflow Preventer
1 inch copper or poly pipe.
1.
Identify 14 inches of straight pipe between
the backflow preventer and the valve box.
Mark 6 inches after the backflow; this will be
2.
the top cut (red line).
Mark 6¼ inches after the first mark; this will
3.
be the bottom cut (red line).
Put a small X next to the first two marks.
4.
Mark 1⅛ inches above the top mark to
5.
indicate insertion depth (white line).
Mark 1⅛ inches below the bottom mark to
6.
indicate insertion depth (white line).
16 17
Bottom fitting can be buried
up to 1 inch if needed.
14”
6”
6.25”
Valve Box
Instructions for cutting ¾ inch
and 1 inch PVC or PEX pipe.
1.
Identify 14 inches of straight pipe between
the backflow preventer and the valve box.
Mark 6 inches after the backflow; this will be
2.
the top cut (red line).
Mark 6½ inches after the first mark; this will
3.
be the bottom cut (red line).
Backflow Preventer
6”
14”
Put a small X next to the first two marks.
4.
Mark 1 inches above the top mark to indicate
5.
insertion depth (white line).
Mark 1 inches below the bottom mark to
6.
indicate insertion depth (white line).
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Bottom fitting can be buried
up to 1 inch if needed.
6.5”
Valve Box
STEP 5
Backflow Preventer
Cut and clean pipe.
Make a clean, straight cut on the two
innermost marks (denoted with X’s).
First, cut the top innermost mark.
Next, cut the bottom innermost mark.
Do not cut the pipe on the outer
insertion marks.
Use the deburring tool or sandpaper
to remove rough edges and debris
inside and outside the pipe.
Valve Box
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STEP 6
Backflow Preventer
Install the flow meter.
Install so the arrows on the side and face
of the Flow Meter are oriented with the
direction of water flow.
(Water flows towards the valve box.)
Push the Flow Meter, fittings, and pipe
together firmly while twisting the fittings to
the insertion marks (white lines).
All Rachio recommended fittings swivel 360˚,
allowing for easy directional adjustment of
the Flow Meter after installation.
Valve Box
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STEP 7
Turn water on.
Turn the water back on.
Check installation site for leaks. If there is a leak,
turn the water off and make sure the fittings are
pushed up to the body of the flow meter and
insertion marks. If the leak cannot be remedied,
visit rachio.com/flow-leak.
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Congrats, you did it!
Your Flow Meter is now reporting actual water usage.
To enable real-time leak detection, calibrate the
Rachio Wireless Flow Meter. In the app’s “More” tab,
select “Accessories,” then select the Rachio Wireless
Flow Meter. Follow the app instructions to calibrate.
Check your email for tips on monitoring water flow and
leak detection with your Rachio Wireless Flow Meter.
©2018 Rachio, Inc.
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