Compatibility Guide
Check whether PlumBuddy works with your pipe type, size, and home setup including water softeners and irrigation.
Pipe Compatibility
The PlumBuddy Valve installs on your main water supply line. Compatibility depends on your pipe material and size. Here is what works and what to be aware of.
Compatible Pipe Materials
| Material | Compatible | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Copper | Yes | Most common in homes built after 1960. Threaded, union, or sweat fittings can be used. |
| PEX | Yes | Common in newer homes and remodels. Your plumber will use appropriate PEX-to-threaded adapters. |
| CPVC | Yes | Found in some homes built in the 1980s-2000s. Requires compatible adapters. |
| Galvanized steel | Yes | Common in older homes. Threaded fittings work directly. May benefit from updated piping. |
| PVC | Contact support | Not standard for indoor potable water in most jurisdictions. Contact [email protected] to discuss your installation. |
Important Note About Fittings
PlumBuddy valves use threaded connections. Your plumber will select the appropriate fittings (unions, threaded adapters, or sweat adapters) to connect the valve to your existing pipe material. If sweating copper, the joints must cool completely before attaching the valve — do not apply heat to the valve body.
Valve Sizes
The DN25 (1”) valve is the standard size for residential installations. DN20 and DN32 are available for bulk and custom orders only.
| Valve Size | Fits Pipe Size | Connection Size (NPS) | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| DN20 | 3/4” | 1” | Bulk/custom orders only |
| DN25 | 1” | 1-1/4” | Standard residential valve |
| DN32 | 1-1/4” | 1-1/2” | Bulk/custom orders only |
How to Determine Your Pipe Size
Most homeowners do not know their pipe size off the top of their head. Here are some ways to find out:
- Check your home inspection report. The plumbing section usually lists the main water line size.
- Look at your water meter. The meter itself or the line coming from it often indicates the pipe diameter.
- Measure the pipe. Wrap a string or measuring tape around the outside of the pipe (the circumference). Divide by 3.14 to get the outside diameter, then check a pipe sizing chart for the nominal size.
- Ask your plumber. A licensed plumber can identify your pipe size in seconds.
Common Pipe Sizes by Home Type
- Most single-family homes: 3/4” or 1” main water line
- Larger homes (3,000+ sq ft): Often 1” or 1-1/4”
- Condos and townhomes: Typically 3/4”
- Commercial properties: Varies widely; contact PlumBuddy sales for guidance
Connecting to 3/4” Water Lines
If your pipe size does not match the valve size exactly, reducing unions can be used by your plumber to make the connection. PlumBuddy does not provide or officially endorse specific reducing unions, but many customers have successfully connected the DN25 (1”) valve to 3/4” lines. See the sizing guide for examples of parts other customers have used.
Water Softeners
PlumBuddy works in homes with water softeners. The valve should be installed before the water softener (between the main shutoff and the softener) so that the valve protects all downstream plumbing, including the softener itself.
Considerations
- The valve will see untreated (hard) water if installed before the softener. The DZR brass valve body is designed to handle standard residential water conditions.
- Water softener regeneration cycles may cause water flow. You can adjust your thresholds to account for these cycles.
- If your softener has a bypass valve, install PlumBuddy upstream of the bypass.
Irrigation and Sprinkler Systems
PlumBuddy is designed for indoor plumbing protection and is not recommended for installation on irrigation lines. Here is how to handle different irrigation setups:
Separate Irrigation Line
If your irrigation system has its own dedicated water line (separate from your indoor plumbing), install PlumBuddy only on the indoor line. The irrigation system operates independently and is not affected.
Shared Water Line
If your irrigation and indoor plumbing share the same water main, install the PlumBuddy valve downstream of the irrigation branch. This way, your indoor plumbing is protected while irrigation continues to operate normally.
Your plumber should install the valve:
- After the main shutoff
- After any pressure regulator
- After the irrigation branch
- Before the water heater and indoor plumbing branches
Important
Do not install PlumBuddy on any fire suppression line. This includes fire sprinkler systems. The valve must be positioned downstream of any fire sprinkler branch.
Steam Radiators
PlumBuddy works in homes with steam heating systems. The system uses configurable flow detection thresholds that you can adjust to account for your home’s typical water usage patterns, including the periodic water draws that steam radiators require. Adjusting your thresholds to accommodate radiator operation will prevent false alarms.
Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs)
If your home has a pressure reducing valve (PRV), install PlumBuddy downstream of the PRV. If your home does not have a PRV, PlumBuddy recommends installing a spring check valve upstream of the PlumBuddy valve to improve water isolation and flow detection accuracy.
The maximum operating pressure for PlumBuddy is 232 PSI (1.6 MPa). Most residential water systems operate well below this limit, but homes without a PRV that are close to municipal pumping stations may experience higher pressures.
WiFi Requirements
All PlumBuddy devices require a 2.4 GHz WiFi network:
- PlumBuddy Valve: Must be within 100 feet of the WiFi router
- PlumAssist Puck: Must be within 100 feet of the WiFi router
- PlumSense Cable: No WiFi required (connects to PlumAssist via cable)
5 GHz WiFi is not supported. If your router combines both bands into a single network name, the devices will automatically connect to the 2.4 GHz band in most cases. If setup fails, you may need to temporarily split the bands. See our WiFi troubleshooting guide for details.
Power Requirements
| Device | Power Source | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PlumBuddy Valve | USB-C (120V outlet) | 10-foot cable included. Battery backup lasts 3-5 days. |
| PlumAssist Puck | CR123A battery | Lasts approximately 5 years. |
| PlumSense Cable | Powered by PlumAssist | No battery required. |
The PlumBuddy Valve requires a 120V power outlet within 10 feet of the installation location. If no outlet is available, an electrician may need to install one before the plumber can install the valve.