FAQ
Find answers to the most common questions about the WaterFlowKit.
Installation & Setup
1. How do I install the WaterFlowKit?
The WaterFlowKit requires inline installation on your water pipes:
- Turn off water supply to the pipe you want to monitor
- Cut or disconnect the pipe where you want to install the sensor
- Install the flow sensor using the appropriate fittings
- Apply thread seal tape (PTFE tape) to ensure watertight connections
- Connect the sensor cable to the WaterFlowKit
- Power on the kit and continue with WiFi or Ethernet setup, depending on your hardware/firmware
See the Installation Guide for detailed steps with images.
⚠️ Important: Ensure all connections are properly sealed. We are not responsible for water leaks caused by improper installation.
2. How do I connect the WaterFlowKit to my network?
On WiFi firmware, the WaterFlowKit creates a WiFi hotspot at startup:
- Network name:
waterflowkit - Password:
waterflowkit
Connect to this hotspot and follow the on-screen instructions to select your home WiFi network.
Captive portal not opening? Navigate to http://192.168.4.1/ manually in your browser.
On WaterFlowKit V2 Ethernet firmware, connect the device to your network by cable instead. V2 also supports PoE-capable installations when your hardware setup provides it. With the Thread firmware, V2 can also join a Thread network, see Connect via Thread.
3. Which sensor size do I need?
Choose based on your pipe diameter:
| Sensor Model | Thread | Pipe Diameter | Flow Range | Material Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YF-B1 / YF-B7 | G1/2" | ~15mm (DN15) | 1 to 25 L/min | Brass or Stainless Steel (YF-B7: Brass only) |
| YF-B5 / YF-B6 | G3/4" | ~20mm (DN20) | 1 to 30 L/min | Brass or Stainless Steel (YF-B6: Brass only) |
| YF-B10 | G1" | ~25mm (DN25) | 1 to 50 L/min | Brass or Stainless Steel |
| YF-DN40-S | G1½" | ~40mm (DN40) | 5 to 150 L/min | Stainless Steel only |
| YF-DN50-S | G2" | ~50mm (DN50) | 10 to 200 L/min | Stainless Steel only |
💡 Tip: Measure your pipe's outer diameter or check existing fittings to determine the correct size.
4. Brass or Stainless Steel: which material should I choose?
Most sensors are available in both Brass and Stainless Steel. YF-B6 and YF-B7 come in Brass only, YF-DN40-S and YF-DN50-S in Stainless Steel only. Choose based on your application:
Brass (Messing)
- ✅ Sturdy and affordable
- ✅ Suitable for most household applications
- ✅ Good corrosion resistance
- ✅ Lower cost option
- Best for: Standard home use, hot/cold water, heating systems
Stainless Steel (RVS)
- ✅ Food-safe and hygienic
- ✅ Superior durability and corrosion resistance
- ✅ Recommended for drinking water
- ✅ Longer lifespan in demanding conditions
- Best for: Drinking water, food/beverage, pools, industrial, extra hygiene needs
💡 For most home applications (kitchen, bathroom, heating), Brass sensors are perfectly suitable and more affordable. Choose Stainless Steel when hygiene, durability, or food-safety is important.
6. Do I need the temperature sensor?
The temperature sensor is optional. It's included with:
- YF-B7 (G1/2" with temperature)
- YF-B6 (G3/4" with temperature)
Useful for:
- Monitoring hot water systems
- Heat pump efficiency monitoring
- Solar water heater efficiency
- Detecting hot/cold water mixing issues
How It Works
7. How do the flow sensors measure water?
The sensors use a turbine mechanism:
- Water flows through the sensor
- The flow spins an internal turbine
- The turbine generates electrical pulses
- The WaterFlowKit counts pulses to calculate flow rate
- Each pulse = a specific volume of water (varies by sensor model)
8. How accurate are the flow sensors?
| Sensor | Accuracy |
|---|---|
| YF-B1, YF-B5, YF-B6, YF-B7 | ±3% |
| YF-B10 | ±5% |
| YF-DN40-S, YF-DN50-S | ±3% |
Accuracy depends on:
- Proper installation (avoid air bubbles)
- Flow within the sensor's rated range
- Calibration if needed
9. Can I calibrate the sensors?
Yes! You do not need ESPHome for this:
- Select your sensor model in Flow1 Sensor Type
- Fine-tune with Flow1 Calibration % (50 to 150%)
See Usage Guide: Calibration for details.
Sensor Configuration
10. How many flow sensors can I use at once?
That depends on your hardware version:
- WaterFlowKit V1: up to 2 flow sensors
- WaterFlowKit V2: up to 4 flow sensors
Perfect for:
- Monitoring hot and cold water lines separately
- Tracking water in vs water out
- Multiple appliance monitoring
11. What if I only use one sensor?
Simply disable the unused sensor entities in Home Assistant:
- Go to Settings → Devices & Services → ESPHome
- Select your WaterFlowKit
- Find the unused sensor entities
- Click on each and toggle Enabled off
12. Can I extend the sensor cable?
The sensor cable is 1 meter long. Extending is possible but:
- Use shielded cable to prevent interference
- Keep extensions as short as possible
- Longer cables may affect accuracy
⚠️ Note: Cable modifications are at your own risk and not covered by warranty.
Power & Connectivity
13. Does the WaterFlowKit require internet access?
No! The WaterFlowKit works 100% locally on your network.
100% Local Operation
All sensor data stays on your local network:
| Data | Where |
|---|---|
| ✅ Flow rate | Local |
| ✅ Temperature | Local |
| ✅ Total volume | Local |
| ✅ Home Assistant communication | Local |
External Communication
With the local firmware, the only external communication is the firmware update check:
| What | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Version check | ESPHome/GitHub | Check if new firmware is available |
With the local firmware, no sensor data is ever sent externally. Cloud firmware also sends your readings to the SmartHomeShop app.
14. My WaterFlowKit keeps disconnecting from WiFi
Try these solutions:
- Check WiFi signal strength at the installation location
- Use a WiFi extender if signal is weak
- Ensure your router uses 2.4 GHz (5 GHz not supported)
- Check for interference from other devices
Home Assistant Integration
15. How do I add the WaterFlowKit to Home Assistant?
Once connected to WiFi, Home Assistant automatically discovers the WaterFlowKit under Settings → Devices & Services.
If not discovered automatically:
- Go to Settings → Devices & Services
- Click Add Integration → ESPHome
- Enter the device's IP address
16. Which entities should I add to the Energy Dashboard?
For the Energy Dashboard, use:
- Flow1 Total Consumption: Total volume from sensor 1
- Flow2 Total Consumption: Total volume from sensor 2 (if used)
- Flow3 Total Consumption: Total volume from sensor 3 (V2 only)
- Flow4 Total Consumption: Total volume from sensor 4 (V2 only)
Note: The Energy Dashboard requires cumulative totals, not instantaneous flow rates.
Waterproofing & Safety
17. Is the WaterFlowKit waterproof?
Partially:
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Flow sensors | IP52 | Protected against dust and light moisture/splashing |
| Main unit | IP20 | Indoor use only, not water resistant |
⚠️ Important: The main unit must be kept dry. Water damage is not covered by warranty.
18. How do I prevent leaks?
- Always use thread seal tape (PTFE tape) on threaded connections
- Tighten fittings firmly but don't overtighten
- Pressure test before final installation
- Check connections after 24 hours
- The temperature sensor fitting may require extra tightening
Comparison with Other Products
19. What's the difference between WaterFlowKit and WaterMeterKit?
| Feature | WaterFlowKit | WaterMeterKit |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Monitor individual pipes | Monitor main water meter |
| Installation | Inline (requires plumbing) | Non-invasive (on meter dial) |
| Sensors | Up to 2 (V1) or 4 (V2) flow sensors | 1 magnetic sensor |
| Water temperature | Optional (select models) | No |
| Flow rate | Yes (L/min) | Yes (L/min) |
| Total volume | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Specific water points | Total home consumption |
20. Can I use both WaterFlowKit and WaterMeterKit?
Yes! They complement each other:
- WaterMeterKit on your main meter for total consumption
- WaterFlowKit on specific pipes for detailed monitoring
Firmware & Updates
21. How do I update the firmware?
Updates can be done via:
- Home Assistant: Install the update from the Firmware entity
- ESPHome Device Builder: Adopt the device and click Install
- USB-C: Flash via web flasher
See Firmware Guide for details.
22. Is the firmware open source?
Yes! The complete ESPHome configuration is available on GitHub.
Warranty & Support
23. What is the warranty period?
The WaterFlowKit comes with a two-year warranty, also on the separate flow sensors, and a 14-day cooling-off period. See Warranty and Support for details.
24. Are water leaks covered by warranty?
No. We are not responsible for water leaks caused by installation. Ensure all connections are properly sealed and tested before use.