Troubleshooting Guide
If you encounter any issues with the WaterFlowKit, try the following steps.
General Troubleshooting Steps
Ensure All Cables Are Securely Connected
- Check USB-C power cable connection
- Verify sensor cables are properly clicked into connectors
- Check for damaged cables
Check the Power Source
- Ensure the power adapter is plugged into a working outlet
- Verify the white power LED is on
Restart the WaterFlowKit
- Unplug the power cable, wait 10 seconds, and reconnect
Restart Home Assistant
- Navigate to Settings → System → Restart
Update Home Assistant
- Go to Settings → System → Updates
WiFi Connectivity Issues
Can't Find the WaterFlowKit Hotspot
If the waterflowkit WiFi hotspot doesn't appear:
- Wait 1-2 minutes after powering on
- Check if already configured — the hotspot only appears if WiFi is not configured
- Ensure proper power — white LED should be on
- Try a factory reset if the device was previously configured
Connected to Hotspot but No Captive Portal
- Open browser manually to http://192.168.4.1/
- Try a different device (phone vs laptop)
- Disable mobile data on your phone
- Try a different browser
Frequent WiFi Disconnections
- Check WiFi signal strength at the installation location
- Move closer to router or use a WiFi extender
- Check for interference from other 2.4 GHz devices
- Verify router settings:
- Ensure 2.4 GHz band is enabled (5 GHz not supported)
- Check if router has client limits
WiFi Network Requirements
| Requirement | Supported |
|---|---|
| 2.4 GHz | ✅ Required |
| 5 GHz | ❌ Not supported |
| WPA/WPA2 | ✅ |
| WPA3 | ⚠️ May have issues |
| Hidden SSID | ✅ (manual entry) |
| Enterprise (802.1X) | ❌ |
Flow Sensor Issues
No Flow Data
If the flow sensor shows 0 L/min when water is flowing:
- Check cable connection — ensure the 3-pin connector is fully clicked in
- Verify water is actually flowing through the sensor (not bypassing it)
- Check sensor orientation — some sensors have a flow direction arrow
- Test with different flow rates — very low flow may not register
- Check for blockages in the sensor turbine
Inaccurate Flow Readings
If readings seem incorrect:
- Compare with known volume — fill a container and check sensor reading
- Check flow range — ensure flow is within sensor specifications
- Look for air bubbles — air in the line affects accuracy
- Calibrate the sensor — see Usage Guide — Calibration
| Sensor | Flow Range |
|---|---|
| YF-B1, YF-B7 | 1–25 L/min |
| YF-B5, YF-B6 | 1–30 L/min |
| YF-B10 | 1–50 L/min |
| YF-DN40-S | 5–150 L/min |
| YF-DN50-S | 10–200 L/min |
Flow Reading Jumps or Fluctuates
- Check for air in the line — bleed air from pipes
- Verify stable water pressure — pressure fluctuations affect readings
- Check cable for interference — route away from power cables
- Ensure sensor is properly mounted — vibration can affect readings
Temperature Sensor Issues
Temperature Not Showing
If you have a YF-B7 or YF-B6 but temperature doesn't show:
- Check the 2-pin cable is connected properly
- Enable the entity in Home Assistant (may be disabled by default)
- Wait for initial reading — can take a few seconds after boot
Inaccurate Temperature
- Allow time to stabilize — sensor needs water flow to measure accurately
- Check for external heat sources near the sensor
- Verify sensor is in contact with water (internal to flow sensor)
Home Assistant Issues
Device Not Discovered
If Home Assistant doesn't find the WaterFlowKit:
- Verify WiFi connection — WaterFlowKit must be on same network as HA
- Check ESPHome integration is enabled
- Add manually:
- Go to Settings → Devices & Services
- Click Add Integration → ESPHome
- Enter the WaterFlowKit's IP address
Entities Missing
- Check the device page in Home Assistant
- Enable disabled entities — some are disabled by default
- Restart Home Assistant after adding the device
Water Leak Issues
Leak at Sensor Connections
If water is leaking at the sensor fittings:
- Turn off water supply immediately
- Dry the connections
- Apply more thread seal tape (PTFE)
- Retighten connections — but don't overtighten
- Test under pressure before finalizing
⚠️ Important: We are not responsible for water damage from leaks. Always test installations carefully.
Temperature Sensor Fitting Leaking
The temperature sensor connection often requires extra attention:
- Apply thread seal tape to the temperature sensor probe
- Tighten firmly — this fitting may need more torque
- Check the O-ring or washer if present
LED Indicator Issues
No LEDs at All
- Check power cable connection
- Try a different USB-C cable
- Try a different power adapter
- Check if USB-C port is damaged
Red LED Flashing Slowly
Meaning: Not connected to WiFi network or Home Assistant.
Solution: Follow the WiFi setup steps or check your network connection.
Advanced Troubleshooting
Accessing the Web Interface
If you can't connect to WiFi normally:
- Connect to the
waterflowkithotspot - Navigate to http://192.168.4.1/
- Configure WiFi from the web interface
Firmware Updates
Ensure you're running the latest firmware:
- Check for updates in Home Assistant's ESPHome integration
- Or flash via USB-C — see Firmware Guide
Factory Reset
To completely reset the WaterFlowKit:
- Via USB-C flashing:
- Connect to computer via USB-C
- Flash the latest firmware from smarthomeshop.io/firmware
- This removes all configuration including WiFi credentials
Checking Logs
For detailed debugging:
- Adopt the device in ESPHome addon
- View logs from the ESPHome dashboard
- Look for error messages or connection issues
Network Communication & Privacy
100% Local Operation
The WaterFlowKit works entirely locally. All sensor data stays on your local network:
| Data | Location |
|---|---|
| ✅ Flow rate | Local |
| ✅ Temperature | Local |
| ✅ Total volume | Local |
| ✅ Home Assistant communication | Local |
External Communication
The only external communication is for firmware update checks:
| What | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Version check | ESPHome/GitHub | Check if new firmware is available |
No sensor data is ever sent externally.
Additional Resources
- 📖 Installation Guide — Step-by-step setup
- 📖 Usage Guide — Monitoring & automations
- 📖 FAQ — Frequently asked questions
- 💬 Discord Community — Get help from the community
If you continue to experience problems after trying these steps, please reach out on Discord for personalized assistance.