Installation guide for Rachio Wireless Flow Meter: 3/4-inch copper pipe

Above: Wireless Flow Meter on 3/4-inch copper pipe with fittings

So you have a flow meter and your system has 3/4-inch copper pipes, right? You're probably wondering how to install the Wireless Flow Meter in those conditions. Look no more, we got you covered.

All R3 controllers manufactured after November ’21 are not compatible with the Rachio Wireless Flow Meter.

Let’s get started!

The first part of this manual is designed to set you up for a successful installation. Before any pipe is cut: 

• Ensure system compatibility.
• Gather all required parts and tools.
• Scan the installation instructions to preview the requirements and what you will be expected to do.

Make sure your system meets the installation requirements:

• The installation site must be within 300 feet of an installed and setup Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller.
• The backflow preventer and installation area must be above ground (recommended).
• The flow meter is not rated for potable water and must be installed after the backflow preventer. 
• The system must have a 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.
  • For ¾-inch copper or Poly pipe, you will need 16 inches of straight pipe between the backflow preventer and valve box.  
• If you have more than one Rachio 3 controller, more than one backflow preventer, or a pump, visit rachio.com/flow-advanced.

What’s in the box

• Rachio Wireless Flow Meter
• Battery cover
• 4 screws
• 2 AA batteries (do not install batteries until prompted)

What you’ll need

• Required fittings (listed below)
• Recommended manual pipe cutter (listed below)
• Required pipe transition
• Sandpaper or deburring tool
• Fine point permanent marker
• Stick ruler
• Phillips screwdriver
• Smartphone or tablet

Required parts and fittings for 3/4-inch copper

Required fittings:

• One, ¾-inch copper to 1-inch copper Sharkbite fitting
  • Sharkbite brand, SKU # U060LF. Available at Home Depot, Supply House, and Amazon.
    • Purchase from Supply House
• One, 1-inch copper to 1-inch PVC Sharkbite fitting
  • Sharkbite brand, SKU # UIP4020. Available at Home Depot, Lowe's, Supply House, and Amazon.
    • Purchase from Home Depot
    • Purchase from Amazon
• One, 1-inch PVC to ¾-inch copper Sharkbite fitting
  • Sharkbite brand, SKU # 25551LF. Available at Home Depot, Lowe’s, Supply House, and Amazon.
    • Purchase from Home Depot
    • Purchase from Amazon 

  • Note

    Make sure to only use the Rachio required fittings listed here. The Wireless Flow Meter is not compatible with Sharkbite fitting # U060LFZ, as it is intended for CTS-sized pipe (while the flow meter is sized for NPS).

Required pipe transition:

• A 6-inch cut piece of 1-inch copper pipe, available at any Home Depot (you may need to purchase a longer piece and cut it yourself). Note: For accurate flow measurement, there must be 6 inches of 1-inch pipe before the Flow Meter. Do not attempt to bypass adding the 1-inch transition pipe, as this piece is essential for proper installation.

Recommended pipe cutters:

• For copper pipe: 1 in. Copper Tubing Cutter. Do not use a hacksaw or PVC ratcheting pipe cutter. Available at Home Depot and Amazon. 

Take Note

Need some help?

• Check out our Help Center
• Give us a call: 1 (855) 300-3569
• If you’re unable to complete any of the installation steps, we recommend a professional installation.

Video Guide 

Are you a visual learner? You can preview the installation method in our video. Note that these instructions are specific to 1-inch copper pipe installations - fittings, tools, and pipe configuration will vary according to your system setup.  

Installation Instructions

Step 1: Pair Flow Meter

• Take the Wireless Flow Meter to the backflow preventer where it will be installed.
• Do not put the batteries in the Wireless Flow Meter until prompted.
• Open the Rachio app. From the Settings Wheel, enter "Controller Settings", select "Accessories" then add the Rachio Wireless Flow Meter. You will be guided through the pairing process and then prompted to continue installation using this digital manual.

Step 2: Turn the water off

• Turn off water to the irrigation system at the backflow or at the main shut-off.
• Drain the system by running any two zones for one minute each using the Quick Run feature in the Rachio App. 

Step 3a: Connect fittings

• Push the ¾-inch copper to 1-inch copper Sharkbite fitting onto one side of the copper pipe transition (the 6-inch cut piece).
• Push the 1-inch copper to 1-inch PVC fitting onto the other side of the copper pipe transition.
• Important: Push the 1-inch PVC to ¾-inch copper Sharkbite fitting onto the end of the flow meter so that the arrows on the flow meter point to the fitting.
• Use a twisting action until the pipe or flow meter is seated against the thin ring (tube stop) inside the fittings. 

Step 3b: Connect the copper transition and the flow meter

• Push the 1-inch Sharkbite fitting on the transition pipe onto the flow meter.
• Use a twisting action until the flow meter is seated against the thin ring (tube stop) inside the fitting. 

Step 4: Measure and cut pipe

Instructions for cutting ¾-inch copper

• Identify 16 inches of continuous straight pipe between the backflow preventer and the valve box.
• Mark 2 inches after the start of continuous pipe (this is often after a joint); this will be the top cut.
• Mark 13 ½ inches after the first mark; this will be the bottom cut.
• Put a small X next to the first two marks.
• Mark 1 ⅛ inches above the top mark to indicate insertion depth.
• Mark 1 inch below the bottom mark to indicate insertion depth.

Accuracy is important here! Measure twice, and cut once.

Step 5: 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.
• Some water may leak out of the cut.
• Use the deburring tool or sandpaper to remove rough edges and debris inside and outside the pipe.

Step 6: Install the flow meter

• Important: 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; towards the ground.)
• Push the flow meter, fittings, and pipe together firmly while twisting the fittings to the insertion marks.
• All Rachio recommended fittings swivel 360˚, allowing for easy directional adjustment of the flow meter after installation. 

Step 7: Turn the water on

• Turn the water back on.
• Check the 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/leak.

Step 8: Calibrate zones for leak detection

• To enable real-time leak detection, you must calibrate the Rachio Wireless Flow Meter. In the app’s Settings Wheel, select "Controller Settings", then "Accessories,"; select the Rachio Wireless Flow Meter, and tap "Calibrate 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.

Congrats, you did it!

Your flow meter is now reporting actual water usage and monitoring for leaks. Want to explore Wireless Flow Meter notifications and what they mean? Check out this article for more information!