Installation guide for Rachio Wireless Flow Meter: 1-inch PEX

Above: Rachio Wireless Flow Meter with 1-inch PEX fittings

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:

• Installation site must be within 300 feet of an installed and setup Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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What’s in the box

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

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What you’ll need

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

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Required parts and fittings for 1-inch PEX

Required fittings:

• Two, 1-inch copper to 1-inch PVC Sharkbite fittings
  • Sharkbite brand, SKU # UIP4020. Available at Home Depot, Lowe’s, Supply House, and Amazon. 

Recommended pipe cutter:

• For PEX: Folding Jab Saw (or Jab saw): Model # 48-22-0305. Available at Home Depot and Amazon. 

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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. To find a Rachio Pro, go here.

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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 configuration.  

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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 "More" tab, enter "Controller Settings" and 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 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 3: Connect fittings

• Push the Flow Meter and fittings together firmly using a twisting action until the fitting is nearly flush with the Flow Meter.

Step 4: Measure and cut pipe

Instructions for cutting 1 inch PEX pipe

• Identify 14 inches of continuous straight pipe between the backflow preventer and the valve box.
• Mark 6 inches after the start of continuous pipe (this is often after a joint); this will be the top cut.
• Mark 6 ¼ 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 ⅛ inches below the bottom mark to indicate insertion depth.

Accuracy is important here! Measure twice, cut once.

If you are not using Rachio-recommended fittings, please use your fittings’ specs to complete installation. 

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.
• 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 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/leak.

Congrats, you did it!

Your flow meter is now reporting actual water usage.

• To enable real-time leak detection, you must 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.