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Here you'll find answers to some of the most common questions we receive about bluebot and our water monitoring solutions. Contact us for more information.

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Getting Started

How do I install bluebot on my water line?

bluebot is compatible with 3/4″ – 2″ Copper L & M, PVC SCH 40 & 80, Galvanized, PEX, PE.

 

During the installation process, the bluebot app will guide you step by step. Once you’ve identified an install location, you will be prompted to clamp the device onto your water line. Make sure that the pipe is clean and dry before clamping. The app will then prompt you to scan for flow, which will ensure that bluebot is detecting water usage.

 

Remember, installing bluebot far up the line from your water source will allow it to capture all water usage throughout your property, ensuring accurate monitoring and leak detection.

Do I need to have any special tools or equipment to install bluebot?

No, you do not need any special tools or equipment to install bluebot. All necessary items for installation come included in the package, including the device, USB-C cable, and power adapter.


The bluebot app will guide you through the entire installation process, providing step-by-step instructions on how to select the best installation location, clamp the device onto the water line, and scan for flow.
Before installation, it is important to ensure that you have a straight, unobstructed section of pipe measuring at least 4 inches in length. This will ensure accurate readings and optimal performance of the device.


Overall, installation of bluebot is straightforward and can be done quickly and easily with the help of the app. No special tools or expertise are required, making it accessible to users of all levels of experience.

Can bluebot be used with any type of water line or pipe material?

bluebot can be used with various pipe sizes ranging from 3/4″ to 2.0″. It is compatible with pipe types such as Copper L & M, PVC SCH 40 & 80, Galvanized, PEX, and PE. For larger pipe sizes up to 4″, they are available for special order. So, whether your property has copper, PVC, or any other type of pipe material, bluebot can be installed without any issues.

 

Pipe Sizes: 3/4″, 1.0”,1.25″, 1.5″, 2.0”

Pipe Types: Copper L & M, PVC SCH 40 & 80, Galvanized, PEX, PE.

 

Note: Larger size up to 4″ available

How do I connect bluebot to my Wi-Fi network?

To connect bluebot to your Wi-Fi network, start by being near your router or Wi-Fi access point (not at the installation location) to initially pair the device to your network. Use the app to guide you through putting the device in AP mode by pressing the button, and then a list of available networks will appear on your screen. It is important to note that bluebot requires a 2.4GHz network for proper functionality.


Note: Once you’ve successfully connected bluebot to your network, it will automatically reconnect if within range, so you can unplug and adjust as needed during the installation process.

How do I access and monitor my water usage?

To access and use the bluebot app or dashboard to monitor your water usage, first download the bluebot app from the App Store or Google Play Store. Once downloaded, create an account and follow the prompts to connect your bluebot to your Wi-Fi network and install the device. Once connected, you can access the bluebot app or web dashboard from anywhere to monitor your water usage and receive alerts for potential leaks or abnormal usage. The dashboard displays real-time usage data and allows you to set usage goals and track progress. You can also view historical usage data and trends to help identify areas where you can conserve water and save money.

How It Works

How does bluebot measure water usage?

bluebot measures water usage using patented variable angle transit time ultrasonic technology. This means that the device uses ultrasonic sound waves to determine the flow of water passing through the pipe. The technology works by transmitting sound waves through the flowing water, and then measuring the time it takes for the sound waves to travel both with and against the flow of water. By analyzing these measurements, bluebot is able to accurately calculate the amount of water passing through the pipe in real time. The technology is highly accurate, even at low flow rates, and can detect leaks and other issues in the water system.

How does bluebot track and store my water usage data?

The bluebot device does not store water usage data onboard. Instead, it uses the MQTT protocol to transmit readings every 2 seconds to our cloud broker. The raw readings are then stored in various databases in different states for faster retrieval. The data is also encrypted using TLS over the internet to ensure the security of your information.

How does bluebot detect leaks and alert me?

Bluebot empowers you to set your own alerting parameters, so you can receive alerts based on what you consider to be a leak by setting thresholds for flow rate or usage, and choosing the type of notification you’d like to receive. We don’t pre-define what constitutes a leak, because we believe in putting you in full control. Once you’ve set your alerting preferences, bluebot will use its flow data to detect any events that meet your criteria, and immediately send you the desired alert, giving you the opportunity to take action.

How does bluebot help me save on my water bills?

Bluebot helps you save on your water bills by providing you with detailed information about your water usage patterns. By tracking your water usage in real-time and over time, bluebot can help you identify any areas where you may be using excessive water or wasting water due to leaks or inefficient water fixtures. With this information, you can take action to reduce your water usage and potentially save money on your water bills. Bluebot also allows you to set alerts for high usage or leaks, which can help you detect and fix issues quickly. Additionally, with the app’s dashboard, you can view historical usage data and track your progress toward your water conservation goals.

By providing independent monitoring from the street meter, bluebot can help you detect discrepancies in water usage, allowing you to identify potential issues and address them promptly. Moreover, if you suspect that your street meter is not reporting your usage accurately, you can use the data collected by bluebot as evidence to request a bill adjustment from your water company, ensuring that you only pay for the water you actually used.
Can I use bluebot if I have a well or a water source other than a city/municipal water supply?

Yes, you can use bluebot if you have a well or a water source other than a city/municipal water supply. Bluebot is designed to go directly on the water pipe that you intend to measure and is not dependent on your street meter. As long as you have a full/pressurized pipe, Wi-Fi, and power nearby, you can use bluebot to monitor your water usage.

In fact, you can even use multiple bluebots along the same line or system to measure your well water inflow and usage comparison, which can help you more accurately time the refills or water deliveries.

What does Dollarize™ mean?

Most people think more in terms of dollars spent rather than gallons used. By offering a dollarized amount in our app, we allow you to see, in dollars spent, how much water you are using.

Can you monitor multiple properties with bluebot?

Absolutely! With our grouping and parent grouping functionality, you can effortlessly monitor multiple properties and control multiple bluebot devices from a single account. Our versatile bluebot hardware can be easily installed on any water line, offering the granularity you need for comprehensive water monitoring across various locations.

Technical

What kind of data does bluebot offer?

bluebot measures water usage using patented variable angle transit time ultrasonic technologyThe bluebot smart water meter was designed to be data focused, offering 43,200 data points every day. You get live and historic water data, delivered in the highest resolution, right to your smart phone.

Once you purchase the bluebot water meter, simply download the corresponding iOS app (called the v2.0 bluebot water data app, available on the App Store). There is no subscription required and no hidden fees. bluebot makes sharing this water data easy. Who you share your information with is completely up to you.

Share account access, allowing you to create a water savings team. Property managers or owners can share the data with individual tenants. With this level of transparency, you can give others the tools they need to adjust their water usage both for environmental reasons and for bill reduction.. This means that the device uses ultrasonic sound waves to determine the flow of water passing through the pipe. The technology works by transmitting sound waves through the flowing water, and then measuring the time it takes for the sound waves to travel both with and against the flow of water. By analyzing these measurements, bluebot is able to accurately calculate the amount of water passing through the pipe in real time. The technology is highly accurate, even at low flow rates, and can detect leaks and other issues in the water system.

How easy is it to install bluebot?

One of the most innovative features about bluebot is easy installation. bluebot is the first universal, clamp-on water meter. Anyone can install it, without a plumber. No pipe cutting necessary. No water shut offs. bluebot attaches to virtually any water pipe. With our bluebot app, you get guided, visual instructions that walk you through installation.

What is the pipe compatibility of bluebot?

The non-invasive, unique clamp-on design of bluebot makes it compatible with virtually any pipe. bluebot fits 35 pipe types/sizes, from ¾” to 2”, including PEX, PE, Copper L&M, PVC SCH 40 and 80. With its simple clamp-on design, bluebot easily attaches to your pipes without any hassle.

Can bluebot go under my sink?

No. bluebot needs a full, pressurized pipe for the ultrasonic sensors to function properly. Finding a water line that works is generally quite easy. The app and placement guide assist you in finding the right place for your bluebot to live.

How big is bluebot?

bluebot has a four-inch footprint (101.6 mm). This compact size makes it easy to install in convenient locations.

Are batteries required to run bluebot?

No batteries are required. bluebot utilizes a dedicated 10-foot USB-C power cable with standard USA plug/110VAC.

More specifications may be found here.

How durable is bluebot?
Your bluebot smart water meter is splash, water and dust resistant. It is IP67 outdoor use rated/water resistant and performs in operating temperatures from 32° F (0° C) to 122° F (50° C).
Is bluebot a CA certified Sub Meter?

The bluebot flow meter is not a certified custody transfer meter for billing as a sub meter.  However, bluebot is used widely as a cost allocation meter when there is one main custody transfer billing meter on a property that has many separate dwelling units.  The property owner installs a bluebot on each individual dwelling unit to know individual water consumption.  At the end of a billing cycle, the owner can split total property water cost use by each units use so that accurate cost allocation can occur.

The goal of a custody transfer meter and bluebot as sub metering devices is very similar.
 
Custody transfer is another word for billing meter used by the utility.  These meters are certified for billing by the government weights and measures authorities. These are typically the mechanical street meter, or another in-line meter that gets installed as a check and manages the billing aspect for you. These require approvals and ongoing maintenance agreements. These are costly, time consuming, and are typically not “smart” meters. 
 
The bluebot device extends similar sub metering functionality to the everyday user, with significantly increased flexibility of application and monitoring/management based on user goals. 
 
Cost allocation is the use of bluebot across a property to determine percent usage of each unit.  These percentages are then used to split the total used of the official billing meter. We offer various calibration tools within the app to improve accuracy to your specific location. 

Smart Meter Rebates:  The bluebot flow meter is a smart meter as defined by municipal water companies and may qualify for up to a $200 rebate.  Check with your local water supplier for rebates.

Does bluebot have onboard memory?

The bluebot does not have a memory chip for power outage. If the power is out and or the internet is down, it will not retain the data on the device. 

We also offer a web portal designed specifically for large property managers, sub-metering, usage and cost allocation.

What if the power goes out?

Similar to other IoT and smart home devices, if the power goes out, your device will also disconnect. When your power comes back on and your Wi-Fi is back online, the bluebot will automatically reconnect to the network and resume recording of flow data. 

There is no on-board memory to record or store offline data, and we do not currently offer any certified methods of alternate power or battery backups at this time. 

Orders/Payment

Does bluebot come with a warranty?

Yes. All bluebot devices come with a one-year warranty. We also offer a 30-day, risk-free trial. Learn more about our warranty.

Do you have a return policy?

Yes. Your satisfaction is guaranteed with bluebot. We offer quick, easy and
return or exchange process. Please contact us directly at (831) 275-2715 or submit a support ticket to begin your warranty exchange.

For more information about our warranties and exchanges read our policy.

How quickly can I get a bluebot?

Your bluebot will ship from our headquarters in Monterey, California, with 1–3-day delivery available in the U.S.

*For bulk shipments (3 or more) and international, additional handling and shipping fees may apply.

Is a subscription required for using bluebot?
No subscription is required at this time. 
Smart Meter Rebates

Smart Meter Rebates:  The bluebot flow meter is a smart meter as defined by municipal water companies and may qualify for up to a $200 rebate.  Check with your local water supplier for rebate programs and eligibility in your area.

Still have questions?

Our team is standing by to assist you.