DynaQuip WaterCop Automatic Water Shut-Off System — Owner's Manual & Installation Guide

System Description

The WaterCop® System by DynaQuip is designed to detect leaks in a plumbing system at predetermined locations and automatically shut off the water supply, reducing the risk of major water damage from a leak.

System Components

• Motorized ball valve — houses a wireless radio receiver that automatically shuts off the water supply when a flood sensor detects water or a low-temperature sensor detects potential freezing.
• Flood sensors — detect water from a leak or overflow, and house a wireless radio transmitter that signals the WaterCop® unit to shut off the water supply.

General Safety Information

• WARNING: Do not apply electrical power to the unit unless it is fully assembled as shipped. Failure to do so could result in personal injury and/or damage to the unit.
• WARNING: Disconnect the power source before working on or servicing the unit.
• CAUTION: Wear eye protection while servicing or installing the system.
• WARNING: Do not use on fire sprinkler systems.
• WARNING: The motorized drive unit case cannot support any load — do not use it as a step. Do not store flammable items (oily rags, combustibles) near the unit.

How the System Works

Flood sensors continuously monitor selected areas for accumulating moisture. When a leak is detected, a sensor sends a radio-frequency signal to the WaterCop® unit, instructing it to shut off the home's water supply. The valve remains closed until manually reset. The WaterCop® requires standard grounded 115 VAC household power and will not operate during a power outage — flood sensors are battery-powered and can be placed anywhere a leak is likely to occur.

Selecting the WaterCop® Installation Site

Install the valve in the main water line just downstream from the home's main shut-off valve. The shut-off valve must be installed:

• Indoors, in a dry location
• In the main water line, in place of or just downstream from the main shut-off valve
• Where it's accessible for checking, resetting the valve, and resetting the radio receiver code if necessary
• Where the case is protected from use as a step or other excessive loads

Notice: Install downstream of existing shutoff valves and pressure reducers. Install 18" downstream from existing indoor water meters to allow for future meter maintenance. Local electrical and plumbing codes should be consulted for compliance.

Flood Sensor Placement

Each WaterCop® supports an unlimited number of flood sensors. Suggested locations: washing machines, dishwashers, kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks, toilets, icemakers/refrigerators, automatic humidifiers, water heaters, and pipes prone to freezing (separate freeze sensors are available).

• Maximum transmission distance is roughly 150'–200', depending on building layout and construction.
• The transmitter must be kept dry (not splash-proof) — never place outdoors. The sensor probe itself is fully waterproof.
• Place the sensor probe FLAT on the floor at the lowest point where water would naturally accumulate, so leaks are detected as soon as they begin. Secure with adhesive tape if needed, without covering the metal probes.
• Mount the transmitter portion 2–3 feet above the floor (wall, cabinet, closet) to protect it and maximize signal strength.
• Avoid high-traffic areas where the cord/sensor could be stepped on, kicked, or disturbed by children or pets.

Flood Sensor Battery Life

Use high-quality alkaline "AA" batteries. Under normal standby conditions, batteries last about one year. Each transmitter emits an audible low-battery chirp — replace batteries at least annually or when this signal is detected, then re-test the unit in its installed location.

Operating the System

The valve's normal position is open, allowing full flow (WaterCop® is a full-port ball valve that doesn't restrict plumbing flow capacity). Indicator lights on the face show valve position: red = closed, green = open.

• When a flood sensor contacts water, it transmits an RF signal to the WaterCop®, closing the valve and lighting the red indicator.
• After fixing the plumbing issue, press "Open Valve" (green circle) to reset — the valve opens and the green indicator lights.
• During a power outage, the WaterCop® cannot operate — use the manual shut-off valve for emergencies. When power is restored, the unit resumes its last known position.
• For major repairs, close the manual upstream shut-off valve and unplug the WaterCop® before working on the plumbing.

Testing the Flood Sensors

1. Ensure anyone near the valve is aware of safety precautions and will not handle the valve or insert objects during testing.
2. At each monitored location, drop the sensor probe (not the transmitter) into a cup of water and hold until you hear a transmitted signal (~5 seconds) — short beeps followed by a long tone.
3. Remove the sensor from water and dry it off completely; beeping should stop.
4. Verify the WaterCop® valve has closed (red indicator lit).
5. Keeping objects clear of the valve, reset by pressing the green "Valve Open" circle.
6. Repeat for every sensor at its intended location.

Sensor Troubleshooting

• If a sensor doesn't close the valve, check/replace batteries and retest.
• If batteries are good but it still fails, move the sensor near the valve and retest.
• If it works close to the valve but not remotely, try repositioning or a different sensor — steel construction, foil-backed insulation, and large metallic barriers can reduce signal range.
• Check the digital dip-switch code settings match between sensor and receiver.
• If codes match and it still fails, replace the sensor.

Installation Procedure

Verify package contents: WaterCop® with 8 ft. power cord, Owner's Manual/Installation Guide (sensors included only if purchased as part of a kit).

1. Shut off the water supply before installation. Choose a dry, indoor location downstream of the main shut-off valve with front-panel access.
2. Caution: Never use the housing for leverage when mounting or tightening fittings — use a wrench on the valve flats provided.
3. Caution: High heat from soldering/brazing can damage valve seats or the motor housing — remove the plastic housing before soldering the valve in place.

Compression Fitting Installation (Copper Line)

Tools/parts needed: 2 male-pipe-thread × compression fittings, Teflon tape or thread sealant, tubing cutter, ruler, marker, 2 large adjustable wrenches.

1. Remove nuts/sleeves from the compression fittings and install fittings into each end of the valve with Teflon tape, holding one wrench on the valve flats while tightening with the other.
2. Measure valve assembly end-to-end. For 1/2" tube (5/8" OD), subtract 1/2"; for 3/4" tube (7/8" OD), subtract 3/4" from the measurement — this is the tubing section length to remove.
3. Select and mark the install location, ensuring room to shift tube ends and access the front panel.
4. Turn off water and drain the system.
5. Cut the copper tube at the marked locations (some residual water may remain).
6. Remove burrs and clean the tube ends.
7. Install compression nuts and sleeves on each tube end.
8. Shift tube ends to fit the WaterCop® valve into the line.
9. Position the unit and tighten compression nuts (hold one fitting with a wrench while tightening the nut with the other).
10. Plug in the unit and open the valve (green light).
11. Unplug, turn water back on, and check for leaks.
12. Tighten fittings as needed to stop leaks.
13. Plug the unit back in — installation complete.

An alternate solder-fitting method exists but requires higher skill — a professional plumber is recommended if you're not experienced with soldering.

Electrical Connection

The WaterCop® ships with an 8 ft. power cord and standard grounded 3-prong plug for a properly grounded 115 VAC outlet. Do not use an extension cord. Consult local electrical codes regarding ground fault protection, and confirm the circuit can handle the unit's current/power draw.

Changing Digital Codes

Codes are factory-set and shouldn't normally need changing, but other wireless devices in the home (e.g. garage door openers) can occasionally interfere. All transmitters and the receiver must share the same code setting.

Receiver Code

1. Unplug the receiver's power cord.
2. Remove the cover (4 corner screws).
3. Locate the 8-position dip-switch code block and set a combination (record it).
4. For 6-switch units matched to 8-switch units, set switches 1–6 identically on both, leaving 7 and 8 off.
5. Reinstall the cover, tucking wires in carefully.
6. Reconnect power.

Transmitter Code

1. Remove the transmitter cover (loosen two screws).
2. Set the dip switches to exactly match the receiver's code.
3. For 6/8-switch mismatches, match switches 1–6, leaving 7/8 off.
4. Test each transmitter for proper function; re-verify codes if it fails.

Interface Connections (Remote Control / Indicator)

Contacts 5, 6, and 7 let a remote device (e.g. a home security panel) control valve position via a momentary switch, relay, or push button (1–3 second "on" pulse, returning to neutral). Contacts 2, 3, and 4 signal valve position to a remote low-voltage indicator circuit (max load 250 mA): contacts 2–3 make when open, 3–4 make when closed.

Emergency Manual Operation

If the WaterCop® becomes inoperable (power outage or damage) after shutting off water, unplug the unit, remove the 4 housing screws, slide the housing off the valve shaft, and turn the shaft a quarter-turn with a screwdriver to manually open the valve. This should only be done in emergencies.

Specifications

Flow Data (Cv = GPM flow @ 1 PSI pressure drop)

For cold water applications.

Additional Components Available

• WH100 / WH200 Flood Sensors (single/dual probe) — battery or optional AC powered; 6 ft. sensor cord; unlimited number can be used.
• FH100 Low Temperature Sensor — monitors pipes prone to freezing; 5 ft. cord with pipe clip.
• RS100 Water Control Wall Switch — proactively turn water on/off remotely, with lighted valve-position display; requires Cat 5 cabling to the valve.
• AC Power Adaptor — for WH100/WH200/FH100 sensors, eliminates need for AA batteries.
• CBL50 / CBL100 Interconnect Cable (50 ft. / 100 ft.) — connects the WaterCop® valve to the Water Control Wall Switch via RJ45.

Limited Warranty

DynaQuip Controls Corporation warrants the electrical components of the WaterCop® System against defects in material and workmanship, under normal and proper use, for two years from the date of purchase. Defective units will be replaced or repaired if returned prepaid with proof of purchase. The WaterCop® brass ball valve carries a lifetime warranty.

FCC Information

This equipment has been tested and complies with Class B digital device limits per Part 15 of the FCC Rules, providing reasonable protection against interference in residential installations. Flood sensor transmitters only broadcast during testing or when water is detected — a 2-second signal repeating roughly every 6 seconds. If interference with radio/TV reception is suspected on a prolonged basis, remove batteries from transmitters to test, and consult your dealer if confirmed.