DynaQuip WaterCop Z-Wave — Emergency Water Shutoff Owner's Manual

Owner's manual and installation guide for the DynaQuip WaterCop Z-Wave Emergency Water Shutoff — a wireless, Z-Wave enabled automatic valve system for a home's main water supply line.

Overview

WaterCop Z-Wave is a patented, wireless water detection and automatic water shutoff system that acts as an automatic valve for a home's main water supply line, installable by a certified professional plumber. When used with Z-Wave water alarm sensors (ZWCFS1), the valve helps reduce water damage caused by leaky pipes or faulty appliances, providing 24/7/365 protection within a Z-Wave home automation network.

System Components

1. A motorized ball valve and housing containing a wireless Z-Wave radio transceiver, which automatically shuts off the water supply when any wireless water alarm sensor detects water or potentially freezing temperatures.
2. One or more wireless water alarm sensors (ZWCFS1), which detect leaks/overflow or freezing temperatures and send a Z-Wave signal to the valve to shut off the water.

Product Specifications

• Valve sizes: 1/2", 3/4", 1", and 1-1/4" — brass, full port forged body; NSF61 and NSF61-G (Lead Free) available
• Seats: RTFE  |  Seals: Viton
• Maximum Working Pressure: 125 PSIG
• Ambient Temperature: 35° to 105°F, for cold water applications
• Enclosure: Polycarbonate, NEMA 4x (weather resistant)
• Power: 110V AC converted to 12V DC (Class 2 power converter with 20' cord), 1.3A full load
• Indicators: Red = valve closed, Green = valve open, Yellow = error or not programmed into a Z-Wave network
• Three panel-mount tactile switches for manual activation/programming
• Supports a Z-Wave network of up to 232 nodes; multiple valves and sensors can be combined

General Safety Information

• Adherence to all local/municipal plumbing and electrical codes is essential — some areas require a licensed plumber or permits. If in doubt, use a licensed professional.
• Disconnect power before working on or servicing the unit. Failure to do so could result in serious injury.
• Wear eye protection while servicing the system.
• Caution: The valve closes with enough force to cut off a finger. Keep fingers and foreign objects away from the ball valve while operating it (by button or Z-Wave command).
• Do not use the housing as a step or for leverage when mounting or tightening fittings — use a wrench on the valve flats.
• High heat from soldering/brazing can damage valve seats or the motor housing — remove the plastic housing before soldering the valve in place.

Pre-Installation Testing

Each unit is factory pre-tested, but test it again before installation:

• Check valve position by looking through either threaded end — open shows a clear view through, closed shows the shiny ball surface.
• Plug in the power adapter; within 10 seconds the status light begins blinking.
• Grasping the housing (not the valve, and keeping fingers/objects away from the openings), press the button opposite the unlit indicator light to cycle the valve, then verify the position visually.
• Cycle the valve several times, checking proper positioning each time. Call the installation help line if you experience difficulties.

Front Panel Operation

• Open/Close Buttons: Local valve control, with LED indicator lights showing valve status.
• Program Button: Include (add) the valve into a Z-Wave network, exclude (remove) it, and switch modes.
• Status Light: Off when in a Z-Wave network. Fast blinks = mode indications; slow blinks = error conditions (cycled repeatedly).
• At Power-On: the valve starts blinking within 10 seconds if not networked, and needs its actual ball position set: press Open, then press Close; if "closed" isn't the desired position, press Open again.

Caution: If the ball valve isn't yet installed, keep fingers and foreign objects away from it while operating (button or wireless command) — objects in the closing path can damage the valve or cause injury.

Mode Indications (Status Light Fast Blinks)

Three quick blinks indicate a function not applicable to this product.

Z-Wave Network Inclusion / Exclusion

• Automatic (NWI) inclusion: Active at power-on (some versions) before the valve is included in a network — supports automatic inclusion via a controller with NWI mode. NWI stops when the valve is included, after a 30-minute timeout, or when the Program Button is pressed.
• Manual inclusion: Put your Z-Wave Controller into Inclusion Mode. Ensure the Status Light is flashing 3–4 times, then press the Program Button once — the controller confirms inclusion and the Status Light stops flashing.
• Manual exclusion: Put the controller into Exclusion Mode, then press the Program Button once — the controller confirms exclusion and the Status Light resumes flashing 3–4 times.
• Inclusion and exclusion are always performed at Normal Transit Power Mode.

Association with Water Sensors & Water Alarm Mode

A smart Controller can associate water sensors directly with the WaterCop Z-Wave, allowing a sensor to close the valve directly (via a Basic Set command) without going through the controller. If not associated, the controller relays the water sensor's message and sends a Binary Switch command to close the valve instead.

Water Alarm Mode is the factory default — the valve closes upon receiving a Basic Set command from an associated sensor. After fixing/confirming the leak has stopped, you must manually reopen the valve using the Open Button or a Binary Switch Set command.

Manual Operation (No AC Power)

The WaterCop Z-Wave will not operate without AC power (e.g., during a blackout). In an emergency, turn the handle at the top of the unit in the indicated direction to shut off water manually.

Fault Conditions / Troubleshooting

How the System Works

Water sensors (ZWCFS1) constantly monitor for accumulating moisture. When a leak is detected, a sensor sends a radio signal to the WaterCop Z-Wave, instructing it to shut off the home's water supply. The valve remains closed until manually reset. The battery-powered sensors can be placed anywhere a leak is likely, while the WaterCop Z-Wave itself requires 110V AC and will not operate during a power outage.

Installation

Location: The main supply line typically enters the house in a basement or crawl space; the WaterCop Z-Wave should be installed in the main water line just downstream from the main shut-off valve.

The unit must be installed:

• Indoors, in the main water line, just downstream from the main shut-off valve
• In a dry location, accessible for checking and resetting the valve
• Where the case is protected from use as a step or from excessive loads

Caution: Consult local electrical and plumbing codes. Never use the housing for leverage — use a wrench on the valve flats. High heat from soldering/brazing can damage seats or the motor housing; remove the plastic housing before soldering.

Compression Fitting Installation

Tools needed: 2 male-pipe-thread × compression fittings, Teflon tape or thread sealant, tubing cutter, ruler, marker, 2 large adjustable wrenches. Measure the copper tube's outside diameter to select proper fitting size.

1. Install fittings into each end of the valve with Teflon tape/sealant for a watertight seal, holding the valve body flats with a wrench while tightening.
2. Measure the valve assembly end-to-end; subtract 1/2" for 1/2" tube or 3/4" for 3/4" tube to get the length of pipe to remove.
3. Select the install location — ensure access to the front panel and a nearby power outlet.
4. Mark the tube at the chosen location and double-check measurements.
5. Turn off water and drain the system.
6. Cut the copper tube at the marks (water may still be present).
7. Remove burrs and clean the tube ends.
8. Install compression nuts and sleeves on each tube end.
9. Shift the tube ends to fit the WaterCop Z-Wave in place.
10. Position the unit and tighten the compression nuts (hold the fitting with one wrench, tighten with the other).
11. Plug in the unit and open the valve (Open button/green light).
12. Unplug, turn water back on, and check carefully for leaks.
13. Plug the unit back in — installation is complete.

Solder fittings are an alternative but require a higher skill level — a professional plumber is strongly recommended if you're not experienced.

Placement of Water Alarm Sensors (ZWCFS1)

Each WaterCop Z-Wave can support multiple sensors (network supports up to 232 nodes). Suggested locations: washing machines, toilets, sump pumps, dishwashers, bathroom sinks, kitchen sinks, automatic humidifiers, ice makers/refrigerators, water heaters, and pipes prone to freezing (ZWCFS1 also functions as a Freeze Alarm Sensor).

Operating the WaterCop Z-Wave

• For major plumbing repairs, also close the manual shut-off valve upstream and unplug the WaterCop Z-Wave before starting repairs.
• Without a backup battery, the valve cannot operate during a power failure — use the manual shut-off valve in an emergency. When power returns, cycle the valve via the Open/Close buttons or a Binary Switch command to re-sync its known position.
• Recommended: manually cycle (open-close-open) the valve every 3–4 months.

Test Procedure

1. Confirm the WaterCop Z-Wave is plugged in and the valve is open. If not yet installed, ensure no one inserts objects into the valve during the test.
2. Wet the two metal contacts on the back of the ZWCFS1 sensor with a damp cloth; hold until the sensor transmits a signal (~5 seconds) — this simulates a leak.
3. Dry off the sensor; it should stop beeping.
4. Verify at the WaterCop Z-Wave that the valve closed (red light lit).
5. Reset by pressing the green "Open" button, keeping objects away from the valve.
6. Repeat for each sensor location you want to test.

Emergency Procedures

If the system shuts off water and then becomes inoperable (power outage or damage), unplug the unit and manually turn the handle at the side to restore or shut off water service. This should only be done in emergencies.

Warranty

Two-year limited manufacturer warranty on the electric valve actuator, electronic sensor, and control components. The brass ball valve mechanical component is warranted for the life of the component. Warranty is invalidated by abuse, misuse, improper installation, modification, or disassembly outside the point of manufacture. The system reduces — but does not guarantee elimination of — water damage risk; it is not insurance. All returns require a valid RGA (Returned Goods Authorization).

Contact: DynaQuip Controls Inc., 10 Harris Industrial Park, St. Clair, MO 63077 — Tel. 800-545-3636, www.watercop.com