Setting up your LeakBot device
A step-by-step guide to register and install your LeakBot device.
Setting up your LeakBot using the LeakBot app is a simple process. Follow this guide carefully.
Before You Start: Requirements
Phone Software:
- •iOS devices: Requires OS version 13.4.1 or newer. Ensure all OS updates are installed.
- •Android devices: Requires OS version 10 or newer. Ensure all OS updates are installed.
- •Note: Check your phone settings for pending OS updates before starting.
Information Needed:
- •Your LeakBot device
- •Your home Wi-Fi network name (SSID)
- •Your home Wi-Fi password
App Store
Enable Location Services (Required for Setup)
- •The app needs Location Services enabled during setup to find and connect to the LeakBot device's temporary network. This is a requirement of the phone's operating system.
- •You will likely see a prompt asking for permission when you first open the app or start setup.
- •Choose "Allow While Using App" or a similar option.
- •Note: You can disable this permission in your phone's settings after setup is complete if you wish.
Location permission prompt screenshot
Create or Log In to Your Account
First Time?
- Open the LeakBot app.
- Tap "Create Account".
- Follow the in-app instructions (email, password, etc.).
Already Have an Account?
- Open the LeakBot app.
- Tap "Sign in".
- Enter your existing login details.
Account creation screen
Enter Your LeakBot ID
- After creating your account or signing in, you'll see the "Activate LeakBot" screen.
- Enter the ID Code: Look on the back of your LeakBot device to find the ID code.
- Enter this code carefully in the field provided.
- Tap "Next" or "Continue" to proceed.
LeakBot ID entry screen
Activate LeakBot
- After entering your LeakBot ID, follow the instructions to activate your device.
- Remove Battery Tab: Remove the plastic battery tab from your LeakBot device as shown in the app.
- Tap "Next" in the app to continue.
Battery tab removal
Press the Button
- Press Green Button: Press and hold the green button on the side of the LeakBot device.
- Wait for Red LED: Continue holding until the red LED light stays on solid (not blinking).
- Continue in App: Tap "Next" in the app to proceed.
Pressing green button / Red LED indicator
Connect Phone to LeakBot
Your phone now needs to connect directly to the LeakBot's temporary Wi-Fi network:
On iOS:
- A pop-up will appear saying: "LeakBot" Wants to Join Wi-Fi Network "MyLeakBot-XXXX"
- Tap Join to continue.
iOS Wi-Fi Join prompt
Stay Connected
Important:
- •Your phone is now connected to LeakBot's Wi-Fi network, which has no internet connection.
- •Your phone might warn you about "No Internet Connection" or ask to switch to mobile data.
- •Do NOT switch away from the LeakBot network.
- •Stay connected to the LeakBot network for the next step.
Troubleshooting:
If connection fails, check the Trouble connecting to the LeakBot network guide.
"No Internet" warning example
Connect LeakBot to Your Home Wi-Fi
- The app will now scan for available Wi-Fi networks.
You might see a pop-up: "LeakBot" Would Like to Find and Connect to Devices on Your Local Network. Tap OK.
- Select Your Network: Choose your home Wi-Fi network name (SSID) from the list.
- Tip: If you have multiple networks (e.g., 2.4GHz and 5GHz), choose the one closest or with the strongest signal where LeakBot will be installed (LeakBot typically uses 2.4GHz).
- Troubleshooting: If you don't see your network, ensure you are close enough to your router. Check the You do not see your home wifi network link.
- Enter Password: Carefully enter your home Wi-Fi password. Tap Continue.
- Connecting: LeakBot will attempt to connect to your network. This may take a minute.
- Troubleshooting: If connection fails, double-check your password. Check the Error connecting to your home wi-fi network link.
Wi-Fi selection screen
Locate the Correct Pipe
Once connected to Wi-Fi, the app will guide you to physically install LeakBot.
- •LeakBot must be clipped onto your internal main water supply pipe.
- •This is the pipe that brings fresh cold water into your home after any external meter and before it branches off to taps, toilets, etc.
- •It's usually where your internal shut-off valve (stopcock) is located. Turning this valve should shut off all cold water inside.
- •Common locations (usually ground floor): Basement, garage, utility room, under the kitchen sink.
Main water pipe location examples
Choose the Right Spot on the Pipe
- •Distance: Install LeakBot between 1 and 2 feet (30-60cm) along the pipe from where it first enters your property wall/floor.
- •Before Branches: Crucially, place it before the pipe splits (T-junctions) to supply different areas of your home.
- •Lead Pipes: If your pipe is made of lead, install slightly further along: 1.5 to 2 feet (45-60cm).
- •Welled Water Supply: If you have a well and pressure tank:
- Locate the pressure tank.
- Find the main pipe coming from the well system after the T-junction that goes to the pressure tank.
- Clip LeakBot onto this main pipe, 1 to 2 feet (30-60cm) after the T-junction to the pressure tank, and before any other branches.
Pipe placement diagram
Position LeakBot Correctly
Clip LeakBot firmly onto the pipe. It should fit snugly.
Orientation:
- •The clip (back of the device) should face towards the outside wall where the pipe enters.
- •It can be placed vertically or horizontally.
- •If horizontal, try to position it sitting on top of the pipe, rather than hanging underneath.
- •Remove any insulation from the section of pipe directly under where LeakBot is clipped. Insulation can interfere with temperature readings.
Device orientation examples
Final Check in App
- •Follow any final confirmation steps in the LeakBot app.
- •The app should display a confirmation message that installation is complete.
- •LeakBot will now begin monitoring your water system for leaks.
- •You'll receive notifications through the app if any issues are detected.
Final confirmation screen
Useful Information
Pipe Size
LeakBot fits standard UK/EU pipe sizes (e.g., 15mm, 22mm) and US sizes (e.g., 3/4 inch, 1 inch). The clip is not adjustable.
Pipe Material
Works on copper, plastic (PEX, PVC, etc.), lead, and stainless steel.
Pipe Insulation
Remove any insulation from the section of pipe directly under where LeakBot is clipped. Insulation can interfere with temperature readings.
Limited Access
If the pipe is boxed in or behind a wall, you may need to create access to clip LeakBot correctly onto the main supply line in the specified location.