Step-by-Step: Install a Smart Water Shutoff Valve with grus.io

Water damage is one of the most expensive and frustrating disasters a homeowner can face. A burst pipe, a leaking appliance, or an unnoticed drip can lead to thousands of dollars in repairs. But what if you could automatically shut off your water the moment a leak is detected? That’s where a smart water shutoff valve comes in.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to install a smart water shutoff valve using Grus.io’s intelligent Smart Water Valve Controller—a reliable, WiFi-enabled solution that pairs with leak sensors to give you peace of mind, 24/7.

1. Why You Should Install a Smart Water Shutoff Valve

Traditional shutoff valves require you to be physically present—and often it’s too late. With a smart water valve controller, you get:

• Automatic protection: Shut off water automatically when leaks are detected.
• Remote control: Turn your water on/off from anywhere via the Grus app.
• Integration with leak sensors: Works seamlessly with smart water detectors.
• Real-time alerts: Receive instant notifications on your phone.

Installing a smart shutoff valve empowers you to prevent major water damage before it begins.

2. What You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather the following tools and components:

✅ Tip: Make sure to turn off your home’s main water supply before starting installation.

3. Installation Overview Diagram

Here’s a simplified Mermaid-style diagram showing how the smart shutoff valve fits into your plumbing system:

graph TD
    A["City Water Supply"]:::pipe --> B["Main Shutoff Valve<br/>(Manual)"]:::pipe
    B --> C["Smart Water Valve Controller<br/>(Grus AquaNet-VS)"]:::smart
    C --> D["Home Plumbing System"]:::pipe
    C -.-> E["WiFi Router<br/>(2.4GHz, for App Control)"]:::net
    C --> F["Leak Detectors<br/>(Grus AquaNet-WD)"]:::smart

    %% 样式定义
    classDef pipe fill:#90caf9,stroke:#1565c0,stroke-width:2px,color:#1565c0,rounded:8px
    classDef smart fill:#ffe082,stroke:#fbc02d,stroke-width:2px,color:#6d4c00,rounded:8px
    classDef net fill:#b39ddb,stroke:#512da8,stroke-width:2px,color:#fff,rounded:8px

Smart Water Shutoff Valve Installation Layout

This setup ensures:

• Leak sensors communicate with the valve
• The valve controls water flow at the main line
• Integration with the Grus app for notifications & automation

4. Step-by-Step Installation Guide

🛑 Step 1: Turn Off the Main Water Supply

Locate your main shutoff valve—typically near the water meter or where the main line enters your home. Turn the valve clockwise until it stops. This is crucial to avoid flooding during installation.

💡 Pro Tip: After shutting off the water, open a few faucets to relieve pressure and drain any remaining water from the system.

🔧 Step 2: Remove a Section of the Pipe

Depending on your plumbing type (copper, PEX, or PVC), cut out a small section of the main line where the smart valve will be installed. Ensure the cut is clean and level.

• Use a pipe cutter or hacksaw for copper/PVC.
• For PEX, use a PEX cutter and add compatible push-to-connect fittings.

🔩 Step 3: Attach the Smart Water Valve Controller

Install the Grus Smart Water Valve in place of the removed pipe segment. The valve is bidirectional but check for any markings indicating the preferred flow direction.

• Apply Teflon tape on threaded fittings.
• Tighten securely with an adjustable wrench.

⚠️ Note: Ensure no leaks before powering the device.

🔌 Step 4: Power and Connect the Valve

Grus valves are typically powered via an included AC adapter or backup battery option. Plug in the valve and wait for the indicator LED to begin blinking—signaling it’s ready to pair.

5. Pairing the Device with the Grus Home App

📲 Step 1: Download and Launch the Grus App

Available on iOS and Android, search for “Grus Home” in your app store and install.

🔗 Step 2: Add the Device

1. Open the app and tap the “+” icon.
2. Choose Smart Water Valve Controller from the device list.
3. Follow the pairing instructions—ensure your phone is connected to the same 2.4GHz WiFi network.

Once paired, you can name the device (e.g., “Main Valve”), set location, and adjust settings.

🧠 Step 3: Link with Leak Detectors

If you also use Grus AquaNet-M leak detectors, link them under “Automation” to enable:

• Automatic shutoff when a leak is detected
• Push notifications to your phone
• Event logging for diagnostics

This smart integration lets you walk away knowing your home is protected—even when you’re not around.

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

7. Troubleshooting & Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What if the valve doesn’t respond after installation?

• Check power supply: Ensure the AC adapter is properly connected.
• WiFi issues: Make sure the valve is within range of your router and the WiFi is 2.4GHz.
• Re-pair the device: Reset the valve by holding the pairing button for 5 seconds and repeat the pairing process in the app.

❓ Can I install it on hot water lines?

Grus smart valves are designed for cold water supply lines (main line), not directly on hot water lines. If monitoring hot water is needed, install upstream before the water heater.

❓ Do I need a plumber?

For most users, installation is DIY-friendly, especially with push-to-connect fittings. However, if you’re uncomfortable cutting into plumbing or your system is complex (e.g., manifold systems), hiring a certified plumber is recommended.

❓ What happens if there’s a power outage?

Grus smart valves support manual operation and optional battery backup models. Some versions also store the last known state and reconnect automatically when power returns.

8. How Smart Water Shutoff Valves Prevent Costly Disasters

Consider this:

• A leaky pipe behind drywall can go unnoticed for days and result in thousands of dollars in repairs.
• A frozen pipe burst can flood entire rooms in minutes.
• Traditional shutoff valves don’t respond unless someone’s home and paying attention.

With a smart valve from Grus:

• You receive instant alerts of leaks.
• The system can shut off water automatically—even when you’re on vacation.
• Insurance providers may offer discounts for proactive leak protection systems.

9. Future-Proof Your Home with Grus

Installing a smart water shutoff valve isn’t just a tech upgrade—it’s peace of mind.

✅ Protect your home from water damage

✅ Save on utility and repair bills

✅ Monitor and control water usage remotely

✅ Integrate with full smart home protection (sensors, thermostats, energy monitors)

🔗 Ready to Get Started?

Explore our most advanced smart valve solution:

👉 Grus Smart Water Shutoff Valve

Or build a complete protection system with:

👉 AquaNet-M Leak Detectors

For multi-device setups and home-wide protection, view our full system solution →