Phyn sends a Medium Flow Alert when it detects unusual water flow that has lasted at least 20 minutes and used 60 gallons of water or more.
These are the default detection thresholds.
Auto Shutoff behavior
If Auto Shutoff is enabled:
You’ll receive a second alert 5 minutes after the first
If you don’t respond within 5 minutes, Phyn will automatically shut off your water
How thresholds adapt over time
After 21 days of installation, Phyn begins adjusting alert thresholds based on your home’s water-use patterns:
Thresholds update every 24 hours
Days with no water usage do not update thresholds
Consistently higher usage → thresholds increase
Consistently lower usage → thresholds decrease
What you’ll see in the app
Open Alerts (top right of the app) to view details:
Active: Water flow is still occurring
Resolved: The activity has stopped and shows when it was last detected
For example, if a hose was left running and then turned off, the alert will move to Resolved.
Common causes of a Medium Flow Alert
Medium Flow Alerts are often caused by:
A leaking toilet flapper, causing continuous tank refilling
A stuck or worn toilet chain or flush handle
A leaking water heater T&P (temperature & pressure) relief valve
Usually located on the top or side of the heater, about 6 inches from the top
These valves often wear out after ~5 years
Check the drip pan underneath for overflow
If the T&P valve is leaking, contact a plumber.
How to troubleshoot
If you’re at home:
Listen and visually inspect for running water.
Turn off individual fixtures (toilets, faucets) using the local shutoff.
Run a Plumbing Check from the Phyn app.
If the check passes, you’ve found the source
If not, move to the next fixture
If you can’t locate the source, contact your plumber.
If you’re not at home, we recommend:
Turning off your water remotely using the Phyn app
Contacting your plumber for assistance