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Phyn Plus (1st + 2nd Gen)

Understanding Leak Alerts

Last updated on 29 Jan, 2026

Phyn uses advanced leak detection and self-learning AI to help protect your home. Below is a guide to the different Leak Alerts, what they mean, and what to do when you receive one.


How Phyn learns your home’s water use

Phyn starts with default alert thresholds based on typical household water use. Over time, it builds a home-specific model that adapts to your unique usage patterns.

  • Initial learning typically takes about 21 days

  • Thresholds adjust automatically:

    • Higher ongoing usage → higher thresholds

    • Lower ongoing usage → lower thresholds

  • Phyn continues learning nightly based on the last 24 hours of activity

This helps reduce false alerts while improving leak detection accuracy.


Low Flow Alert

What it means

Phyn detected unusual low water flow that lasted at least 20 minutes and used about 6 gallons of water. These thresholds may change as Phyn learns your home.

What to do

  • Check for:

    • Dripping or partially open faucets

    • Outdoor spigots left on

    • A leaking toilet flapper (a common cause)

If Auto Shutoff is enabled:

  • You’ll receive a second alert 10 minutes later

  • If you don’t respond within 15 minutes, Phyn will shut off your water

Troubleshooting tips

  • Look for active alerts in the Alerts section of the app

    • Active = water use is ongoing

    • Resolved = water use has stopped

  • If needed, run Plumbing Checks to isolate the source by turning fixtures off one at a time


Ultra-Low-Flow Alert (Phyn Plus only)

Phyn Plus can now detect ultra-low-flow events—as low as 0.01 gallons per minute—in near real time.

Why this matters

  • Detects very small leaks sooner

  • Helps prevent long-term water waste and damage

  • Improves troubleshooting without waiting for overnight checks

In rare cases, factors like plumbing noise or intended ultra-low-flow activities may trigger alerts.


Medium Flow Alert

What it means

Phyn detected unusual water flow lasting at least 20 minutes and using about 60 gallons of water.

Common causes

  • Leaking toilet flapper or stuck chain

  • Water heater temperature & pressure (T&P) valve leak

  • Overflowing water heater drip pan

If Auto Shutoff is enabled:

  • Second alert after 5 minutes

  • Water shuts off if there’s no response within 5 minutes

What to do

  • Inspect toilets and water heater

  • Run Plumbing Checks to narrow down the source

  • Contact a plumber if the source isn’t obvious


High Flow Alert

What it means

Phyn detected very high water flow, lasting at least 3 minutes or using 50 gallons or more.

Common causes

  • Broken pipe

  • Burst or damaged supply line (washing machine, ice maker)

  • Occasionally, irrigation or pool filling (especially during early learning)

If Auto Shutoff is enabled:

  • Second alert after 2 minutes

  • Water shuts off if there’s no response within 2 minutes

What to do

  • If you’re home, look and listen for running water

  • If you’re unsure of the cause, turn off the water in the app immediately

  • Contact a plumber right away


Not a leak? Help Phyn learn

If you know the alert was caused by normal water use:

  1. Open the alert in the Phyn app.

  2. Tap Tell Us.

  3. Select the correct activity.

Your feedback helps Phyn learn faster and reduces future alerts.

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