If your Droplet is reporting water flow even when no fixtures are on, it may be detecting background “noise” or "phantom flows" in your pipe. This is usually harmless and can be improved with a few simple adjustments.
🧠 Common Causes
Nearby pumps or pressure boosters can introduce vibration into the pipe
Water softeners, recirculation systems, or wells may cause occasional low-level movement
Temperature fluctuations — a sudden change in water temperature can cause the pipe to expand or contract slightly, which may be misinterpreted as flow
Residual pressure in the system after a toilet flush or appliance cycle
Movement or bending in the pipe near the sensor, especially in suspended or exposed runs
🛠️ About Our Zeroing Algorithm
Droplet includes a Zeroing Algorithm that helps suppress background “noise” or "phantom flows" when no real usage is detected. This system improves accuracy over time, especially in homes with subtle pipe movement or temperature shifts.
🔍 What You Can Do
✅ 1. Check Your Install Environment
Is Droplet located near a pump, heater, or pressure regulator?
Does the pipe get hot or cold suddenly, such as near a water heater or mixing valve?
Is the pipe section firmly supported and completely still?
If possible, move Droplet a few feet downstream from any sources of vibration or heat changes.
✅ 2. Run a “Check Accuracy” Test
While this won’t directly eliminate false flow, it helps refine your sensor’s calibration:
Follow the prompts to run the test — this improves Droplet’s long-term ability to filter out noise.
💡 Note: Manual calibration won’t directly eliminate these types of false flow events, but it can significantly improve Droplet’s accuracy in learning your home's unique patterns.
📸 Still Seeing False Readings?
If you're still getting unexpected flow readings: