Frequently Asked Questions
There are always questions. Here are some of the answers.
Common Questions
What is idealFlow?
idealFlow is a commercial water-efficiency solution built around the Wave Valve, installed on the property side of the meter to improve system performance and provide water savings.
How does it work?
Water meters measure volume which can contain entrained air. Trapped air together with turbulence, pressure, and flow irregularities can contribute to inaccurate meter readings. The valve helps stabilise the flow by compressing trapped air and optimising pressure and flow.
How much can I save?
Savings depend on the pipe configuration, pressure, and system conditions. The brief cites a likely range from 5% to 30% depending on the property.
Will it reduce my water pressure?
idealFlow is designed to keep pressure stable and acceptable. Most clients do not notice any pressure change. Some sites may see a slight reduction, typically around 5 psi, which is why the trial period matters.
Will installation disrupt my business?
Most installations can be completed in under an hour and are usually scheduled to avoid operational disruption.
Do I need municipal approval or a permit?
Usually no. The valve is installed on the property owner side of the meter rather than on the municipal side.
Is the idealFlow solution for new buildings or existing properties?
Both. The product is designed for retrofit and new construction, and older buildings often benefit because they may have more air infiltration, excess pressure, and less efficient plumbing conditions.
What types of properties are best suited?
Higher-usage properties are usually the best fit, including apartments, commercial buildings, hotels, restaurants, golf courses, retirement homes, hospitals, car washes, dorms, healthcare facilities, office buildings, and many others.
Can it work with existing pipework?
Yes. The solution is compatible with common commercial pipe materials including copper, steel, PVC, and cast iron, and can be adapted into existing piping when needed.
Is this just a low-flow device?
No. This is an optimisation valve device, not a low-flow fixture that simply restricts usage.
What is the valve made from?
Medical-grade stainless steel construction with no plastic parts.
Does the valve need power or regular maintenance?
No power is needed and the solution is mostly maintenance-free.
How do you prove the savings?
The best way to calculate savings is to do a before-and-after billing analysis. We usually require 12 months of billing data before installation, then roughly three months after installation to evaluate the benefits.
When should I expect to see results on the bill?
Savings begin as soon as the solution is installed. Bills may lag real measurements because utility companies sometimes rely on estimates or delayed reconciliations.
How do you know what valve size is needed?
Sizing is based on the main pipe size of the site. You can check the diameter of the pipe after your main meter or our team can determine it during a site inspection.
What does idealFlow cost?
idealFlow usually uses a performance-based fee model tied to delivered savings rather than a conventional upfront product sale.
Is there a trial period?
Yes. The trial period is essential because savings are influenced by the specific meter, pipe size, turbulence, pressure, flow rate, and overall usage demands of each property.
What is the certification?
The brief references internationally recognised certification including NSF/ANSI/CAN 61, IAPMO, and KIWA.
What valve sizes are available?
The uploaded brief lists common sizes from 1/2 inch up to 10 inch, with larger custom sizes available upon request.