Guides
- Getting alerts on your phone
- My plug is offline
- Changing your WiFi (a new router, network name or password)
- My pump was shut off
- Adding another pump
- For property managers (several properties, several people)
Getting set up
What do I need for DropStop to work?
A pump that plugs into a standard US 120-volt, 15 amp outlet, and WiFi that reaches the spot where the pump is. The plug joins 2.4 GHz WiFi. Before you buy, the app asks you to check your pump's plug and outlet so we know DropStop will fit. If you have a 20 amp or 240-volt plug, we can build a solution for you too.
Do I have to set the plug up myself?
No. After you order, the app asks for your WiFi details and we set the plug up for your network before we ship it. When it arrives, plug it into the wall, plug your pump into it, and it connects by itself.
How do I get alerts on my phone?
Open app.dropstopapp.com on your phone and sign in with Google. On an iPhone, add it to your Home Screen first (Share, then Add to Home Screen) and open it from there, because that's the only way iPhones allow notifications from it. Then allow notifications when the app asks.
More pumps and more people
How do I add another pump?
From inside the app: Account, then Manage pumps, then Add a pump. You pay for the new plug, tell us that property's WiFi, and we ship it ready to plug in. You can add several in a row without waiting for the first to arrive.
Can someone else get the alerts too?
Yes. A family member, tenant, neighbour or property manager can be added to a pump. Open Account, then Manage users for pump, and invite them by email. They sign in with Google and can see the pump, get its alerts and switch it on and off, at no extra cost. This is the best option when you're away and someone else is in the house.
Managing several properties? See how DropStop works for property managers
Alerts and shutoff
Will DropStop turn my water off?
Only as a last resort. When DropStop sees a leak pattern it alerts you first. If nobody responds and the pump is still running, it sends a warning, and only then cuts the pump's power. If your pump runs dry because your water source is empty, it cuts straight away to protect the pump. You can turn the pump back on from the app with one tap, and you can switch auto-shutoff off in Settings.
I'm filling a pool or watering. Will I get a false alarm?
Tap Using lots of water? Pause leak alerts (1h) on the dashboard before you start. If an alert arrives while you're using water on purpose, tap Acknowledge and DropStop leaves the pump running. Alerts for an empty water source still come through while paused.
Outages
What happens if my internet goes down?
Your pump keeps working normally. DropStop can't see it while the plug is offline, and if it stays offline we let you know. Overnight, that notice waits until morning so it doesn't wake you for something you can't fix in the dark. Leak alerts are never held.
I'm changing my WiFi password or getting a new router. What do I do?
If you haven't changed it yet, tell DropStop first: at the bottom of the app's dashboard, open Settings, then Plug settings, then Changing your WiFi?, and enter the new network. Your plug keeps it as a backup and moves over by itself when the old network goes away.
Already changed it and the plug is offline? You can give it the new details yourself in a few minutes, using the plug password shown in the app.
What happens after a power cut?
When power comes back, the plug returns the pump to the state it was in, so a pump that was on comes back on by itself.
Cost
What does it cost?
$150 for the plug, set up for your home, with your first 3 months of monitoring included. After that it's $5 a month per pump, and you can cancel any time. The plug is yours to keep.