Question 1

What is Smart Valve™ and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

Smart Valve™ is a passive device installed after the water meter on the customer's side. It helps keep entrained air compressed through the meter and moderates pressure and flow fluctuations. Results depend on the property's water system and setting.

Question 2

What is Phantom Volume?

Accepted Answer

Phantom Volume describes entrained air that can expand when pressure changes near a building's service connection and affect meter readings. Smart Valve™ is installed after the meter and helps keep entrained air compressed through the meter while moderating pressure and flow fluctuations. Individual results vary.

Question 3

Does Smart Valve™ require electricity or maintenance?

Accepted Answer

No — Smart Valve™ requires no electricity and no ongoing maintenance of any kind. It is a fully passive mechanical device — no filters to replace, no software to update, no field servicing required. It operates on Boyle's Law physics alone. The manufacturer's warranty is 10 years (flange to flange).

Question 4

Will Smart Valve™ affect water pressure, flow rate, or quality?

Accepted Answer

Smart Valve™ is adjusted for the property's service and helps moderate pressure and flow fluctuations. It does not treat water or change water chemistry; suitability and pressure effects should be confirmed for the site.

Question 5

How much can Smart Valve™ reduce my commercial water bill?

Accepted Answer

AWS reports average savings just above 22% across its North American projects. Individual results vary by site, billing period, and measurement approach; review published case studies for their customer-specific evidence.

Question 6

Is the savings guarantee in writing?

Accepted Answer

AWS may offer a 15% minimum savings guarantee only for qualifying projects under a written performance agreement. Eligibility, measurement, fees, and any remedy are confirmed in the project terms.

Question 7

What is the typical payback period?

Accepted Answer

Payback periods typically range from 8–18 months depending on facility size and local water rates. The Willowood Portfolio achieved 473% ROI in early M&V results. For a 200-unit multifamily property spending $12,000/month on water and sewer, a 20% reduction saves $28,800/year — with a payback period under 12 months.

Question 8

Does Smart Valve™ also reduce my sewer bill?

Accepted Answer

Some municipalities calculate a variable sewer charge from water-meter usage. A lower reading may lower that variable charge, but fixed fees, minimums, tiers, averages, caps, and separate sewer meters can produce a different result.

Question 9

How long does installation take?

Accepted Answer

The planned installation shutdown is confirmed with the site. A licensed plumber installs Smart Valve™ after the water meter on the customer's side. Later external adjustments can be made without a shutdown; timing is project-specific.

Question 10

Is Smart Valve™ certified for potable water systems?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Smart Valve™ holds NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 (drinking water system components) and NSF/ANSI 372 (lead-free compliance) certifications, and is also IAPMO listed, meeting regulatory requirements across North America. These certifications are required for use in hospitals, schools, food service facilities, and any potable water application.

Question 11

Who manufactures Smart Valve™?

Accepted Answer

Smart Valve™ is a U.S.-manufactured device designed, patented, and built by Flow Dynamics — the U.S. manufacturer and patent holder. American Water Savings (AWS) is the authorized U.S. distributor and program partner, and Perfect Water Valve is the customer-facing sales and installation partner.

Question 12

Where does Smart Valve™ install in my plumbing system?

Accepted Answer

Smart Valve™ installs on the client side of your main water meter — after the meter, before any pressure reducer or booster pump. This single installation point covers your entire facility. No changes to individual fixtures, units, or equipment are required.

Question 13

What types of commercial properties does Perfect Water Valve serve?

Accepted Answer

Perfect Water Valve serves hotels and resorts, data centers, hospitals and healthcare facilities, multifamily residential buildings, car washes, golf courses, industrial facilities, commercial office buildings, schools and universities, and institutional properties across all 50 states.

Question 14

What is the minimum water bill to qualify?

Accepted Answer

The minimum qualifying water and sewer bill is $5,000/month. Properties below this threshold typically do not generate sufficient savings to justify the program cost. Most commercial properties with 50+ units, 100+ hotel rooms, or significant industrial water use easily exceed this threshold.

Question 15

Does Smart Valve™ work on well water systems?

Accepted Answer

Smart Valve™ installs on municipal (metered) water supply lines. If your property uses well water for irrigation but has a municipal meter for the building, Smart Valve™ installs on the municipal meter. If your irrigation is also on a municipal meter, that meter qualifies as well.

Question 16

Can Smart Valve™ be installed on multiple meters at one property?

Accepted Answer

Smart Valve™ can be considered for each qualifying meter at a property. Properties with multiple meters should confirm site suitability and project terms for each meter; published portfolio results vary by period and method.

Question 17

How are savings measured and verified?

Accepted Answer

Measurement methods, reporting periods, and available evidence vary by project. Review the selected customer result or published case study for its source, method, and period.

Question 18

Where can I review customer results?

Accepted Answer

Explore selected customer results and published case studies. Sources, reporting periods, and measurement details vary by project.

Question 19

How is Smart Valve™ different from low-flow fixtures or aerators?

Accepted Answer

Smart Valve™ is installed after the water meter and helps keep entrained air compressed through the meter while moderating pressure and flow fluctuations. It does not remove air or treat water; site suitability and pressure effects should be confirmed for each property.

Question 20

How does Smart Valve™ compare to a water audit?

Accepted Answer

A water audit identifies where water is being wasted — Smart Valve™ fixes the most common cause of meter overcharging immediately. They are complementary, not competing approaches. Most properties pursue a water audit after seeing Smart Valve™ results to identify additional savings opportunities beyond meter-level air correction.

Question 21

Is Smart Valve™ available in my state?

Accepted Answer

Smart Valve™ is available in all 50 U.S. states and Canada. Installation is handled by AWS-certified technicians who travel to your property — no local contractor is required. Contact us to confirm scheduling availability and lead time in your market.

Question 22

Does Smart Valve™ qualify for utility rebates or green building credits?

Accepted Answer

Do not assume rebate or credit eligibility. Check directly with the utility or program administrator; project reporting does not itself confer a rebate, credit, audit, or certification.

Smart Valve™ FAQ

How It Works

Savings & Guarantee

Installation & Certification

Industries & Eligibility

Measurement & Verification

Comparisons & Availability

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