InFlow Troubleshooting & FAQ
Quick Troubleshooting Guide
InFlow won't charge / no red light on charger
Symptoms: Device doesn't illuminate red when placed on charger, tried multiple chargers and outlets with no success.
Step 1 — Check for moisture damage first. Look through the clear window on the back of the InFlow Cartridge. If you see cloudiness, water droplets, or a foggy appearance inside the plastic, humidity has built up internally and is preventing charging. This is the most common cause in units 12+ months old. Perform the humidity maintenance process before anything else.
Step 2 — Check charging connection. Ensure you're using the InFlow-provided charging base plugged directly into a wall outlet (not a USB port). Remove InFlow from the charger, wait 8 seconds, and reconnect. A solid red light should appear.
Step 3 — Check charge history. Has this unit charged successfully before? If yes and it's now unresponsive after trying the above steps, it likely needs a warranty replacement — contact support@intake.health.
How to diagnose moisture damage: Hold the cartridge up to a light source and look through the clear lens window on the back. A clear, undistorted view is normal. A cloudy, foggy, or visibly wet interior means moisture has accumulated and is likely causing the failure.
InFlow is not running tests / no light comes on
Most likely causes:
- Battery is dead. Check if InFlow flashes blue when disturbed. If so, charge it.
- Not installed vertically. InFlow must be mounted vertically so the cup fills and urine contacts the sensor pin.
- Cup is blocked or not filling. Make sure nothing is obstructing the cup opening.
- Suction cups have lost grip and InFlow shifted. Re-run suction cups under hot water and re-mount.
InFlow is flashing white lights
Cause: Device error — this can be caused by dropping InFlow, internal moisture/leak, or another malfunction.
Fix: Contact Intake Health support at support@intake.health. Do not attempt to open or repair the device.
InFlow flashes or doesn't illuminate steadily on charger
Cause: Poor wireless connection between the cartridge and the charging base.
Fix:
- Remove InFlow from the charger.
- Wait 8 seconds.
- Reconnect InFlow to the charger.
- Repeat until you see a solid red illumination (indicating it is charging properly).
- If the issue persists, ensure you are using the InFlow-provided charging base plugged directly into a wall outlet — not a USB port or non-provided adapter.
Suction cups are not staying on the urinal
Cause: Suction cups dry out and lose adhesion over time.
Fix: Run the suction cups under hot water for 30–60 seconds to make them soft and malleable, then press InFlow firmly against the urinal for several seconds. If suction cups are cracked or damaged, contact support for replacement parts.
InFlow seems to be giving inaccurate results
Possible causes:
- B vitamins / multivitamins: B vitamins make urine unusually bright yellow, which can cause InFlow to read as yellow or red even when adequately hydrated. Educate users to avoid taking multivitamins right before a test.
- Certain medications: Some chronic medications (particularly thyroid medications) can alter urine color. Consider using a urine refractometer as a supplement for these individuals.
- Menstrual blood: Can affect optical readings. Users who are menstruating may choose to skip the test.
- Just drank a lot of water: Hydration takes 12–24 hours to build up. Drinking water right before a test won't produce a green result — this is normal physiology, not a device error.
- Unit needs humidity maintenance: Internal moisture can affect sensor performance. See Charging & Maintenance.
Battery life seems shorter than expected
Cause: Internal humidity buildup is the most common cause of reduced battery life.
Fix: Perform the humidity maintenance process using the desiccant kit. This can often fully restore battery life.
An InFlow that seemed "dead" won't revive
Try the humidity maintenance process first. Many units that appear dead are actually suffering from moisture buildup and can be fully revived with the desiccant kit treatment.
If the unit remains unresponsive after humidity maintenance and a full charge attempt, contact support@intake.health.
InFlow is stuck on a solid white light
Cause: A device locked on a constant (non-flashing) white light is in an error state — typically caused by an internal fault triggered during or after charging.
Fix: This usually requires a warranty replacement. Contact support@intake.health with your name, organization, and shipping address. Intake Health will send a replacement and include a prepaid return label.
What cleaners can I use near InFlow?
- Safe: Water (rinse weekly), non-HCL-based cleaners (rinse InFlow immediately after)
- Not safe: Any cleaner containing hydrochloric acid (HCL) — found in many commercial toilet bowl cleaners
- Not safe: Stiff-bristle brushes on the cartridge
Frequently Asked Questions
General
What does InFlow measure?
InFlow measures urine concentration using optical spectroscopy — analyzing how light interacts with the urine. This gives an accurate real-time read of hydration status, displayed as green (well hydrated), yellow (mildly dehydrated), or red (significantly dehydrated).
Is InFlow a medical device?
No. InFlow is a wellness and performance monitoring tool. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Is there an app?
The current InFlow provides instant visual feedback via LED light only — no companion app is required. Contact Intake Health for information on data integration and reporting options.
Does InFlow work for female athletes?
The current InFlow is designed for urinals, but many athletic trainers use it with female athletes by placing it in a sink with a cup. A dedicated toilet-mounted version (InLoo) is in development. Contact support@intake.health for updates.
Installation & Setup
How do I get InFlow to stick properly?
Run the suction cups under hot water for 30 seconds before mounting. Press firmly against the back of the urinal about 6 inches above the drain and hold for a few seconds.
Does InFlow need power or Wi-Fi?
No. InFlow is completely wireless and battery-powered. No wiring, no Wi-Fi, and no installation by facilities staff is needed.
Does it require plumbing modifications?
No. InFlow attaches using suction cups. No plumbing, drilling, or permanent modifications required.
How many InFlows do I need?
One per urinal for full coverage. Common starter configurations are 4 or 8 units.
Battery & Charging
How long does the battery last?
Approximately 4,000 tests per charge. In a busy locker room, that typically works out to every 3 to 8 weeks between charges.
How long does it take to charge?
Approximately 2 hours for a full charge.
Do I need to remove InFlow from the urinal to charge?
The InFlow Cup stays mounted. You only remove the InFlow Cartridge (sensor module), which detaches magnetically. Charge it and snap it back in.
What charger should I use?
Only the InFlow-provided wireless charging base and adapter plug. Plug it directly into a wall outlet — not a USB port or third-party adapter.
Maintenance
Does InFlow require a lot of maintenance?
Not much. Charge every 3–8 weeks and do a humidity reset every 3–6 months. If you prefer zero maintenance, consider the lease program.
Can I revive a unit that's been in a hot locker room all season?
Very likely yes. The humidity maintenance process can revive units that have been in humid environments for extended periods, even ones that appear dead.
Hydration Results
Why did my athletes all get red results after a road trip?
Check whether they were taking multivitamins or B-complex supplements. B vitamins cause bright yellow urine that can trigger yellow or red results even when hydrated.
One of my athletes always gets red. Why?
Most commonly caused by chronic medication — particularly thyroid medication — that alters urine color. Consider a urine refractometer as a supplement for those individuals.
Can athletes cheat the test by chugging water?
It won't help them. Hydration takes 12–24 hours to show up in urine. This is one of InFlow's best teaching moments: what urine shows right now reflects yesterday's habits, not the water they just drank.
Warranty & Replacements
What is the warranty?
InFlow units are covered under a 1-year warranty from date of purchase. If a unit fails during the warranty period, Intake Health will send a replacement at no charge.
How long do InFlow units last?
No consumable parts — most customers get 2+ seasons of use per unit. Budget for replacing a portion annually, not a full replacement.
How do I dispose of InFlow?
Do NOT throw InFlow in the trash. Lithium batteries can rupture or ignite. Contact support@intake.health for disposal instructions.
Contact & Support
Email support@intake.health or visit www.intake.health. We're happy to help with troubleshooting, maintenance, replacements, or any other questions.