Frequently Asked Questions

For first time use, prime the unit:

• If your unit has a black rubber valve in the water reservoir, ensure that the black valve is installed with the dome side facing up and the four-pronged side facing down to connect with the base of the unit.
• Fill reservoir at least half-full of water. Ensure the reservoir is firmly seated onto the base of the unit. Press down firmly to engage the reservoir to the base of the unit.
• Confirm the unit is plugged into an active electrical outlet.
• Set the Water Flosser to the highest pressure setting, and if the handle has an on/off slide switch, make sure it is in the ON position. Then point the handle downward towards the sink and turn the unit on; this generally starts the flow of water within 30 seconds.
• If this process fails to start the flow of water, insert a jet tip and gently draw on the tip as you would a drinking straw.

Drop in pressure or flow:

• It is recommended that when applicable, you replace tips every 3-6 months. (Consult the instruction manual for specific replacement information for each tip.)
• Add 2 tablespoons of white vinegar to a full reservoir of warm water.
  • If your tip is removable, remove the tip, set pressure control dial to high, place the handle in the sink.
  • With the unit in the OFF position, allow gravity to drain the vinegar solution through the Water Flosser.
  • Rinse by repeating with a full reservoir of clean warm water.

The warranty statement for each model is located in the instruction manual. A dated sales receipt is required for warranty validation:

Instruction Manuals

The most common reason for little or no water flow is a clogged jet tip. You can troubleshoot this condition by removing the jet tip and observing if water bubbles up from the top when the device is powered on.

• To remove the tip, press the Tip Eject button (refer to your owner's manual if needed).
• To clean the tip, soak it in a container of hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar for 5-7 minutes. Rinse the tip under warm water.

To learn how to clean your Water Flosser, see How to Clean a Waterpik® Water Flosser, which includes an instructional video.

Mouthwash or other recommended antibacterial solutions can be used in our Water Flossers. We recommend using no more than a 1:1 ratio of solution to water. After using additives, run at least one-half reservoir of plain water through the unit to flush the water pathway.

Do not use mouthwashes or additives that contain iodine, peroxide, baking soda, or water-insoluble concentrated oils (such as Tea Tree Oil). Use of these items can reduce the product performance and will shorten the life of the unit.

Do not use a salt/saline solution in any handheld cordless unit.

If additives are being used, it is highly recommended that the cleaning procedure is done at least once a month.

We recommend using the Water Flosser prior to toothbrushing:

• Removing food and debris enhances the effectiveness of both toothbrushing and toothpaste
• Water Flossing first helps create a good oral health routine
• Seeing the food and debris that the Water Flosser removes can help motivate you to Water Floss daily

For Cordless and Cordless Plus models:

To maximize the capacity and life of the rechargeable batteries, give the unit a full charge (24 hours) prior to the first use. Do not use the unit with the charger pin engaged. For extended battery life, the battery should be charged at least 8-10 hours after 7-10 reservoirs of water. Do not allow the product to completely discharge.

Fully charge the unit before extended periods of no use. The battery will bleed down its charge in 6-9 months. We recommend fully charging every month when the unit is in storage.

For Cordless Advanced and Cordless Select models:

To maximize the capacity and life of the rechargeable batteries, give the unit a full charge (4 hours) prior to the first use. The unit should be charged 3-4 hours when the indicator light indicates that the unit needs to be charged.

Fully charge the unit before extended periods of no use. We recommend fully charging every month when the unit is in storage.

For ION models:

Plug the power supply into the wall outlet and connect the magnetic plug to the unit for approximately 4.5-5 hours. When the batteries are in need of charging the charge indicator light will blink 3 times quickly. A complete recharge will take 4.5-5 hours.

Our Cordless Advanced Water Flosser, Cordless Select Water Flosser, ION Professional Water Flosser, and ION Water Flosser models feature a charge indicator light.

The Sonic-Fusion^® handle connects wirelessly to the base. Place the handle briefly in the charging base to ensure wireless communication is established. For additional details and video, see our Sonic-Fusion^® Floss Mode Troubleshooting Article.

General instructions and a how to video are available:

How to Water Floss

Our quick start guides and manuals for each unit provide detailed instructions:

Quick Start Guides & Instruction Manuals

Here is a link to the manuals for our current models:

Quick Start Guides & Instruction Manuals

View our Tips & Accessories page to see availability at retailers and online stores.

View Tips and Accessories

Replacement parts are available from the Waterpik® Online Store:

Shop for Replacement Parts

You can also view our Replacement Parts page to get help with finding the replacement part you need.

The hose and handle assembly kit is available for most models through our online store. To locate your product's model number, look for letters such as "WP", "WF", or "CC" on the bottom of the unit.

Please follow the link below to view available parts and for information about purchasing:

•  View all replacement hose/handle kits

Water Flosser products are not intended to store liquid between uses - ensure your product is emptied after each use.

If your unit has a black rubber valve plugging the bottom of the reservoir tank:

• Remove the black rubber valve from the water tank by pushing it out from the bottom.
• Run the valve under warm water and massage with your fingers.
• Return the black valve to the tank. Ensure the dome side is facing up and the four-prong side is showing on the bottom.
• If the valve continues to leak, you may need to replace it. For additional details, see our Reservoir Valve Article.

You can find where to buy details on our Shop Products pages.

Click on an individual product’s Shop Now or Where To Buy button to find retailers and availability.

View all Oral Health Products

Certain products may also be available from your dental professional.

To learn more about the Sonic-Fusion^®, visit our Sonic-Fusion^® FAQs.