Frequently Asked Questions - Waterpik™ Oral Care
Browse our FAQs or find parts and accessories.
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- General Information
- Use & Efficacy
- Maintenance
- Troubleshooting
- Ordering & Support
- Health & Safety
- Discontinued Products
General Information
Instruction manuals are available under the product information specific to your device and on our product manuals page:
Quick Start Guides & Instruction ManualsWATERPIK oral care products may be FSA/HSA eligible. Contact your plan administrator regarding eligibility.
Many cordless models are designed to be shower safe, but it's important to check the specifications of your specific model by consulting the manual included with your device or on the product detail page. You can also contact our customer service team.
Please visit the SONIC-FUSION product page for more information on use and troubleshooting or refer to the manual included with your device. You can find a digital version on our product manuals page.
A water flosser is an oral hygiene device that uses a stream of pulsating water to remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria from between teeth and under the gumline.
Use & Efficacy
WATERPIK water flossers effectively remove plaque and debris from between teeth and below the gumline, improving gum health and reducing the risk of gingivitis.
Yes, WATERPIK water flossers are effective in reducing plaque and improving gum health, as evidenced by various studies and dental professionals' endorsements.
Studies indicate that WATERPIK water flossers are effective in reducing plaque buildup and gingivitis, with some suggesting they may be more effective than string floss in certain aspects of oral hygiene.
While a WATERPIK water flosser can be an effective alternative, especially for those with braces or sensitive gums, dental professionals often recommend it as a complement to traditional string flossing rather than a complete replacement.
WATERPIK water flossers have been found to be very effective at removing plaque, with some studies suggesting they may be more efficient in certain cases due to their ability to reach difficult areas. Most dentists recommend supplementing the use of a WATERPIK water flosser with traditional string floss.
Yes, the stream of water can penetrate deep between teeth and below the gumline, areas that can be challenging for traditional floss to reach effectively.
Yes, by effectively removing plaque and bacteria from below the gumline, WATERPIK water flossers can help prevent the onset of gum disease and assist in managing existing conditions.
Water flossers are effective at removing plaque but cannot remove tartar; tartar removal requires professional dental cleaning.
You can water floss either before or after brushing.
Yes, we offer multiple tips designed to meet specific oral hygiene needs, focusing on deep cleaning and gentle gum stimulation to improve health. Review our Tips Guide for more information on tip options.
For best results, lean over a sink or waterproof surface and place the tip in your mouth before turning the device on. Start with the back teeth and work forward to front teeth, directing the flow of water along the gumline and pausing briefly between teeth. Continue until inside and outside of both upper and lower teeth have been cleaned. Experiment with different pressure settings and tip selections to optimize cleaning. Go to our How To Floss page to view an instruction video.
Daily use is recommended for optimal oral hygiene and to maximize the benefits for gum health and plaque removal.
Yes, although all you need for effectiveness is warm water, there are additives including certain types of mouthwash that are safe to use. Please consult your user manual for specific guidance to avoid damaging the unit. After use, rinse the unit by partially filling the reservoir with plain warm water and running it with the tip pointed into the sink. Do not use iodine, chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, or water insoluble essential oils in WATERPIK devices, as these may damage your device.
Please consult the product details for information on which products are suitable for international travel. You can filter the product list to show products with global voltage compatibility.
Yes, we offer a variety of tips for different dental needs. To switch tips, eject the current tip by holding the device over the sink and pressing the eject button. Once the old tip has been removed, insert the new tip until it clicks into place. Tips should be replaced approximately every 3-6 months for hygenic and performance reasons.
Charging procedure varies by model. Please consult the manual included with your device for further instructions. You can find a digital version on our product manuals page.
Charging procedure varies by model. Please consult the manual included with your device for further instructions. You can find a digital version on our product manuals page.
Charging procedure varies by model. Please consult the manual included with your device for further instructions. You can find a digital version on our product manuals page.
Fill the reservoir with water, select a high-pressure setting, and run the water flosser until water flows smoothly from the tip.
Check for blockages, ensure the reservoir is properly seated, and ensure the Water On/Off Switch (located on the handle assembly, if applicable) is in the 'On' position. If issues persist, consult the user manual or contact our customer service team.
Priming removes air from the pump and water line, ensuring the flosser works effectively and delivers a steady stream of water.
To eject the tip, press the tip eject button, usually located on the body of the handle. Make sure to hold the flosser over a sink to catch the tip safely.
Maintenance
Some models have non-replaceable rechargeable batteries designed for the lifetime of the product, and others may allow for battery replacement. Consult the user manual included with your device (view a digital version on our product manuals page) or contact our customer service team for model-specific information.
Some models have non-replaceable rechargeable batteries designed for the lifetime of the product, and others may allow for battery replacement (generally standard alkaline AA). Consult the user manual included with your device (view a digital version on our product manuals page) or contact our customer service team for model-specific information.
The battery life depends on the model and usage patterns, but on average, you can expect several years of life from your water flosser's rechargeable battery under normal use conditions.
Most rechargeable models include internal batteries that are not replaceable . Please contact our customer service team if your device is no longer working as expected.
To learn how to clean your water flosser, see How to Clean a WATERPIK Water Flosser, which includes an instructional video.
Yes, genuine WATERPIK parts and accessories are available on our eStore.
Replacement involves removing the reservoir and accessing the valve at the bottom or side, depending on the model. Refer to our reservoir valve replacement article for details and purchase information.
Contact our customer service team for assistance with repairs, guidance on warranty coverage, maintenance and repair or replacement options.
Most reservoirs can be lifted straight up from the base of the unit for cleaning or replacement. Some models might have a lock mechanism; refer to your user manual for specific instructions.
Instructions may vary based on your product model. Please consult the manual included with your device (digital versions here) or contact our customer service team for troubleshooting assistance.
Troubleshooting
The tip may be clogged or the eject mechanism could be jammed; consult the manual for troubleshooting or contact our customer service team.
Accumulation of residue or wear and tear could cause sticking; clean regularly and contact our customer service team if the issue persists.
Check the charger, outlet, and charging indicator light (when applicable); if problems persist, consult the product manual or contact customer service team.
Leaks may be due to a loose reservoir, damaged seals, worn parts, or water left in the reservoir between uses. Please visit our eStore to purchase replacement parts.
Leaks may be due to a loose reservoir, damaged seals, worn parts, or due to water left in the reservoir between uses. Make sure the reservoir is firmly seated when in use, and empty any remaining water from your product after each use. If the reservoir or other parts need to be replaced, please visit our eStore to purchase replacement parts.
WATERPIK water flossers typically produce a moderate sound level during operation, similar to an electric toothbrush. If the noise is significantly louder, it may indicate a need for maintenance.
A sudden increase in noise could be due to a blockage, air trapped in the unit, or a malfunction. Try cleaning the unit and ensuring it's properly assembled. Placing a towel or washcloth beneath the base of the unit may also help. If the issue persists, consult our customer service team.
Regular maintenance, including cleaning and descaling, can reduce noise. Placing a towel or washcloth beneath the base of the unit may also help. Some models also feature quiet operation modes; refer to your model's features for options.
Ensure the charger is plugged into a functioning outlet, the power handle and charger contacts are clean/free of debris, and charge the power handle for the 'initial use' charging duration described in the product manual. If issues persist contact our customer service team.
Ensure it's fully charged or properly plugged in. Check for any damage to the unit or power source. If problems persist contact our customer service team.
Please visit the SONIC-FUSION troubleshooting article for more information, or contact our customer service team.
Water flow issues can occur for a number of reasons, including mineral buildup or incorrectly installed tips. Please consult the manual included with your device or contact our customer service team for troubleshooting assistance.
Water flow issues can occur for a number of reasons, including mineral buildup or incorrectly installed tips. Please consult the manual included with your device or contact our customer service team for troubleshooting assistance.
Low water pressure can be caused by clogs in the tip or pump, low battery power in cordless models, or incorrect pressure settings. Please consult our troubleshooting article for more information. If you need additional assistance, consult the manual for your device or contact our customer service team.
Ordering & Support
Please visit our eStore for our current promotions and coupons.
Genuine WATERPIK brand water flossers, toothbrushes, parts, and accessories are available on our eStore. Our products are also available at many retailers both in store and online. Check the individual product’s detail page for availability at specific retailers.
Genuine WATERPIK brand parts and accessories are available on our eStore.
You can contact WATERPIK customer service via our live chat on the website (chat box pops up on every page), by calling our customer support number, or by using our contact form.
The model number is typically found on the bottom of the unit or in the original packaging and user manual.
Go to our registration form and register your product by entering the model number and your purchase information as prompted.
Contact the retailer where you purchased the product or contact our customer service team if you purchased directly from the WATERPIK eStore.
The refund processing time can vary depending on the retailer or WATERPIK's policies.
Return shipping policies vary. WATERPIK or the retailer may cover the cost for defective products or warranty returns, but check the specific return policy where you purchased the product.
Product warranties vary by device. Please review the product information for your model on the our website or consult the manual included with your purchase.
WATERPIK mail-in rebates are supported by our partner, Inmar. Please allow 8-10 weeks for the delivery of the rebate check once submitted. You may contact the USA rebate center by telephone or look up the status of the claim via their online portal:
877-322-8355
Inmar Rebate Center
Attn: Patient Brochure $5 MIR
P.O. Box 426013
Del Rio, TX 78842-6013
WATERPIK Rebate Center
Health & Safety
An independent toxicology lab in California with significant experience in California Proposition 65 compliance and chemical testing conducted tests of our water flosser products for compliance with California Proposition 65.
Test results indicated that no chemicals on the Proposition 65 list were detected or exceeded the Safe Harbor Limit; therefore, the Proposition 65 labeling is not applicable to our oral care products.
Although water flosser do not contain latex, they may be manufactured in facilities which also process goods or materials containing latex.
No, the water pathway for all WATERPIK water flossers is BPA Free.
WATERPIK whitening tablets include SLS as a surfactant. The FDA and EPA have found SLS to be safe for consumers, however we recommend against ingestion.
No, our oral care products are recommended for oral irrigation only. The use of our products for applications other than those specified in the instruction manual or the use of accessories which are not authorized by WATERPIK may damage the device and void warranty coverage.
Some WATERPIK devices contain small magnets, including the SONIC-FUSION flossing toothbrush and certain cordless models. All WATERPIK devices comply with the safety standards for electromagentic devices. For more information on health concerns pertaining to magnets, pacemakers or cochlear implants, please consult your physician.
Discontinued Products
Some older WATERPIK devices, including the WP-20, WP-30, and WP-32, have been retired, and replacement parts and accessories are no longer available. You can view our current products here and our tips & accessories here.
The PC-3000, PC-2000, DT-400, DT-300, SR-100, SR-200, SR-150, SR-400, SR-700, and SR-800 have been discontinued for many years. We have exhausted our inventory of replacement parts and brush heads for the above models. You can view our current products on this website.