After seeing so many friends and relatives deal with the consequence of devastating home water leaks I decided to install a system in my home to shut off water coming into the house if a leak is detected at any water using fixture.  A friend was telling me about his neighbor’s recent flood so I told him about my system and offered to install a system like mine in his home.  While installing my friend’s system I thought “this could be a business.”

 

The system consists of wireless water sensors placed throughout the home.  They communicate directly to a valve controller, a “hub” which communicates the status of the system to your smartphone, and other devices.  A plumber installs an automatic valve on the main water line coming into the house.  An audible alarm is available and the system can be interfaced to your alarm system which may qualify you for a further discount on your homeowner’s insurance.  A controller which shuts off your hot water recirculation pump when the system is activated is also available.

 

Each sensor is labelled with its location and all the sensors are linked to the hub and valve controller.  If the system is activated you receive an email and a push notification on your phone which tells you which water sensor detected water.  The master valve automatically closes preventing more water from coming into the home.  

 

Determine the cause of the leak and if it can not be immediately corrected simply close the shutoff valve located at each plumbing fixture.  Push the button on the leak detector to reset it and restore water to the home, turn off the audible alarm and turn on the hot water recirculation pump.

 

A clear manual is included with instructions on what to do if the system is activated, including how to turn off water to a specific fixture so water can be restored to the rest of the house.

 

Check with your insurance carrier to see if they offer discounts for leak detection/flood prevention systems.