Water Flow Leak Detectors and Shutoff Valves
Damage to homes caused by burst piping is an expensive problem to fix.
By the time a homeowner returns to discover the problem, hundreds of
gallons may have flooded the home. Often the cost to fix the pipe isn't
as much as the cost of repairs to the surrounding building materials
and personal belongings.
Automatic shutoff valves are available to prevent extensive water
damage from plumbing failures. These valves use sensors to control
water flow and avoid flooding caused by the domestic water supply.
There are two types of systems. Whole house systems are designed to
turn off the water near the service valve to completely stop the flow
of water to every faucet and pipe in the home once a leak is detected.
Other systems are designed to be used with a specific appliance, such
as a washing machine, dishwasher, or ice machine.
Each system uses a sensing device to determine the presence of a leak.
These sensing devices can be an integral component, wired directly or
wirelessly to communicate with the shutoff valve. One type of sensor is
placed in an area where water from a leak might flow; for instance, on
the floor beside the washing machine. Other sensing devices may measure
the rate or duration of water flow, or detect the operation of the
appliance to activate the valve.
Installation
Basic plumbing skills are required to install the system. Most systems
have been designed to adapt to existing plumbing systems, and use
electricity to supply power to the sensing units or to activate the
valves.
Limitations
For accurate detection, systems that use remote moisture sensing units
rely on placing the unit in a location most likely to flood if a water
line breaks. Units that use flow amounts to detect a break must use a
bypass function to prevent automatic shut-off if an activity, such as
watering the lawn, uses a large amount of water.
Code/Regulatory
The International Residential Code section P2903.9.1 requires a service
shutoff valve, although it does not specifically state what type of
valve is required. Section P2903.9.3 allows for a shutoff valve at each
plumbing fixture.
Availability
The valves may be purchased from a local plumbing supply distributor or, in some cases, directly from the manufacturer.
