{"id":3795,"date":"2013-12-13T11:00:34","date_gmt":"2013-12-13T16:00:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/?p=3795"},"modified":"2016-10-13T17:06:30","modified_gmt":"2016-10-13T21:06:30","slug":"a-buyers-guide-to-affordable-water-alarms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/a-buyers-guide-to-affordable-water-alarms\/","title":{"rendered":"A Buyer\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s Guide to Affordable Water Alarms"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Even if your home insurance policy covers most types of water damage, using a water alarm in potentially leaky places is one of the most effective ways to prevent mold, mildew and serious water damage.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Experience shows that a few strategically placed water alarms around your house or apartment are well worth the investment.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 In fact, you don\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2t even have to spend a lot of money!\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Here\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s a guide on using a water alarm and a list of some of the most effective and inexpensive water alarms on the market today.<a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-194-simple-water-alarms.aspx');\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-194-simple-water-alarms.aspx\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-3800\" style=\"margin: 10px;\" title=\"Use a water alarm to avoid catastrophic damage from leaks\" src=\"http:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/leaky-plumbing.jpg\" alt=\"water alarms and flood protection devices\" width=\"381\" height=\"359\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong><em>Where to Use a Water Alarm<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Place water alarms in areas of the house that are susceptible to leaks from \u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c5\u201cnatural causes\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c2\u009d (such as rain, melting snow and ice, freezing temperatures or rising ground water).\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 The attic, basement, crawlspace and garage are typically vulnerable locations.<\/p>\n<p>Water alarms should also be used where there is old plumbing and leak-prone appliances, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Hot water heaters<\/li>\n<li>Washing machines<\/li>\n<li>Toilets<\/li>\n<li>Refrigerators and icemakers<\/li>\n<li>Whole house humidifiers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><em>Water Alarm with \u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c5\u201cLocal\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c2\u009d Alerting<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A water alarm with \u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c5\u201clocal\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c2\u009d alerting (e.g., a <b>siren or loud ringing or beeping<\/b>) gives the homeowner an early head\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s up that there\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s a water problem.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 The water alarm (or its sensor) sits on the floor next to a leak-prone appliance or in a vulnerable area of the house. When its moisture sensors get wet, a loud alarm is sounded. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Alkaline batteries power most local alert water alarms.<\/p>\n<p><i><strong>Key Benefits:<\/strong> \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Inexpensive (most under $50); easy to set up; sirening as loud as 130 dB.<\/i><\/p>\n<p><i><strong>Disadvantages:<\/strong> \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Need one alarm (or sensor) for every location\/appliance; someone needs to be present to hear the siren and react.<\/i><\/p>\n<p><b>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<h5><b>Popular Models with Local Alerting<\/b><\/h5>\n<p><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-6025-watersiren-plus-waterflood-sensor.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-6025-watersiren-plus-waterflood-sensor.aspx\" target=\"_blank\"><b><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright\" style=\"margin: 10px;\" title=\"WaterSiren Plus sounds an alarm and an auxiliary alarm contact output\" src=\"https:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/images\/Product\/medium\/control_products_WS-04.jpg\" alt=\"WaterSiren Plus - Water\/Flood Sensor\" width=\"131\" height=\"114\" \/>WaterSiren Plus<\/b><\/a><b> <\/b>\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u20ac\u0153 Alarm unit can be placed directly on the floor or mounted on the wall with the sensor positioned where needed.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 The sensor is attached to a 6-foot wire so it works well in places that are hard to reach. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0This water alarm can also be used to\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0close (or open) an alarm contact which can trigger an alarm system or a telephone dialer.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b><b><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8529-the-square-water-alarm.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8529-the-square-water-alarm.aspx\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright\" style=\"margin: 10px;\" title=\"The Square Water Alarm only draws current from its 9-V battery when alarming\" src=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/images\/product\/medium\/8529_1_.jpg\" alt=\"Square Water Alarm\" width=\"140\" height=\"140\" \/><\/a><\/b><\/b><b><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8529-the-square-water-alarm.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8529-the-square-water-alarm.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">Square Water Alarm<\/a><\/b> \u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u20ac\u0153 Low profile, anti-tip design.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Has two expansion ports for connecting an unlimited number of <strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-6551-water-alarm-sensor-pad-adjustable-stand.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-6551-water-alarm-sensor-pad-adjustable-stand.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">additional remote sensors<\/a><\/strong>.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Alarms at 110+ dB for up to 72 hours.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Size:\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 3-1\/4\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c2\u009d square.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-9524-the-flood-screamer-wireless-water-alarm-system.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-9524-the-flood-screamer-wireless-water-alarm-system.aspx\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright\" title=\"The Flood Screamer Wireless Water Alarm Control Kit is the easiest wireless water alarm system to use on the market.\" src=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/images\/product\/medium\/9524_1_.jpg\" alt=\"The Flood Screamer Wireless Water Alarm System\" width=\"133\" height=\"133\" \/><\/a><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-9524-the-flood-screamer-wireless-water-alarm-system.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-9524-the-flood-screamer-wireless-water-alarm-system.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">The Flood Screamer<\/a>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0<\/strong>&#8212; \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Easy-to-use\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0central monitoring system that supports up to 32 water &#8220;pucks&#8221; (sensors). \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Place water pucks or other sensors in strategic locations where water damage may occur. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0In the presence of moisture, water pucks send a wireless signal to the Flood Screamer which alerts you of the problem by sounding a 130dB siren. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0LED display indicates which zone the event occurred in so it can be easily located.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><em>Water Alarms with \u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c5\u201cRemote\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c2\u009d Alerts<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>For homeowners who want to be <b>notified of a water problem when they\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2re not home<\/b>, there are water alarms that send out alarm alerts via a phone call, text message and\/or email when there\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s a water problem at the house.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Remote alerting is a very useful feature to protect an unoccupied vacation home. Some models also sound a siren so anyone who is in the house will also be alerted.<\/p>\n<p><i><i><strong>Key Benefits:<\/strong> \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0<\/i>Great for remotely monitoring vacant homes; many are multi-functional and can monitor for freezing temperatures and other conditions; easy to set up.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 <\/i><\/p>\n<p><i><i><strong>Disadvantages:<\/strong> \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0<\/i>Need a mode of communications at the site (e.g., landline phone, cellular service, Internet service and router); more expensive than a water alarm with local alerting.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 <\/i><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h5><b>Popular Models with Remote Alerting<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/b><\/h5>\n<p><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8528-uncle-alberts-wireless-water-and-freeze-alarm-dialer.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8528-uncle-alberts-wireless-water-and-freeze-alarm-dialer.aspx\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Uncle Albert Wireless Freeze and Water Alarm<\/b><\/a><b>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0<\/b>\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u20ac\u0153 Monitors for water and freezing temperatures and <b>calls up to 6 different phone numbers<\/b> if there is a problem.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Comes with one leak sensor and one freeze sensor, a wireless transmitter for each, and an alarm dialer.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 A local audible alarm also sounds. <b>Note:<\/b>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Dialer needs landline phone service or a cellular terminal to make calls.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8145-la-crosse-alerts-online-water-leak-detector-with-temp-humidity-system.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8145-la-crosse-alerts-online-water-leak-detector-with-temp-humidity-system.aspx\" target=\"_blank\"><b><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright\" style=\"margin: 10px;\" title=\"The LaCrosse water alarm detects water presence and also monitors air temperature and humidity\" src=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/images\/Product\/medium\/8145.jpg\" alt=\"La Crosse Alerts Online Water Leak Detector with Temp.\/ Humidity System\" width=\"225\" height=\"225\" \/>La Crosse Alerts Online Water Leak Detector with Temperature \/ Humidity System<\/b><\/a>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 &#8212; This system lets you use your smartphone, tablet or computer to <b>receive text message or email alerts<\/b> to monitor for water leaks plus high or low temperature and humidity levels that could lead to frozen pipes and mold.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Powered by alkaline batteries.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 <b>Note:<\/b> Gateway must be connected to an Internet router.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8205-diy-cellular-alarm-for-homes.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8205-diy-cellular-alarm-for-homes.aspx\" target=\"_blank\"><b>DIY Cellular Alarm<\/b><b>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0for Homes<\/b><\/a>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u20ac\u0153 A dual-sensor alarm that\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0<b>sends text message notifications<\/b>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0to your cell phone or mobile device for power outages and two other conditions.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 The system comes with one water sensor and one sumpbobber, but you can swap for any of the optional sensors to monitor for things like temperature, humidity and smoke.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0<b>Note:<\/b>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Requires Verizon cellular signal at the site.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 First year of service is discounted by 50%.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong><em>Flood Protection for Specific Appliances<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>A water alarm is a good tool to receive early notifications of leaks so you can remedy the situation before there\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s extensive damage.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 However, if you want to <b>prevent water leaks or floods<\/b>, there are a few affordable single-appliance devices that turn off the water supply automatically when that appliance malfunctions.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-285-floodsafe.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-285-floodsafe.aspx\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright\" style=\"margin: 10px;\" title=\"FloodSafe\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00ae hoses detect water flow over the preset rate and automatically shut off the flow of water \" src=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/images\/Product\/medium\/7100.jpg\" alt=\"Watts FloodSafe 72 in Dishwasher Connector FSD72\" width=\"160\" height=\"160\" \/><\/a><\/b><\/p>\n<p><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-285-floodsafe.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-285-floodsafe.aspx\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Watts FloodSafe Auto-Shutoff Connector Hoses<\/b><\/a><b> <\/b>\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u20ac\u0153 These patented shutoff hoses protect against catastrophic water damage by turning off the water supply to the appliance as soon as excess water flow is sensed, as shown in <strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=4fpb-q8Is7w');\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=4fpb-q8Is7w\" target=\"_blank\">this video<\/a><\/strong>. There are no mechanical moving parts during normal operation and no power source is required.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Braided stainless steel FloodSafe hoses are available for:\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 <strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-7106-watts-floodsafe-60-in-washing-machine-connector-2-pack.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-7106-watts-floodsafe-60-in-washing-machine-connector-2-pack.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">washing machines<\/a>; <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-7100-watts-floodsafe-72-in-dishwasher-connector-fsd72.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-7100-watts-floodsafe-72-in-dishwasher-connector-fsd72.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">dishwashers<\/a>; <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-7102-watts-floodsafe-faucet-connector-38od-x-12-fip-12-length.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-7102-watts-floodsafe-faucet-connector-38od-x-12-fip-12-length.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">faucets<\/a>; <\/strong>and\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0<strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-7103-watts-floodsafe-toilet-connector-38od-x-78bc-12-length.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-7103-watts-floodsafe-toilet-connector-38od-x-78bc-12-length.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">toilets<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong><em>Beyond Water Alarms<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Individual water alarms work well and are priced to fit everyone\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s budget, but if you want additional peace-of-mind and protection against potential water damage, consider getting a system that provides <b>whole-house protection<\/b>. For information on the various wired and wireless models available, including new wireless Z-Wave technology, go to this\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0<strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/t-automatic-water-shut-off-valves.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/t-automatic-water-shut-off-valves.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">comparison chart of automatic water shut off valves<\/a><\/strong> and look for systems labeled \u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c5\u201cWhole House.\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c2\u009d<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Even if your home insurance policy covers most types of water damage, using a water alarm in potentially leaky places is one of the most effective ways to prevent mold, mildew and serious water damage.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Experience shows that a few strategically placed water alarms around&hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/a-buyers-guide-to-affordable-water-alarms\/\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":3822,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[32,10,9],"tags":[531,474,441,367,100,101,12,138,529,253,530,25],"class_list":["post-3795","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-flood-intervention","category-freeze-alarms-heat-alarms","category-home-monitoring-security","tag-auto-shutoff-hoses","tag-automatic-water-shutoff-hoses","tag-cellular-alarm","tag-cellular-auto-dialer","tag-flood-prevention","tag-flood-protection","tag-freeze-alarm","tag-internet-enabled-alarm","tag-phone-dialer","tag-temperature-and-humidity-sensor","tag-toilet-water-alarm","tag-water-alarms","clearfix"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3795","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3795"}],"version-history":[{"count":29,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3795\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7988,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3795\/revisions\/7988"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3822"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3795"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3795"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3795"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}