{"id":3851,"date":"2014-01-03T11:00:07","date_gmt":"2014-01-03T16:00:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/?p=3851"},"modified":"2016-03-11T16:02:59","modified_gmt":"2016-03-11T21:02:59","slug":"how-to-protect-your-home-from-costly-water-leaks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/how-to-protect-your-home-from-costly-water-leaks\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Protect Your Home from Costly Water Leaks"},"content":{"rendered":"

Will your homeowner\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s insurance policy pay for damage done to your home caused by a water leak? \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Most homeowner\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s policies will<\/i> cover water damage caused by sudden or accidental natural or man-made events<\/a><\/strong>, like a defective washing machine, but many policies will not<\/i> pay for damage resulting from improper maintenance.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 And, even if your insurance company does cover most water leaks, your annual premium is likely to increase if you put in a claim.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Either way, it\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s not exactly a win-win scenario for the homeowner!
\n\"Automatic<\/a><\/p>\n

One way to prevent catastrophic water leaks and avoid having to tangle with your insurance company is to install an automatic water shutoff valve that turns off the water supply before damage is done<\/strong>.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 These valves work around the clock whether you are home or not.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 There are several types of automatic water shutoff valves<\/a><\/strong>.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Here\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s how to choose the right one for your home.
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Whole House or Single Appliance?<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n

There are two basic automatic water shutoff valve systems:\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 \u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c5\u201cwhole house\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c2\u009d and \u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c5\u201csingle appliance.\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c2\u009d<\/p>\n

Whole House Systems:<\/em>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 <\/b><\/h5>\n

If a leak is detected, this type of automatic water shutoff valve turns off the main water supply line <\/b>so the entire house is protected, regardless of where the source of the leak is.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 <\/b><\/p>\n

Most whole house systems use sensors that are placed where leaks are likely to occur, like next to an appliance or in the basement or garage. Other systems, like the one by FloLogic, use a \u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c5\u201cflow meter\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c2\u009d that monitors the level of water coming into the house and shuts it off if the flow exceeds a preset limit.<\/p>\n

Recommended whole house systems:<\/b><\/span>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 FloLogic<\/a>; WaterCop<\/a>; FloodMaster<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"Watts<\/a><\/p>\n

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Single Appliance Systems:<\/em>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0<\/b><\/h5>\n

This type of automatic water shutoff valve monitors a single appliance \u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u20ac\u0153 such as a hot water heater, washing machine or dishwasher \u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u20ac\u0153 and turns off the water supply going specifically to that appliance<\/b> if it is leaking.<\/b><\/p>\n

Most single appliance water shutoff valves use a sensor that is placed near or under the appliance.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 For a non-mechanical solution, Watts FloodSafe offers a line of stainless steel connector hoses<\/a><\/strong> that automatically shut off the water supply to plumbing fixtures\/appliances if excess water flow is sensed.<\/p>\n

Recommended single appliance systems: <\/b><\/span>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Watts FloodSafe for water heaters<\/a>; FloodMaster Washing Machine Leak Detection & Water Supply Shut-Off System<\/a>;\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Floodmaster Water Heater Leak Detection\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0System<\/a>; Watts IntelliFlow Automatic Washing Machine Shutoff Valve<\/a>; WaterCop Leakstop for any appliance<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Buying Tip:<\/b>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 For high-end homes or vacation homes that are left vacant for long periods of time, a whole house system is a good investment for overall protection and peace-of-mind.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 If your home has older or leak-prone appliances that you\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2re concerned about, a single appliance shutoff valve is a cost-effective way to prevent damage from localized leaks.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Wired or Wireless Sensors?<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Both whole house and single appliance water shutoff valve systems are available with wired or wireless moisture sensors.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 There are advantages to both types.\"WaterCop<\/a><\/p>\n

Many homeowners prefer wired sensors<\/b> because they want a reliable, secure connection that doesn\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2t need its own power supply and isn\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2t vulnerable to any radio signal interference.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 However, wired sensors can be more difficult to install, especially in older homes, and the system may accept fewer sensors.<\/p>\n

Wireless sensors<\/b> are easier to install and position where you need them because there is no electrical wiring to do.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 It\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s also easy to expand coverage by adding more sensors.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 And if you relocate, you can take your wireless system with you. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Wireless sensors are battery-powered, so the batteries may need to be replaced annually, and some homeowners do not want that extra maintenance.<\/p>\n

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Buying Tip:<\/b>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 For an overview of different wired and wireless systems, go to this Automatic Water Shut Off Valves Comparison Chart<\/a><\/strong> and reference the line called \u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c5\u201cSensor Communication.\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c2\u009d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Unique Features Users Like Most<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Certain automatic water shutoff valve models have unique features that appeal to many homeowners.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Here are a few of the most popular features amongst our buyers:<\/p>\n

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On\/Off Remote Control:<\/b><\/em><\/h5>\n

This is a popular feature for homeowners who want to be able to turn the water main on and off easily using a remote control. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Vacation homeowners in particular like this capability so they can shut down the entire plumbing system easily.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 The WaterCop system offers two options:<\/p>\n