How to protect your house from flooding

resulting from an accidental under-sink hose break?

One proven solution is a sensor driven motorized water shutoff valve for the entire home. Water sensors are located under all sources of potential water leaks; sinks, washing machine, behind toilets, by refrigerators with ice-makers, and by dishwashers for example. If a sensor detects water underneath its 'feet' it signals the valve to shut off all water to the home. This valve does not effect the fire suppression sprinkler system.

The wireless sensors and the main shutoff valve are linked via a wi-fi connected hub. A phone app will alert you to leaks as they occur, the status of the main shutoff valve, and the status of components battery levels. The app also allows the user to open and close the valve independent of the sensors' status.

One valve manufacturer that has good reviews for product quality is Yolink. The sensors and valve are powered by AAA and AA batteries respectively. There is no subscription charge for the app's web service.

The sensors and the valve can be separately direct-linked wirelessly to each other bypassing the need for the hub. This is handy if there is a loss of wi-fi and home power. The batteries are expected to last 2 years with alkaline batteries or 5 years with lithium (non-rechargeable) batteries.

There are two styles of motorized shutoff valves. One is inserted inline with your mail water supply line. See the image below. It is important to purchase a valve that has the same pipe diameter as the water line for which it will be inserted. Most of our homes are likely 1-1/4" lines. This work requires a professional plumber. Another valve option clamps onto an existing line, sits over top of an existing quarter-turn ball valve and rotates this existing valve as needed. This could be install by DIY and avoid the cost of a plumber. Oddly this second option costs more and the price difference probably argues for having a plumber insert the in-line valve, the option that has less opportunity for mischief. Both valve types have manual open and close operation if needed.

Some home insurance companies will provide a premium discount with a motorized water shutoff system, however they probably will want to see a receipt for the professional plumber installation.

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