Prevent Flooding in Your Home
An automatic water shut off valve controls a single water line or the whole house’s water supply to shut the water flow off to the line using a shutoff valve. It is triggered by a water sensor placed on the floor to detect water leaks near appliances that use water. It may be your refrigerator, ice machine, washing machine, toilet, or dishwasher that all use water.
How It Works
The system uses a control panel that plugs into a standard outlet in your home. By using a transformer to supply power to control the valve or valves, the system is an automatic watchdog for you and your home. It uses a sensor that is placed on the floor in the general area of the appliance that will detect a leak and send an electrical signal to a control unit that activates a magnetic shutoff valve. This valve closes and stops the flow of water through the line to the appliance. The valve is connected to the waterline that it is to protect.
Things to Consider
Although you may be home to detect such a leak, you may also be gone from your home for long periods of time or away from vacation when an undetected leak can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars of damage to your home.
Peace of Mind
If you want to install a whole-house system, it is available. This type of system incorporates many sensors throughout the home that are connected to a single water shutoff valve connected to the incoming water line of the house. If any leak is detected by any of the sensors, the water supply is shut off. If you want to know your home is protected from unwanted water leaks and damage, this is the system for you! A small investment now can save you a lot later. Are you ready for an automatic water shutoff valve?
Keep in Mind
In general, water damage from a burst pipe inside your home will be covered by a standard homeowners' insurance policy. If an outside pipe bursts and causes damage that should be covered, too, though you must be able to demonstrate that the damage did indeed come from the burst pipe. If the insurer concludes that poor drainage - a noncovered maintenance problem - was the real culprit, your claim may be denied. Your water-damage claim also might be denied if your insurer concludes that you are responsible for the pipe bursting in the first place.
Most pipes that burst do so because they freeze. If you left your home unheated during freezing weather, your insurer can cite your negligence as a reason for denying your claim. Even if your insurer does pay for the water damage, it may refuse to pay to repair the pipe itself. Insurance doesn't cover normal wear and tear on a home. If the pipe burst simply because it was old and corroded, or because it was attached to an appliance that malfunctioned, that might count as normal wear and tear. Your personal insurance agent can answer specific questions regarding your own home, coverage’s and limitations.
Maintenance Tips:
Turn Valves On and Off
Turn main water supply and fixture valves on and off periodically to make sure they don't get stuck. You want to be sure you're never in the position of not being able to turn your water supply off during an emergency or home plumbing repair.
Repair Leaking Faucets
Leaking faucets are not only a nuisance, they can also cause gallons of water to be wasted over time. Leaking faucets with washer fittings can be fixed by replacing the washer. If you have a faucet that doesn't use a washer, check the faucet's manual or consult a specialist.
Inspect Pipes Annually
You should examine your distribution and drainage pipes for signs of leaks each year. You may find clues that your pipes are leaking along the length of the pipe or around fittings or fixtures. Signs of leaks may include rust, corrosion, and mineral deposits.
We Can Help
Hallway Plumbing LLC is committed to our customers. We would be happy to help you determine if an Automatic Water Shut Off System is the best option for you and your family. We are experts in our field and look forward to answering your questions. Give us a call at
864.801.9000 to set up a free phone consultation.