Time for update: Water leak sensors?

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Old 02-23-2024, 11:33 AM
ElDiabloJoe ElDiabloJoe is offline
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Default Time for update: Water leak sensors?

It's been awhile (according to a forum search) since the topic of water leak sensors and house-valve remote shut-off's have been discussed. Since technology has advanced in many areas, I would like to get updated recommendations and thoughts from people about what devices they use, specifically when snow-birding.

I see Ring has a house valve remote shutoff, but they want $550 for it!!!! Their sensors are also a bit on the pricey side at $35-$40/each. I'm thinking I'd like about a half-dozen:

water heater
dishwasher
washing machine
under each toilet
kitchen sink
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Old 02-23-2024, 11:49 AM
retiredguy123 retiredguy123 is offline
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I am not a snowbird. I use the low tech 9-volt battery water alarms purchased from Amazon. I have one located under each toilet, sink, water heater, refrigerator, and washing machine. They make a loud noise, but you must be in the house to hear it. They have alerted me of two leaks within the past few years. I'm too cheap to buy the fancy wifi type.
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Old 02-23-2024, 11:53 AM
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Dusty_Star Dusty_Star is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ElDiabloJoe View Post
It's been awhile (according to a forum search) since the topic of water leak sensors and house-valve remote shut-off's have been discussed. Since technology has advanced in many areas, I would like to get updated recommendations and thoughts from people about what devices they use, specifically when snow-birding.

I see Ring has a house valve remote shutoff, but they want $550 for it!!!! Their sensors are also a bit on the pricey side at $35-$40/each. I'm thinking I'd like about a half-dozen:

water heater
dishwasher
washing machine
under each toilet
kitchen sink
Just to add to the list:
Refrigerator & or freezers (if you have an icemaker)
each sink: bathrooms, laundry room
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Old 02-24-2024, 08:49 AM
JGibson JGibson is offline
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Just change all the values in your house. Kitchens, bathrooms, etc. 90% of the time it's the values that fail.
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Old 02-24-2024, 09:28 AM
retiredguy123 retiredguy123 is offline
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Originally Posted by JGibson View Post
Just change all the values in your house. Kitchens, bathrooms, etc. 90% of the time it's the values that fail.
An overflowing toilet is a common cause of water leaks. I would not allow a home watch service to flush my toilets as part of their service. I have seen two houses totally destroyed because of this. When you leave the house for an extended period, turn off the main water valve and leave it off.
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Old 02-24-2024, 11:14 AM
jpvillager jpvillager is offline
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Replace your PVC main shout off with a brass one and use it.
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Old 02-24-2024, 01:58 PM
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If you're leaving town for an extended period of time, why wouldn't you just shut off the water at the main in the garage? The only thing with enough water in it to cause damage is the water heater tank. You could put one sensor under that and be safe. Or if you're really concerned, drain it right before you leave.
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