Say goodbye to flooding fears with a smart water valve. Plus, valuable lessons learned from Home Alone.
If you’re like most homeowners, after heading out of town for vacation and getting a good distance away from home, it is inevitable that you will begin to worry about all the things that you possibly forgot to do. “Did I lock all the doors?!” “Did I turn off the coffee maker?!” “Did I check all the faucets and toilets to make sure they weren’t running?!” And if you were around in the early 90’s, no one taught you to double triple check before leaving your home like the McCallister’s in the hit movie Home Alone. And while yes, leaving your child behind is probably the worst-case scenario, you also saw another disaster unfold with the flooded basement scene courtesy of the half-wit robbers known as the Wet Bandits.
While we can’t prevent you from leaving your kids behind (please don’t), we can help you prevent a water catastrophe by installing an automatic water shut off valves. Water damage or freezing pipes are one of the leading causes of home insurance claims. And according to recent studies, the average water leak goes undetected for more than 75 days. Before you decide if an automatic water shut-off valve is right for your home, we are answering a few of the most common questions we get from homeowners about installing one of these devices.
What is an automatic water shut off valve?
An automatic water shut-off valve is a device that will turn off water through either the main water line or a single appliance water line in the home after detecting abnormal water flow from leaky pipes and other plumbing fixtures, or by detecting excess water on the floor. By automatically turning off the water supply, flooding and other water damage can be prevented, saving homeowners from a potential disaster and thousands of dollars in damage.
How do automatic shut-off valves work?
Automatic shut-off valves can be installed on either single appliance like washing machines and water heaters, or installed on the home’s main water line. The devices are either wired or wireless, and typically work in one of two ways:
- Monitor Water Flow: depending on the type of device installed, some systems will monitor water flow and detect any abnormal patterns. If the device detects continuous or a high flow of water, the sensor will trigger the valve to automatically shut off.
- Detect Leaks: some automatic shut-off valves have sensors that can be placed near areas with appliances that are prone to water damage like dishwashers, water heaters, washing machines, toilets, etc. If the sensors detect a leak, this will trigger the automatic shut-off valve to close.
How do I know which device and brand to choose?
A quick Google search will present you with several options to choose from that range in price, features, and popularity. It can be a little overwhelming trying to understand which brand is the best, so we have put together a list of the top 4 brands that we recommend to customers.
Moen: As one of the most well-known brands in plumbing fixtures, Moen has an automatic water shut-off valve called the Flo Shutoff that works by measuring water usage, temperature, and pressure. It pairs with the Moen Smart Water app and runs routine water leak checks that are displayed on the app. If a leak is detected, it will send an alert via the app and automatically shut the water off to prevent damage in the home.
Watts: If you are looking for a single point automatic shut-off valve for your washing machine, Watts has an option specifically for this purpose. The IntelliFlow Washing Machine Smart Water Shutoff is a device that is installed directly on the supply line. The IntelliFlow valve works by only allowing water to flow to the washing machine when it is running. It also includes a floor-mounted leak sensor that will automatically shut off the water if a leak is detected.
FloLogic: if you are in search of a commercial grade automatic water shut-off valve for your home, the FloLogic Smart Water Control is an excellent choice. Although a little pricier than the Moen Flo Shutoff, FloLogic has advanced features that offer a higher level of monitoring and the ultimate protection from water damage. FloLogic works by detecting a leak or critically low room temperatures, and immediately shuts off the main water supply. It also has a battery backup to ensure zero downtime in the event of a power outage.
WINT: primarily used in commercial applications, the WINT water management system uses AI to detect and stop water leaks at the main source. This enterprise grade system is installed on a property’s main water line and offers real-time monitoring to reduce consumption and prevent costly damage in commercial spaces.
Is an automatic water shut-off valve required by insurance?
A growing trend in homeowner’s insurance is the requirement of installing automatic water shut-off valves. While this isn’t a requirement yet by some insurance companies, it is becoming more common in affluent areas and high-end new construction homes. Some insurance companies are also requiring a device installation after a water damage claim was made in the home and a significant amount was paid out to repair the damages. Some insurance companies offer discounts on homeowner’s insurance with the installation of an automatic water shut-off valve. Contact your insurance company to see if they provide a discount on adding a device to your home.
If you have concerns about flooding or want to simply be proactive and prevent water damage in the event of an emergency, Blue Chip Plumbing can help. Contact one of our plumbing specialists here or give us a call today at (513) 999-6820 and get a free quote on installing one of our automatic water shut-off valves.
FAQ’s – Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why should I consider installing an automatic water shut-off valve in my home?
An automatic water shut-off valve is an effective way to prevent water damage, which is one of the leading causes of homeowner’s insurance claims. It can detect leaks or unusual water flow and shut off the water supply before any significant flooding or damage occurs. This smart valve is an investment that can protect your home from costly repairs and reduce the stress of water damage risks, especially if you travel frequently or own a second property.
Q. How does an automatic water shut-off valve help prevent incidents like the “Wet Bandits” flooding scene in Home Alone?
In Home Alone, the burglars left the water running as a calling card, flooding the house. An automatic water shut-off valve could have prevented this type of water damage by detecting the abnormal flow and shutting off the water supply before the damage escalated. Just like in the movie, accidents and leaks often go unnoticed for hours or even days, so a smart valve provides peace of mind by acting quickly when an unexpected water event is detected.
Q. Are there different types of automatic water shut-off valves, and how do I know which one I need?
Yes, there are various options depending on your needs. Some shut-off valves are designed for individual appliances like washing machines or water heaters, while others are installed on the main water line. Brands like Moen, Watts, and FloLogic offer different features and price points to suit your home’s needs. If you want comprehensive protection, consider a whole-house shut-off valve. For targeted protection, a single-appliance shut-off valve might be enough.
Q. Can installing a smart water shut-off valve save me money on my homeowner’s insurance?
Many insurance companies now offer discounts for homeowners who install automatic water shut-off valves, as they help reduce the risk of water damage claims. Although it’s not a universal requirement yet, some insurers are more likely to encourage or require these devices in high-value homes or areas prone to water damage claims. Check with your insurance provider to see if installing a shut-off valve could lower your premiums.
Q. Do I need a professional to install an automatic water shut-off valve, or can I do it myself?
While some shut-off valves are relatively straightforward to install, many homeowners prefer a professional installation, especially for main line shut-off valves. Professional installation ensures that the device functions correctly, especially if it requires connecting to an app or monitoring system. If you’re uncertain, it’s best to consult a plumber who can recommend the ideal placement and handle the setup for optimal performance.
