Hot water heater leak alarm
- Thread starter raaizin
- Start date
I put one on my cold water heater....
There are 2 styles the dumb kind and the smart kind.
The dumb kind when they get wet(sensor has contacts on bottom) they squeal.
The smart kind will notify you on your phone etc.
Both kinds may not work reliably for drips..
if your water heater is in a catch tray they would work once enough water was in the tray.
sudden failure isnt common but happens.
Examples of dumb kind
http://www.acehardware.com/departments/plumbing/pumps-and-pump-parts/pump-repair-parts/4014251
http://www.amazon.com/Glentronics-Inc-BWD-HWA-00895001498-Basement/dp/B000JOK11K
Smart kind
http://www.amazon.com/Ring-Alarm-Flood-Freeze-Sensor/dp/B07M943G7L
(also tons of off brand ones)
Last edited:
A bit hard to install, and take up some extra floor space, but they do make platsic pans that go under the water tank with alarms built in.
If you already have a pan under there, you can just add the alarm.
Some are just a squeelers controlled by set of contacts, held apart by an asprin tablet. Water gets to the asprin, it melts, contacts activate the alarm.
Ingenious.
If you already have a pan under there, you can just add the alarm.
Some are just a squeelers controlled by set of contacts, held apart by an asprin tablet. Water gets to the asprin, it melts, contacts activate the alarm.
Ingenious.
I use this from Honeywell:
https://www.honeywellhome.com/us/en...ion/wifi-water-leak-freeze-detector-rchw3610/
I test it yearly (thankfully I haven't had a real incident yet), it works fine and the interface to my phone is simple as well. It also records temperature and humidity with a modest amount of history. Alarms are audible, email and instant notification. You need wifi in your home for all but the audible alarming.
https://www.honeywellhome.com/us/en...ion/wifi-water-leak-freeze-detector-rchw3610/
I test it yearly (thankfully I haven't had a real incident yet), it works fine and the interface to my phone is simple as well. It also records temperature and humidity with a modest amount of history. Alarms are audible, email and instant notification. You need wifi in your home for all but the audible alarming.
What about setups where it shuts off incoming water?
Site says that product is no longer available.
Well smack my face with a wet salmon, I see that now. My apologies for the obsolete product recommendation. My comments still stand on the product if you can find one still available at any of the retailers. Although I would now be concerned about product support. This is something I am going to have to think about for myself now.
I've had D-link water sensors for several years, and have been happy with them. The most recent generation uses a primary sensor which plugs into 120V, and battery-powered satellite sensors for additional locations. All report through their app, which doesn't have a monthly fee, and also have audible alarms to alert you locally.
The only downside for me has been that I don't really have a suitable location for the primary sensor that would have an available 120V plug, and place it somewhat centrally in the house so it can service the satellite sensors while serving a leak detection purpose. For that reason, I've got the primary plugged into a wall outlet in our pantry with the water sensor cable still coiled up. It's a bit of a waste of sensing potential, but it works.
The only downside for me has been that I don't really have a suitable location for the primary sensor that would have an available 120V plug, and place it somewhat centrally in the house so it can service the satellite sensors while serving a leak detection purpose. For that reason, I've got the primary plugged into a wall outlet in our pantry with the water sensor cable still coiled up. It's a bit of a waste of sensing potential, but it works.
I worked maintenance for an apartment complex and they would fail in batches. Usually when I was on call and at 2am. If it has a pilot light which most now are piezoelectric and you'll hear a click click can get put out. They usually will drip when the burner kicks on and heats the tank which makes it expand ever so slightly. If it's not a fitting, or solder joint going bad then start looking for a new one now. When they go its a mess.
- Joined
- Jul 28, 2024
- Messages
- 1,474
