Each FloodStopper water leak detection system is comprised of 3 primary components: a series of sensors, a controller, and a shut-off-valve. In simple terms, if any one of the system's sensors detects water, it will send a signal to the control panel which in turn will tell the special valve on the main water supply to turn off. The whole process occurs within a couple of seconds. With the supply of water turned off, a potential disaster has been averted, saving the devastation, expense, and headaches of flood damage and insurance claims, not to mention a lot of wasted water.
FloodStopper leak detector contollers
Left: FloodStopper Multi-Zone Controller Right: FloodStopper Single Zone Controller
The microchip-controlled FloodStopper leak detector control panel is the "brain" of the system. You can choose from a single zone or multi-zone (4 zone) controller depending on your specific needs. Some models can also be connected to your monitored security alarm system. For most applications, a single zone controller offers all of the options and functionality that is required. The single zone controller conveniently mounts over a traditional electrical switch box, and features an LED-light "valve closed" warning light that alerts you to a detected leak or that the valve is in the closed position. It also features a convenient "close valve" or "vacation" button as it is often called. If you mount the controller next you're your main door, you can use this feature to easily turn off your water supply while you are away from your home. This is an excellent feature for owners of recreational properties or for those who travel or are otherwise are away from their home for long intervals, as it offers 100% protection while you are absent from your home.
Sensors are generally placed throughout your home at points of potential leaks/flooding. Points in the home plumbing system that are vulnerable to water leaks include the hot water heater tank, dishwasher, clothes washing machine (hose burst), refrigerator icemakers, under toilet tanks, central humidifiers, and under sinks. These sensors are typically mounted on the floor near a potential problem zone
Sensors can be arranged in either a hardwire or a wireless configuration (or both). Up to 250 sensors can be connected to the FloodStopper single zone controller (1,000 for the multi-zone controller)! However, for most residential applications, somewhere between 4 and 20 sensors will normally be installed. The sensors are extremely sensitive (if you lick you finger and touch the sensors, it will trigger the system!), yet they cannot be triggered simply by high humidity. The hardwired sensors are connected to the controller using low-voltage wire (18 gauge / 2 wire recommended or gauge for 24v max. to meet code in your area) which can be purchased at any hardware or home supply store, or from us if you prefer. For wireless configurations, a wireless receiver and at least one wireless transmitter are required. The wireless receiver is connected directly to the controller. The wireless transmitters (powered by long-life lithium batteries - 2 to 3 years!) are connected to the individual sensors and will send a remote signal to the receiver in the event of a leak. The wireless configuration is ideal for use in areas where it may be more difficult to run wire for a hardwired sensor. Each wireless receiver can support up to 32 wireless transmitters, and each wireless transmitter can be connected to up to 25 sensors.
FloodStopper shut-off valve
FloodStopper water leak detection system shut-off valve (made by Honeywell) and actuator (3/4 inch size shown)
The shut-off valve is a specialized valve manufactured by Honeywell. It comes with standard ¾ inch or 1 inch NPT threaded plumbing fittings to suit most applications without any pressure drop of flow constriction. We can provide other fittings (1/2 inch, 1.5 inch and up to 10 inch, and non-NPT thread) on a special order basis if desired. Please call us for details. For most homes, a simple expander/reducer can be used to economically connect other pipe sizes to the FloodStopper shut-off valve. If you are unsure of your pipe diameter in your home, select the 1 inch version - you can always adjust downward without compromising water flow rates and pressure.
In the event that your FloodStopper detects a leak, simply check for water at the sensor locations (the multi-zone controller will tell you what zone is leaking). Once the leak has been found and corrected, simply press the "reset" button on the controller and the water supply is restored.
