There is no doubt that leaky taps, faulty appliances, and broken pipes can cause tremendous amounts of damage to a home. The financial implications that result from a major leak can lead to the homeowners having to pay thousands of dollars in repairs. It’s no secret that this type of damage can be a considerable expense and a massive inconvenience.
Many people have experienced these devastating events. As a result, a significant demand for technology that fights against these damages has been created. The theory of this day-saving technology has materialized and is called a water leak detector shut off valve.
What makes this product so great? A vast amount of people are looking to incorporate water monitors, sensors, leak detectors, and smart valves as a way to detect water leaks and protect their homes from water damage. Some of these devices are thoroughly thought-after because the specific features included in the design of the products allow the user to do the installation themselves. Plumbing service isn’t needed for the installation of some of these devices.
Moreover, the smart home era is upon us, and with this, many of the new products available on the market feature the ability to connect with other devices and hubs. This makes devices, such as water shut off systems and leak detection more efficient. This element helps in completely eliminating the threat of water leaks and allows you to protect your home from water damage. Thus, providing you the ability to save a significant amount of money on repair costs.
This guide is provided with all the information you are going to need to ensure that you find a remote water shut off valve with these qualities. Thus, you are able to gain the benefits of these devices. Along with this, we have provided some of the most effective auto shut-off valve for water devices available on the market today. Moreover, we also have features that need to be considered when selecting the right automatic shut off water valve to protect your home from water leaks and costly damage.
1. Flow by Moen Automatic Water Shutoff Valve
2. EcoNet Controls EVC200-HCSML Water Leak Detector
3. LeakSmart Automatic Water Shut Off Valve
4. Phyn Plus Automatic Water Leak Shut Off Valve
5. Guardian Water Valve Leak Prevention System
What Are The Different Types of Automatic Water Shutoff Valves?
There are two different smart water valve shut off valve types that you should look at when purchasing a product that automatically shuts off water coming from the home’s plumbing system. These are:
- Motorizing Existing Bulldog Valve: The controller’s design allows the device to be installed on top of the already present shut off bulldog valve. This feature makes installation effortless and straightforward. Thus, DIY can be done by the homeowner, and professional installation isn’t required.
- Integrated Valve Controller: This particular device has an installation process that requires the valve to be placed over or alongside the main supply valve. The complexity that comes with successfully completing this procedure entails professional installation in order to install the device correctly.
What Are The Most-Rated Automatic Water Shut Off Valves?
There are a vast amount of leak detection shut off water valves on the market today. This can make choosing one very overwhelming. For this reason, we have searched far and wide for auto water valve shut off devices that can be considered the best. Here are some of the options to choose from that are rated as being the best automatic water shutoff valves:
Flow by Moen Automatic Shutoff Valve
The Flow by Moen Automatic Shutoff Valve device is equipped with features that are usually contained by a smart water monitor. These features include the ability to detect leaks and track flow. If leak detection is identified, the smart valve provided by the Flow by Moen Automatic Shutoff Valve can automatically shut off your water to your home water main system. Thus, limiting the amount of damage caused by the leak.
Installation
In order to install the Flow by Moen Automatic Shutoff Valve, the entire water line of the home’s plumbing system needs to be drained. After completing this step, the next process that needs to be followed in installing the adapter into the main water line. It’s imperative that the Flow by Moen Automatic Shutoff Valve is placed after the water reducing valve and the water meter. The final step includes connecting the device to a power outlet that’s nearby and running the health test that’s available through the mobile app called ‘Flo by Moen.’ Professional installation is highly recommended to avoid any difficulty that’s present in the installation process.
How Does It Work?
This automatic water shutoff valve is equipped with three sensors. These sensors are responsible for continually monitoring the water supply, water pressure, temperature, and flow rate within your home.
These sensors have the ability to proactively monitor your entire home system that is responsible for the supplying of water. The detection of any water leaks is continually being conducted. The MicroLeak™ technology incorporated in the design of these sensors ensures that this responsibility is undertaken effectively.
Mobile Application
The Flo by Moen mobile app provides you, the user, with complete control of your entire water system once the application has been successfully downloaded on to your device. Moreover, notifications are instantly sent to this device when any damage or leak has been detected by the sensors. You also gain the ability to view your daily water usage, along with setting your water consumption aspirations.
Compatibility with Smart Hubs
Flo by Moen products are currently compatible with IFTTT, Alexa, and Google Assistant. You are also able to run the devices without a hub through the mobile app.
Pros
· The sensors have the ability to detect small water leaks, including leaks that are one drop per minute
· Can work with Google Home, IFTTT, and Alexa
· Can automatically shut main water supply when a leak is detected to aid in preventing damage
· Offers water monitoring features and budgeting options
Cons
· A power outlet is needed for the device to function
· Professional plumbing services required for the installation
EcoNet Controls EVC200-HCSML
This valve is Z-Wave certified and possesses a compatibility feature that is available with any popular smart hubs. Moreover, the EcoNet Control EVC200-HCSML can work with a variety of different water sensors. The device also has the power to create torques that are strong enough to turn the most robust valves.
Installation
The installation process for this device is known for being incredibly effortless and straightforward. As a result, a professional plumber isn’t needed to complete this installation. To begin this process, you need to position the bracket and use the mounting tab to help set the valve collar.
Follow this step by attaching the motor assembly while placing the motor assembly’s pivot point so that it’s centered on top of the valve pivot point. The final stage of installing the device is to complete a test stroke. This can be done with your smartphone after the device has been integrated with the Z-Wave hub.
How Does It Work?
The EcoNet’s Bulldog Valve Robot, along with the inclusion of leak sensors, has the ability to detect any water leaks immediately. As a result of any water leak detections (made by the water leak detector), the device is able to automatically shutoff the main water supply while leaving a leak alert notification on the user’s smartphone. This notification is sent through the smart hub that the EcoNet is integrated with.
Mobile App
The EcoNet’s Bulldog Valve Robot device doesn’t have a particular mobile app that it’s dedicated to. However, the device is compatible with a wide variety of smart hubs and the respective mobile apps linked to these smart hubs.
Compatibility with Smart Hubs
The EcoNet’s Bulldog Valve Robot is highly thought-after for its compatibility feature. The Z-Wave certified automatic shut off valve for water system is compatible with Vera, Ring Alarm, Control4, SmartThings, Homeseer, Nexia, Wink, and a variety of other DIY type controllers.
Pros
· The installing process is straightforward
· Customer support is promptly and proactively available
· It provides water sensors and can detect water leaks, and respond to these water leak detections (with the water leak detector) by shutting off the main water system
· The device can be integrated with the most popular smart home hubs
Cons
· There are some negative reviews in regards to the connectivity feature with the water sensors
· It may be a challenge for some individuals due to there not being a dedicated app to the device
LeakSmart Automatic Leak Water Detector Shut Off Valve
The LeakSmart water leak shut-off valve is not only equipped to detect water leakage, but it also holds the ability to shut off the main water supply and provide a notification alert to your smartphone via the LeakSmart mobile app.
Installation
You are required to place the device’s Snap Valve Controller on your home’s main water supply valve. This can either be done horizontally or vertically. You then tighten up the controller by pushing the U-bracket together. After completing this step, you need to firmly clamp the device with the main water supply pipe by tightening the T-handle crank. The final step includes connecting the controller to the nearest AC power supply.
How Does It Work?
The LeakSmart water shut off combines four different devices to function effectively. This device is connected with the home’s main water line. This provides the device with the ability to receive signals from the sensors incorporated into the design. These sensors detect any water leakage while monitoring temperature. The LeakSmart Hub correlates the information from the valve and sensors. This information is then shared with the user through the LeakSmart mobile app.
Mobile App
The designated LeakSmart mobile app enables the user to track their home water system’s temperature and water pressure. Added to this, the user is also provided with information pertaining to the device’s backup battery life, as well as alerts you when water leakage has been detected.
Smart Hub Compatibility
This device can be easily incorporated into Amazon Alexa, Control4, Wink, Google Hub, and Google Assistant.
Pros
· The device includes an easy-to-understand indicator. This is a green LED light on the display that turns red when the valve is closed.
· A 100 percent battery back-up feature is included in the case of a power failure occurring.
· The auto-detection of water leakage is made possible through the LeakSmart sensors, which instantly shuts off the main water supply to prevent further damage from occurring.
Phyn Plus Automatic Water Leak Shut Off Valve
The Phyn Plus Water Valve Automatic is a unique device that holds the ability to protect a home’s complete water system in a single location. This smart device is equipped to connect to the home’s existing WI FI network. This negates the need for an additional smart home hub to be purchased.
Installation
The Phyn Plus smart device is installed on the home’s main water supply pipe. The device is placed immediately before the line starting branching and immediately after the main shut-off valve. The next step in the installing process is to link the device with your home’s WI FI connection network.
The installing process involved with this Phyn Plus device is deemed to be tricky. For this reason, seeking professional help is highly recommended. A licensed plumber would be the person to conduct the installation of the Phyn Plus smart device successfully.
How Does It Work?
The Phyn Plus smart device is specially designed to monitor microscopic changes in the water system’s water pressure. It has the ability to measure 240 times every second. The device also generates a fingerprint-based on the individual pressure profile of every fixture within the home.
For example, if you run a faucet in your home, the technology instilled in the device can identify that as an individual faucet and can inform the homeowner if that particular faucet leaks. The Phyn Plus smart device can instantly notify you about this water leakage through its smart connectivity feature.
Mobile App
The Phyn Plus smart device has a dedicated mobile app that can be downloaded on iOS and Android devices. The Phyn app is used as a means of communication from the smart device and the user. The app can send the user notifications when the system detects a potential leak. This notification is sent to the device that is linked to the Phyn app.
Within the notification message, information is provided pertaining to the diagnoses of the detection to give to the plumber to help solve the problem quicker. The Phyn app also offers the user the ability to shut off the home’s entire water system remotely.
Smart Hub Compatibility
The Phyn Plus Smart Water Assistant has the ability to be integrated with IFTTT, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa.
Pros
· The device has the capability to analyze the home’s rate of water consumption and provides the user with statistical data to aid in managing the home’s usage of water.
· You don’t need to acquire any on-going or additional subscription fees.
· It has the ability to detect all kinds of plumbing problems, like small leaks and unsafe pressure levels, before the issue becomes a more considerable expense.
· It has the ability to sense the formation of any ice crystals before the chance is provided for these formations to freeze and burst the water system’s pipes. You are able to fix this problem before it turns into something more damaging.
· An effective ball valve is included in the design of the automatic water shut off systems.
Cons
· Extra costs are incurred for installing the smart device, as the process of installing this electronic water shut off valve is tricky and needs the help of a professional.
· The set up of the device is restricted to below one and a quarter-inch water supply line.
· There is no backup battery facility included in the design.
Guardian Water Leak Detection and Protection System
The Guardian water leak detection device has the ability to be placed up to one thousand feet away from the Valve Controller. This feature provides the device to cover even the largest homes’ water flow and shut off the water systems when need be.
Installation
You first need to locate the main valve and can shut off the water. After completing this, you need to align the fork to fit over the ball valve handle and tighten the clamps. The final step involves plugging the leak detection device into a standard power source and manually inspecting the water leak device.
Once this has been completed, you can then integrate the leak detection device with your smartphone. This integration can be done by linking the Guardian app and the WI FI network. You can then calibrate the ball valve controller with your smartphone.
How Does It Work?
The water leak detector monitors your water flow to protect your home and shut off your water with the addition of the automatic water shut off valve. Whole house protection is ensured by this capability. The water detection system currently holds the ability to prevent water damage by sensing a water leak, a vibration, or water temperature in the water flow system of the home.
This leak detection device then has the ability to shut off the water flow system by use of the ball valve. This can be done in a speedy response time, which helps protect the home from an expensive water leak repair cost.
Mobile App
The use of the device in your house system is recorded in the Guardian app on your mobile phone. When there is a leak in the system, the app’s use becomes very valuable for your house system. This is because you can be notified about the leak in your home system through the use of the app. Along with a leak in your home system, you can also use the app to get notified about earthquakes and extremely cold conditions that are being faced with in your home system.
By making use of the app, you also gain access to your home system access remotely. This means that you can shut off your house water system without being home. You can use the app to make this change to your home system.
Smart Home Compatibility
The Guardian Leak Prevention System doesn’t use another integration platform system to provide the user with remote and electronic control over their house. The system is a standalone device. Thereby making it not compatible with any other smart home product system.
Pros
· The system is easy to install in your house. This means you don’t need to pay any extra costs for a professional service to install the system.
· You have the ability to shut off the water system, even if your home’s wi fi network system is down.
· The system offers endless expandability, as you can add as many leak detectors that are required to protect your home.
· You can remotely check the status of leak detectors and turn the valve controllers on and off when need be.
· It can be installed alongside PEX, PVC, and copper pipes.
Cons
· Isn’t compatible with other smart home hubs
· May be tricky for some users to configure and calibrate the mobile app
Why Should I Buy An Automatic Water Shut Off Valve Device?
There are a variety of reasons as to why purchasing a leak detection water shut off valve is an excellent idea. Some of these reasons are:
Prevents Cost Repairs
Smart water valve leak detectors and controllers are specially designed to work in conjunction to detect earthquakes, burst pipes, and leaks. Once these detectors have been triggered, the device holds the ability to shut off the water system automatically. This action prevents further damage from occurring, as well as helps reduce the costs involved in these repairs.
Instant Notifications
Notifications are instantly sent to the user once damage to the water system has been detected. This helps inform the user immediately so that measures can be put into place to resolve the issue as soon as possible.
Reduction of Utility Bill Expenses
These smart water shut off valves have the ability to be integrated with a vast amount of smart hubs and mobile apps. The features provided from such an integration allow for the user to set usage of water and consumption goals. These devices, linked with the mobile app and smart hub, are equipped with advanced technology to monitor this water usage. Setting these water usage limits ensures that you don’t consume additional utility costs from water overuse.
Automatic Water Shut Off Valve Buyer’s Guide: Features to Consider
The best smart water shut off valve is going to be different for each individual, as every user has their own specifications and desires that they wish their automatic shut off valve to have. For this reason, there is a list of features that should be considered before purchasing a smart water valve device. These features include:
Response Time
The purpose of leak detection automatic water shut off valves is to stop a flow water system immediately when possible damage is detected. These smart devices are installed in critical positions to ensure that quick response time effectively occurs. For this reason, response timing is extremely important. There are some situations where even a small amount of the flow of water dripping from the home water system can lead to a significant loss.
In many situations, it’s vital for an automatic shut off valve to respond incredibly fast to a water leakage and can shut off your water to stop the water’s flow system in the home. You need to consider that this smart valve device needs to be able to perform to this detection at the right time, or else the system won’t be able to provide you with the benefits of using this specific smart valve device.
Installation Process
A crucial element to choosing any water shutoff valve device is the assembly process involved in installing the device. Although it’s quite rare, some of these automatic shut off devices are designed with a procedure, which includes replacing the existing water system that’s in place.
With all of the installing procedures available among the different leak detection automatic water shut off valves, it’s highly recommended to purchase a unit that can be effortlessly installed on the existing system in your home. Moreover, you need to consider whether you wish to install this device yourself, or if you want a professional plumbing service to do it for you. This decision helps you highlight the automatic shut off devices that fit this decision.
There are a variety of smart water valves that can be assembled within minutes, without the need for a professional. In addition, there is also a multitude of leak detection automatic water shut off valves that are equipped with an installing procedure that requires you to seek professional services.
Power Source
Another feature that should be considered when looking at purchasing a leak detection automatic water shut off valve is the power consumption it’s equipped with. This is important because leak detection automatic water shut off valves are to work in all situations.
Why is this an important feature? What happens to the automatic shut-off valve if it is designed to work on AC power only, and your home faces a significant power failure? This can cause a severe problem, and the benefits of using this leak detection automatic water shut off valve can’t be used.
For this reason, you should look at investing in a leak detection automatic water shut off valve that is designed with a compartment for backup batteries. Smart valve devices that operate on batteries and AC power sources are the types of models you should consider purchasing.
Remote Actions
The technological advancements that have been included in the design of these smart automatic water shut off devices give users with the ability to operate the device remotely from their smartphone. The process involved in allowing users to use their smart valve device includes the help of mobile apps.
The valves that employ this kind of technology into the design are excellent features to have. This is because the technology grants you complete access to the water supply status of your home, even when you aren’t physically in your home.
Micro Leakage Detection
Some devices are equipped with better technology, which allows these automatic water shut off devices to be more sensitive. This allows these more sensitive smart valves to detect micro water leakage.
Due to these discrepancies in water leakage detection sensitivity, it’s highly recommended to review the granularity of leak detection. There are some leak detection automatic water shut off valves available on the market that can detect a leakage of water as low as one drop per minute.
Integration Capabilities of the Smart Water Automatic Shut Off Valve
The integration capabilities of the smart valve device provide the automatic shut off valve with the ability to be more or less convenient. A device that doesn’t need to access a variety of smart home apps in order to gain access to remotely controlling and viewing the device.
Most of the devices available on the market today are compatible with Amazon Alexa, along with many other smart home apps. It’s suggested to look at purchasing an automatic water shut off valve device that has the ability to integrate with a gateway or smart home hub. This can be done through Zigbee or Z-Wave. Otherwise, you can use an automatic smart water shut off device that’s IFTTT compatible.
Choosing Between Action or Alert
A feature that needs to be considered is what you wish to receive from your smart water system. Do you want to be alerted when the system detects a problem, or do you want the system to stop the problem that’s been detected to prevent the issue from causing further more severe problems? The action that the system usually employs would be to automatically shut the water supply .
The monitors and sensors provided in the smart devices can give these alerts either by app notification or email. However, for these devices to stop the problem from persisting, you are going to need to invest in a leak detection, automatic water shut off valve smart device.
Conclusion
The technological advancements that are forever being created globally have provided an incredible sense of relief for a homeowner. This is especially the case with the automatic systems that incorporate these technological advances into its design. One of these automatic systems that employ this relieving, advanced technology is a leak shut off valve automatic shut off valve.
These are crucial devices to include in your home, as these devices provide users with the ability to detect problems in the home water system. Such issues include water leakages, which are incredibly standard within households and can cause homeowners large sums of money in repairs. Thus, being able to detect and stop this problem from persisting is an incredible ability to have.
To stop such accidents from occurring, and save you money in potential repairing costs, it’s a good idea to take the proper precautions and incorporate this technology into your home water system. This can be done by installing an effective water shut off valve unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do automatic water shut off valves function?
An automatic water shut off valve is equipped with features that allow sensing of water on the outer floor or monitor the flow in the supply pipe. These features provide the automatic water shut off valve with a leak detector water element. The valve holds the ability to shut off the water supply with an internal ball valve when the device picks up on irregular moisture or flow. As a result, these automatic water shut off valves offer the ability to prevent severe water damage from occurring.
How can I successfully install a water leak shut off valve?
Automatic water shutoff valves are installed by either motorizing an existing bulldog valve or integrating the particular device into a main water supply line. After this process, these devices are generally powered through a power source located nearby and linked with your smartphone through a smart hub network or local WI FI connectivity.
How are water leaks caused?
There are a variety of problems that lead to water leaks. However, the most common issues that cause these water leaks in households are excessive water pressure, broken seals, corrosion, clogged lines, extreme temperature fluctuations, and loose water connectors.
How many automatic water leak shut off valves do I need?
Water supply that is required for one single-family would entail the need of only one automatic water shut off valve. It’s essential to ensure that this device is placed next to the main supply valve in your home. This is because it provides the device with the ability to automatically shut off the main water supply line if the device’s leakage water detector is triggered.
