Let's talk flood/water alarms

[Legacy]

I'm putting together the pieces to power/backup our sump pump in the basement, now I'm looking at water alarms. I see like anything there's a wide range of features from basic "scream at you" to autodialers and the like.

What I have in mind is a combination of having an flood alarm that will scream and wake us up if it goes off at night and also something to provide a degree of protection for when we're away, sounds like an auto-dialer will do it. I'm not looking to spend $500 on these. How does these models sound for what I need ? I already have a pump, battery backup pump and a manual start generator.


Flood alarm: Reliance Controls Sump Pump Alarm And Flood Alert
Model: THP205

Dialer: Reliance Controls Freeze/Flood/Power Failure Monitoring System & Dialer
Model: THP201

 

[Teken]

I have no personal experience with the models you have listed. But, would like to add some other thoughts and ideas for you to consider.

I would also purchase this device to place around the home: Cloths Washer, Toilets, Dish Washer, Sinks.

They are value priced, small, loud, and reliable . . . http://www.smarthome.com/71635/Water-Warning-Leak-Detection-Alarm-5-Pack/p.aspx

Also, this will turn off the water supply for the cloths washer: http://www.smarthome.com/71151/Washing-Machine-Valve-Shutoff-Kit-Leak-Detector/p.aspx

There are also similar units which will turn off the water main to the home. Should you require 100% insurance against water damage through out the home.

Also, I always suggest some form of sms / e-mail client which will send you a written text notification on top of the telephone call. The reason being is that many people are either not available to get the phone call or be in reception range.

With a e-mail / sms text message you will always get a beep reminder from your phone, computer alerting you of a fault / trouble alert.

No matter what system you decide to go with: Test the units monthly to ensure that they work as expected. Install the sensors to see how much water it takes for the units to capture than make the alert.

Also keep in mind some sensors will NOT operate at all given the mineral content or the lack there off. Meaning if you had some sort of boiled water supply some of these sensors will not trip even when flooded with water around them.

Lastly, do not cheap out on the batteries from the dollar store. Install these like they are life saving equipment like smoke detectors. I only use lithium high output Duracells / Energizers.

Teken . . .

 

[Frank The Plumber]

I did a piece called homeowners guide to plumbing, under series 5 I have a few thoughts and recomendations and a lot of guys have added things of value

 

[gatchel]

I have waterbug units attached to an Elk M1 alarm / Home Automation Controller. When the sensors get wet, you can pretty much program the Elk to so anything, send an email, close a water valve, etc, withing reason and budget.

I use the WB-200: http://www.winland.com/waterbugalert.html

I just ordered an Elk WSV water shutoff about 3 days ago.

http://www.elkproducts.com/_webapp_2981499/elk-wsv__professional_grade_water_shutoff_valve

I have used the waterbug units for years commercially and they have been very reliable.

 

[Teken]

I have waterbug units attached to an Elk M1 alarm / Home Automation Controller. When the sensors get wet, you can pretty much program the Elk to so anything, send an email, close a water valve, etc, withing reason and budget.

I use the WB-200: http://www.winland.com/waterbugalert.html

I just ordered an Elk WSV water shutoff about 3 days ago.

http://www.elkproducts.com/_webapp_2981499/elk-wsv__professional_grade_water_shutoff_valve

I have used the waterbug units for years commercially and they have been very reliable.

Gatchel,

Your input is always insightful and welcomed! Thank you for sharing the links for the other products.

 

[gatchel]

Before I installed a backup system, I bought a second sump pump switch, mounted it higher than the pump switch, plugged a radio into it, and set the volume to blaring. Useless during a power outage, but priceless for a pump or switch failure.

My vote for the K.I.S.S. award. That's a great idea. It will work great if you are using a sump hole as your water level "test location"

 

[ShowMeMo]

Gatchell:
I have an M1Gold as well which I have installed and to which I want to add the ability to sense unwanted water and turn the water off. My circumstances are a little different from yours. My water supply is an electric pump. So, when there is the need to cut the water off, I can do it with the Elk by merely turning off an Insteon electrical outlet. My question of you is, when you set the Waterbug sensor up, were you able to power it from the Elk? Also, what were the zone settings in the programming of the Elk for the Waterbug as a sensor? Thanks!

 

[steve308]

http://www.basepump.com/Basepump.htm

If your on city water ---look into this -- no electrical or battery back up needed!

 

[I void warranties]

the elk is a very nice unit... have you talked to the techs over at smarthome.com? give them a call.. the instion units can work with low voltage sensors.

http://www.smarthome.com/71940/Minotaur-Engineering-WSI1-INSTEON-Water-Moisture-Sensor/p.aspx

http://www.smarthome.com/_/ProductResults.aspx?Ntt=ball valve

 

[I void warranties]

http://www.basepump.com/Basepump.htm

If your on city water ---look into this -- no electrical or battery back up needed!

damn i like that!

 

[lzenglish]

I have used the waterbug units for years commercially and they have been very reliable.

+1 on waterbug units! I also installed 2 of these units in commercial building computer rooms, and they have worked great.

Wayne

 

[ShowMeMo]

Steve308 - Thanks for the tip. However, there is no city water where my house is. Everyone is on a well.

 

[PitBossPumpAlarm]

Those are all great options. We've made a few tweaks and developed a cellular powered sump pump alarm that sends text messages for high water and power failure. It installs in minutes and can be setup by anyone that knows how to send a text message.

These units are only $189 and includes the first year of service. After that, service will be just $30 a year.

You can learn more about this brand new product at http://www.pumpalarm.com.

 

[nmcbride]

I can also vouch for using Waterbug Units with the Elk M1, simple, effective and you'll never out grow the M1 panels potential.
HOWEVER, I've stumbled across these WiFi water sensors (I run a small property management company) and these things are incredible. http://www.absoluteautomation.com/floodspot-wifi-water-leak-sensor-sends-texts/ I'm putting them in each cottage Sump Pit to make sure nothing floods this spring.

 

[sands35]

This does the same thing, is cheaper and more flexible:

http://store.supermechanical.com/

 

[theoldwizard1]

IMHO, if your hot water tank is leaking you want the water shut off NOW !

First, install a pan under your water heater. You can use a simple float sensor because the pan will fill quickly. Connect the switch to a solenoid operated water valve. Probably not this simple but you should get the idea.

If you are paranoid about washing machine leaks, especially for first or second floor laundry rooms you should have a pan underneath it plumbed to a floor drain. The also sell a type of solenoid that does not turn the water ON until it senses current from the washer/dishwasher implying that the machine is actually turned on.

The simplest sump pump back up is DC inverter with built in transfer switch. Not cheap, plus you will need a deep discharge (marine) battery that will have to be replaced every few years. They do make 240V versions.

 

[nmcbride]

This does the same thing, is cheaper and more flexible:

http://store.supermechanical.com/

Those are pretty neat, but their advertised battery life is only 2 months (so I'm sure it's less than that). For the extra 50 bucks those Spot Protect sensors say they'll run for years before batteries need to be change, I like that peace of mind.

 

[sands35]

They will take a power supply. Unless the wifi processor is pretty sophisticated, battery life is going to be limited. The batteries should be enough to work through a power outage, though if that happens, your internet and router will probably be down too (unless on a UPS).

The datalogging on the "Flodspot" is cool. Wifi is less robust than most folks realize. The specs implies that it cycles between active and sleep modes. Though the battery life is likely less than advertised (They always are).

If you have the skills, there are several open source options. Ardruino, Raspberry Pie, and mBed all have DIY options that can do water monitoring and a whole lot more. (Current, temperature, light, motion, even video, etc.)