Flood Alarm for Washing Machine

I want to install a flood sensor on my washing machine. For about $30, I can get a simple leak detector. For about $200, I can get a device that has an alarm but also closes the hot and cold water valves when it detects a leak. Obviously it’s a big price difference. The valve shut off is also harder to install. But perhaps it’s worth it for complete peace of mind. Does anyone have experience with either type? Any recommendations of brands or even specific models? Thanks, in advance.

NeoGrec

in Plumbing 11 years and 3 months ago

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Townie | 11 years and 2 months ago

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also important to check your hoses and replace with upgraded stronger versions than the ones you usually get with the machine

cmu | 11 years and 3 months ago

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On the other hand, Floodstop and Floodmaster units are DIY, installing between the wall water connection and the washer hoses. Don’t see any reason they wouldn’t work. Roughly $200.

Master Plvmber | 11 years and 3 months ago

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A plumber. You’ll already have electric nearby for the laundry machines, so the plumber will just plug them in.

anotherposter | 11 years and 3 months ago

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I am a fan of leak detectors in the house, even if not here. I put them near appliances and areas where water might get in as well and a hidden spot where a sewage back up is first evident in our house. In our last apartment, they alerted us to some problems. I got them for family members and one recently saved my folks a lot of hassle–while they were sleeping the water heater started to leak. They were home and able to stop the problem before it flooded the carpets outside the closet. You do have to be home to hear them, but they are a cheap way to help find problems earlier.

snowman2 | 11 years and 3 months ago

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The price difference will seem cheap if you ever have a leak. Go for the shut off.

NeoGrec | 11 years and 3 months ago

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Thank you, both. MASTER PLUMBER: Do I need an electrician or a plumber to install this device or could either trade handle it?

Master Plvmber | 11 years and 3 months ago

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We install lots of the Watts Intelliflow and Intellitimer units. http://www.watts.com/pages/learnAbout/intelliflow.asp?catId= They work.

daveinbedstuy | 11 years and 3 months ago

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You have to be home to hear the leak detector. When hoses go, they usually burst, causing a full flow of water that will be a major problem if you don’t catch them in the first minute or so . You could also install a valve that only opens when the washer is running or toggle valves that you open and shut manually only when you need them.