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FloodStop!
Dec. 8th, 2004 09:57 pmPlug! After the washing machine (near) disaster, I went looking for leak alarm systems. I found two useful ones, only one of which would work for us. So, to get some peace of mind for doing laundry while not constantly watching over the machine, I ordered the FloodStop one. First impressions are good. The thing has a water sensor, a controller box, wall-wart for power, and two solenoid valves that you affix between the faucets and washer hoses.
If the water detector detects water, the box starts screeching, and closes the two solenoids, thereby cutting off the flow of water. (The only annoyance is that the solenoids are open when not powered--if for some reason the unit doesn't have power, it won't do anything.) We tried it a few times, with a drop of water flicked onto the sensor, and it seems to do exactly what it promises.
So, in case you have a washer in a place where disaster would ensue by a burst hose or malfunctioning machine, and you want to spend $70 to do something about it, I'd so far recommend this gizmo. Beyond that, change your hoses every five years, or get metal braid ones.
If the water detector detects water, the box starts screeching, and closes the two solenoids, thereby cutting off the flow of water. (The only annoyance is that the solenoids are open when not powered--if for some reason the unit doesn't have power, it won't do anything.) We tried it a few times, with a drop of water flicked onto the sensor, and it seems to do exactly what it promises.
So, in case you have a washer in a place where disaster would ensue by a burst hose or malfunctioning machine, and you want to spend $70 to do something about it, I'd so far recommend this gizmo. Beyond that, change your hoses every five years, or get metal braid ones.
