Detect Water Heater Leaks


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Old 09-11-17, 11:28 AM
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Detect Water Heater Leaks

Hi!

My hot water heater leaked last week and caused quite a bit of hassle I had to call and plumber and was left without hot water for a few days (cold showers are NOT fun!). I would have caught it sooner, but I haven't had a need to visit the basement in months. Fortunately it's not winter yet or that would have been even more annoying!

Are there any tools out there that would help me detect water heater problems before they occur? Catching issues early would save quite a bit of money, time, and hassle! I found a few water leak sensors on amazon but none of them really stand out.

Appreciate any help!
 
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Old 09-11-17, 06:20 PM
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The only tool that I've seen is a high water alarm. It stays on the floor, when water hits it, an alarm sounds.
 
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Old 09-11-17, 06:21 PM
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There are water alarms. They work very well.

I'm particularly fond of this one. I have one in each bathroom, near the sump pit, under the HW tank, under the Dishwasher.

https://www.google.com/search?q=wate...kEhLa2-eLcHZM:

If you want an alarm that will predict a leak, then you're looking for a fortune teller. Let me know if you find one.
 
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Old 09-11-17, 06:35 PM
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Fortune teller? I like that idea. One time I looked into reading Tarot Cards. Maybe I should revisit that idea.
 
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Old 09-11-17, 07:01 PM
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Originally Posted by Norm201 View Post
There are water alarms. They work very well.

I'm particularly fond of this one. I have one in each bathroom, near the sump pit, under the HW tank, under the Dishwasher.

https://www.google.com/search?q=wate...kEhLa2-eLcHZM:

If you want an alarm that will predict a leak, then you're looking for a fortune teller. Let me know if you find one.
Thanks for the heads up on the water alarms! Those seem like they could be useful.

I guess I was hoping for a sensor that could detect water flow/vibrations and warn of abnormalities. But it sounds like that's not currently possible.
 
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Old 09-12-17, 12:25 AM
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You can put the heater in a pan. This way if it leaks it will go in pan and drain to where ever you pipe it to. Also they have a device that when it senses water it will turn off the water and gas to prevent flooding/explosion..
 
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Old 09-12-17, 08:25 AM
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they have a device that when it senses water it will turn off the water and gas to prevent flooding/explosion..
Gee I asked for a fortune teller and pray tell I got one. Mike can you post a source or picture or brand of what you speak? Wonder what is cost\.
 
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Old 09-12-17, 09:01 AM
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The other solution is to not let it leak at all. Change it before it leaks. Most standard hot water tanks will last at least 10 years (there will always be exceptions). Most of mine have lasted longer then 15 years but that is about when they start to leak. Depending on where it is and the potential for damage that may occur, you should plan to replace the tank somewhere between 10 and 15 years.
 
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Old 09-12-17, 11:19 AM
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Yes.. Its a watts device. I use them all the time...

Shuts off water, gas/electric...

LFWDS Lead Free* FloodSafe® Water Detector Shutoff, Water Heater Leak Detectors, Water Safety & Flow Control - Watts
 
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Old 09-12-17, 06:45 PM
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That looks pretty awesome! Is it hard to install?
 
 

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