Detect Water Heater Leaks
#1
09-11-17, 11:28 AM
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: USA
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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!
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!
#3
09-11-17, 06:21 PM
Member
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.
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.
#5
09-11-17, 07:01 PM
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: USA
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Originally Posted by Norm201
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.
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.
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.
#6
09-12-17, 12:25 AM
Super Moderator
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..
#7
09-12-17, 08:25 AM
Member
they have a device that when it senses water it will turn off the water and gas to prevent flooding/explosion..
#8
09-12-17, 09:01 AM
Member
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.
#9
09-12-17, 11:19 AM
Super Moderator
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
Shuts off water, gas/electric...
LFWDS Lead Free* FloodSafe® Water Detector Shutoff, Water Heater Leak Detectors, Water Safety & Flow Control - Watts
The plastic is kind of soft and it just seems to deform when you push on the wrench. I'm kind of nervous about just cranking on it, they're brand new heaters and they weren't that cheap.
Here is how the old WH were connected:
A second question is on the return, this section:
has to go, for some reason these pieces were joined with silver solder. At first I thought that thing after the cut off valve was check valve but the people at the plumbing store have told me that no, it's a filter. The question I have is should I install a check valve? Or is it not necessary. The plumbing in this house was rather elaborately installed and they didn't skimp on valves so maybe its not necessary?????? Although to my uneducated mind, it would seem like you wouldn't want it to back flow but maybe that's not an issue?