Leak Warning Devices for Water Heaters

Hardwired Systems

• Hardwired systems, just as the name implies, require all the components to be physically connected to one another with electrical wires. Hardwired systems can be more challenging for the do-it-yourself homeowner because the wires connecting the detector to the leak-signaling devices must be fished up through finished walls, floors and ceiling to the alarm-signaling devices in strategic places throughout the home. Like all leak detectors, hardwired devices require a nearby electrical outlet to operate.

Wireless Systems

• The wireless leak-detection system eliminates the need to run electrical wires through finished walls, floors and ceilings. All the components in a wireless system are linked together using frequency-modulated radio waves. The transmitters built into these detectors are powerful enough to send a signal to devices throughout any home home, even a large two- or three-floor home. The only hard wiring in this case involves the wires connecting the detector to the power supply that plugs into the wall outlet.

Automatic Water Shutoff

• Both the hardwired and wireless systems have the capability to automatically shut off the water feed to a hot water heater when a leak is detected. Powered shutoff valves are inserted in the cold water inlet line, and the leak detector activates these valves when a leak is detected. Installing the shutoff valves requires working with a torch and copper pipe, so if your plumbing skills are not up to that, you may want to hire a professional for that part of the project.

Connections to Home Security Systems

• Both the hardwired and wireless systems have provisions for connecting them to home security systems. Doing this allows the leak detectors to be monitored remotely, and a leak will trigger an alarm at the monitoring station just as a fire or break-in would. The feature comes in handy when you are going away for an extended period of time.