Water Leak Detection System (insurance, appliances, house)

[phototaker]

we had a little flood mishap in our house a few weeks ago. we also had one in our last house 7 years ago. both times we filed a claim with our insurance. now, in order to renew our policy, insurance says we need to have some water leak detection system installed either on our main water valve or each piece of appliance or item that uses water, i.e. dishwasher, washer, toilet, etc.

anyone ever had this done and can recommend a good plumber to do it? what is the cost on something like this?

[RDUBiker]

Can you use these?

Amazon.com: First Alert WA100-3 Water Alarm, 3-Pack: Home Improvement

I've got those all over the house to alert me to leaks before they become damaging.

[Straitlover]

How loud are these? I've been wanting to get something like this for my water heater that's in my crawlspace. Last year, it busted, and the only reason I knew about it was it burnt out the heater element and I lost my hot water. It had happened a few days prior.

[Ed_RDNC]

Originally Posted by phototaker

we had a little flood mishap in our house a few weeks ago. we also had one in our last house 7 years ago. both times we filed a claim with our insurance. now, in order to renew our policy, insurance says we need to have some water leak detection system installed either on our main water valve or each piece of appliance or item that uses water, i.e. dishwasher, washer, toilet, etc.

anyone ever had this done and can recommend a good plumber to do it? what is the cost on something like this?

Water leak detectors can be very cheap, or pretty cheap, as other posters have suggested.

However, your questions says the insurance wants "something" installed on the main valve, or "on each piece of equipment ..."
This tells me that the insurance is not looking for an alarm alone, but also something that can trigger emergency shut-off valves. That is a more sophisticated install. Call a plumber, unless you are very handy.

I strongly guess that one shut-off valve on your house main (just downstream of the meeter, perhaps in your garage?) would be the cheapest, as there has to be some kind of connection between the detector(s) and the valve, plus the detector and/or valve may have to have power wired to it. That is way cheaper if you do it to one valve, rather than to each of the appliances / fixtures: (refrigerator ice maker, dishwasher, etc.)

[phototaker]

Originally Posted by Ed_RDNC

Water leak detectors can be very cheap, or pretty cheap, as other posters have suggested.

However, your questions says the insurance wants "something" installed on the main valve, or "on each piece of equipment ..."
This tells me that the insurance is not looking for an alarm alone, but also something that can trigger emergency shut-off valves. That is a more sophisticated install. Call a plumber, unless you are very handy.

I strongly guess that one shut-off valve on your house main (just downstream of the meeter, perhaps in your garage?) would be the cheapest, as there has to be some kind of connection between the detector(s) and the valve, plus the detector and/or valve may have to have power wired to it. That is way cheaper if you do it to one valve, rather than to each of the appliances / fixtures: (refrigerator ice maker, dishwasher, etc.)

yes, the insurance company wants it installed by a licensed plumber and it automatically shuts off the water once a leak is detected. still hoping someone has a specific recommendation. i asked around at work but no one knows a plumber who has performed this. i dont want to be the guinnea pig.

[RDUBiker]

Originally Posted by Straitlover

How loud are these? I've been wanting to get something like this for my water heater that's in my crawlspace. Last year, it busted, and the only reason I knew about it was it burnt out the heater element and I lost my hot water. It had happened a few days prior.

I actually have these:

Amazon.com: Zircon 63931 Leak Alert Electronic Water Detector Batteries Included, 3-Pack: Home Improvement

Manufacturer claims 95 dB.

[jeffs555]

Don't have any experience or know anyone who has, but here is one page that explains the various systems. Water Leak Detection Systems... a special report to Natural Handyman courtesy State Farm Insurance From that article, seems like you are talking $1000+.

There is one local company that manufactures a whole house system. You might call them and see if they could recommend a plumber who has installed their product. FloLogic: Protect your home from water damage with the FloLogic automatic water shutoff system

I don't know your circumstances or how extensive your damage was, but I learned the hard way to carry the highest deductable I could afford and never to file a claim if I could afford to pay it myself. Insurance companies have no heart.