A Simple Device That Can Prevent a Plumbing Disaster

One of the most common causes of catastrophic water leaks is a burst washing machine hose. If the washer is on the second or first level of the home, it can lead to a major flood and tens of thousands of dollars of damage – an expense that may not be covered by homeowner’s insurance.

If the hoses are plain rubber, it’s recommended that you replace them with braided stainless hoses for extra strength. There’s also a simple device that can provide some peace of mind: a water alarm. A water alarm can detect even the smallest water leak. When water is detected the device sends a signal to shut off the hot and cold water supply valves to the washing machine.

Another place where water alarms can prevent a disaster is with water heaters. When the bottom of the tank ruptures, the amount of water released at once quickly flood a basement. A water alarm is cheap insurance against major water damage.