I Guess You Can Call it "Flood Insurance"

Now, I am not one to jump on the latest fad, fashion, or new-fangled gadget that hits the market. As a matter of fact, I’m still using the same set of Ginsu steak knives I got back in ’78! That being said, I want to tell you about a neat little invention that might just help you sleep better at night, especially if you’re a Snowbird or frequent traveler. Let’s give hot, cold, and warm water welcome to (trumpets please) the Floodsafe Auto-Shutoff Connector.

The Floodsafe Auto-Shutoff Connector is not some new diet craze, and I’m a little worried about you if you thought it was. I mean come on now, try and focus here. What it is, is a water line connector that protects against catastrophic water damage caused by burst, broken or ruptured water supply hoses and fittings.

I first saw this rascal over at Ace Hardware. What helped to set aside my usual cynicism was the fact that it was made by Watts Water Technology. They are the same company that pioneered the temperature and pressure relief valve that’s found on nearly every water heater and boiler made. There was a time that water heaters were as dangerous and explosive as Rosie O’Donnell with a talk show. The “Watts” valve changed all that. Hmmm, that just gave me an idea…

Anyway, I did a little research on these connectors and I think they’re a very good thing! Here the basic concept of what they do, and why you may need them:

It seems like about every two weeks I get a call from a client who had a catastrophic water leak. In almost every instance, it’s due to a burst supply line. Toilets seem to be the most common culprit (I have a theory on that but, good taste won’t allow elaboration), but washing machines come in a close second. In just a few hours of bursting, serious and expensive damage can occur. The cause of the burst supply line can be due to poor manufacturing, a bad install, a “stupid homeowner trick”, or just good ol’ Mr. Murphy coming to visit. Regardless of the reason, the result is the same. A flooded home will ruin your day.

The beauty of the Floodsafe Auto-Shutoff Connector is a valve that’s located at the end of the connector that attaches to the shutoff valve. If the valve senses an increase in water flow, beyond the preset allowance, it shuts off instantly. It’s as simple as that. The sensor valve can be reset if needed and requires no batteries, electricity, or special skills to install.

The connectors cost about $10 each, on average, and are made of braided steel to minimize the chance of a leak. They recommend using them on sinks, toilets, washers, refrigerators, and dishwashers. There are specific connectors for each application. For the average home with 2 ½ baths, you’re looking at around $200, not including labor. You don’t need them for tubs or showers as those are “hard piped” and have no hose connections.

Another benefit is water conservation. If you’re a property owner and your tenants pull out the flow restrictors on your sink faucets, the valve will sense this as well, and shut the water off. Then your sheepish renters will have to call you to reset the valves. Busted!
For anyone who spends time away from home, which is just about everybody, the Floodsafe Auto-Shutoff Connector is something that should be seriously considered. Some of you may think that with my writing such a glowing article, Watts Inc or Ace Hardware would be giving me a kickback. Shame on you for thinking that! Christopher Robin Prickett cannot be bought! Rented, maybe, but never bought.