Why You Should Have an Automatic Water Shut-Off Valve Installed
It’s almost guaranteed that a pipe will burst or leak when you least expect it. Often, these plumbing catastrophes happen when homeowners are away from home, returning to find a wet mess and more than a little cleanup and water damage to contend with. An automatic water shut-off valve can save you from this headache. It’s a small upgrade that you’ll be thankful for if a plumbing disaster strikes.
What Is an Automatic Water Shut-Off Valve (And Why Should You Have One)?
Every home has a shut-off valve that will shut off water to the entire home in case of plumbing emergencies or to enable you to shut off water to the house when you’re having plumbing work done. They’re also useful for seasonal homes since it’s a good idea to shut off the water to your home if you plan to be away for an extended period. Water shut-off valves are usually found where the water from either a well or your municipal water supply comes into the house.
An automatic water shut-off valve takes this safety feature a step further by shutting off the water when it detects a change in water pressure. Even if no one’s home to shut off the valve, an automatic shut-off valve will take care of it for you.
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Automatic Water Shut-Off Valves: How Do They Work?
So, how does an automatic water shut-off valve work? There are a few different types of automatic shut-off valves, including whole-house shut-off valves and point-of-use systems (such as automatic washing machine shut-off valves). In either case, the valve works by monitoring the flow of water through the valve. If the valve detects an irregular or prolonged flow of water through the system, it will shut the water off. Point-of-use systems, such as those attached to appliances, only allow so much water to flow through at any given time to prevent leaks and overflows.
There are a few reasons you might want to have an automatic water shut-off valve installed:
- You live in an area where burst pipes can be an issue in winter.
- You only live in your home part-time and spend extended periods away.
- Your home is located in an area known for turbulent weather, which can damage your home’s plumbing.
- Your home has older pipes.
- Your home’s current water shut-off valve is difficult to access.
Install a Shut-Off Valve and Gain Peace of Mind
If you live in the Austin area, contact Daniel’s anytime to help you with your automatic water shut-off questions and installation. Water leak detectors and automatic shut-off valves can save you a lot of hassle, money, and mess. Give us a call at (512) 456-3570 or schedule service online.