Leaksmart in-line water shut-off/detection installation

[jeromedawg]

Hey guys,

I found a Leaksmart valve (for auto-shutoff when leaks are detected) at HomeDepot and decided to check it out. Thing is, it looks like a it requires in-line installation which would require cutting [exposed] pipe in front of the water shut-off in addition to powering the valve via AC power. The shut-off is on the outside of our garage unit (we're in a condo so we can't really be attaching or hooking stuff up outside of our unit/garage). The only exposed piping is where the shut-off is on the outside, so I'm pretty sure I won't be able to install this thing out there. On the inside of the garage there is a 16x16 access panel which I think is intended for access to the fire sprinkler system that was already existent. Based on all this, it doesn't seem like I would be able to install this... at least easily. Even if a contractor came out to do it, it would still be a challenge given the lack of exposed piping. I would probably have to end up cutting drywall out to get to the piping and then figure out how to power the unit as well. The main water shut-off is under a common sidewalk/cover in front of the condo. I should probably just return it at this point.

http://getleaksmart.com/how-it-works/

What do you guys think?

[zolotiyeruki]

Don't be afraid of knocking holes in your drywall.  It's easy to repair.  I'd suggest you cut a piece out large enough that it spans two studs, so when you're done, it's easy to screw it back in and clean up the cracks.  Repairing a large crack isn't much harder than a small one.

[jeromedawg]

Don't be afraid of knocking holes in your drywall.  It's easy to repair.  I'd suggest you cut a piece out large enough that it spans two studs, so when you're done, it's easy to screw it back in and clean up the cracks.  Repairing a large crack isn't much harder than a small one.

It's a tempting proposition but I may just avoid the trouble. Plus, I have to figure out how to power the valve since there's no outlets on that side of the garage - I'd probably want to have an electrician come in to wire it as it doesn't seem like a very trivial job - I'd have to do a lot of knocking drywall, drilling holes, and fishing wire around as the nearest source is probably 50ft away with a corner to deal with.

[Spork]

Don't be afraid of knocking holes in your drywall.  It's easy to repair.  I'd suggest you cut a piece out large enough that it spans two studs, so when you're done, it's easy to screw it back in and clean up the cracks.  Repairing a large crack isn't much harder than a small one.

It's a tempting proposition but I may just avoid the trouble. Plus, I have to figure out how to power the valve since there's no outlets on that side of the garage - I'd probably want to have an electrician come in to wire it as it doesn't seem like a very trivial job - I'd have to do a lot of knocking drywall, drilling holes, and fishing wire around as the nearest source is probably 50ft away with a corner to deal with.

If you're installing a device in the wall that is electrical and a plumbing valve... I'd suggest you leave an access panel to get to it.

You probably don't want to hear this, but I might actually re-think the whole leak detection thing.  How much is it going to cost for the valve and all the sensors?

For the most part, I think IOT is a really bad idea.  Simpler is more often better.  It's likely this will be hooked up for the next 20+ years.  It sounds like it will create a reverse path into your home network (if you're able to shut your water off from your mobile phone.)  How long do you suppose the manufacturer will be supplying bug fixes?  Are you going to diligently track CERT and mitre.org for vulnerabilities on this thing? 

Your most likely leaks:
* water heater - if plumbed up to current code, this should be mitigated.  Leaks will be caught and diverted outside
* refrigerator/washing machine - put steel braided hoses on there and replace them every 5-10 years.  If really paranoid, you can get a dumb, non IOT shutoff for them for the same cost or less.