Plumbing Connection Summer 2016

6 2

PLUMBING CONNECTION

SUMMER 2016

BEAT THE LEAK

ystems integrators have access to some very

obvious solutions for disasters like fire with smoke

alarms, burglary with security systems and gas leaks

with carbon monoxide detectors, but how can installers

protect homes from mould causing, carpet ravaging, wall

paper staining and property destroying flooding?

WaterCop Pro – that’s how

Manufactured by DynaQuip, WaterCop Pro is a system

that can detect a water leak in appliances such as sinks and

dishwashers, or internal water pipes, then shut off the main

valve to stop a leak turning into a flood.

These battery-powered flood sensors are installed onto

washing machines, fridges, sinks and the like to monitor

accumulating moisture and identify water leaks. When a

leak or moisture build up is detected, a sensor will send a

signal via RF to the WaterCop Pro control panel, instructing

it to close the brass valve, shutting off the water supply to

the home.

The valve will remain closed

until it is reset manually or

via the control panel.

DynaQuip director of sales

Ken Fox says the system has

been thoroughly tested and

can be expected to last for

around 20 years.

“The components have

reliability similar to what you

would find in a jet-liner. An

airplane switch can’t just work

99% of the time, it has to work

every time,” Ken says.

“It used to be the connections to appliances that

would leak but, with better fitted and built connectors,

it’s now generally in the appliances themselves where a

leak develops.”

When a sensor is activated, the control panel sounds an

audible alarm and a message is displayed on an LCD display,

indicating which sensor has been set off. It has a low battery

indicator as well as open/closed status of the brass water

supply valve. An internal mounting bracket enables easy

cable management and a clean aesthetic mount to a wall.

While the valve must be installed by a licensed plumber in

the main water line, ideally just downstream from the main

shut-off valve for the home, one of the most interesting

features of WaterCop Pro is that it can be integrated into

a home automation system. WaterCop Pro systems are

equipped with auxiliary input/output contacts that can

be wired into a home automation system with low voltage

wiring. Once connected, home owners can control WaterCop

Pro from their home automation system as well as receive

alerts from WaterCop Pro sensors sent wirelessly straight

to their control system.

WaterCop Pro’s wireless signal extends approximately

45m by line of sight and if needed a wireless repeater can be

installed.

With flooding potentially causing catastrophic effects

in high rise developments the WaterCop Pro has become

especially sought-after for these types of buildings.

“There are around 50 high-

rises in the US that have

the system installed and

the demand is growing

exponentially,” Ken says.

Not only is water damage

potentially worse in high-

rises because it can leak

through multiple floors but

there are often uninhabited

apartments or rooms vacant

for long periods of time, so a

small leak could go unnoticed

for extended periods causing

increasing levels of mould or other

serious damage.

For that reason, US insurance

companies often recommend

clients use WaterCop Pro for holiday

homes or apartments that are left

unattended for long periods.

Ken says he has had customers want to hug

him when the WaterCop Pro has saved their home from

being destroyed.

WaterCop products are currently not available in Australia

or New Zealand but Ken says DynaQuip is very interested in

selling to distributors in the area as the system can easily

be adapted for Australian and New Zealand Standards.

NOT ONLY DOES FLOODING DESTROY BELONGINGS BUT IT CAN HAVE CATASTROPHIC EFFECTS ON THE STRUCTURAL

INTEGRITY OF A HOME. THE WATERCOP PRO STOPS A LEAK BECOMING A FLOOD.

JOE YOUNG

REPORTS.

WaterCop

www.watercop.com

NEW TECHNOLOGY