International Builders’ Show Product Preview: Flo n Stop Flood-Prevention System

If the hose on your washing machine were to burst while you and your family are of out of the house, thousands of gallons could flood your home. Think substantial water damage. Think potential mold problems. Think head-shaking claim adjusters.

The simplest solution would be to shut off the water supply to the appliance, but you probably don’t ever touch the shutoff valve. (Be honest.) Enter the Flo n Stop, a wireless, remote-controlled device that can prevent a nightmarish flooding scenario, claims Millennium International Development Corp.

The setup comprises a solenoid valve installed just after the main water valve in your home, a transceiver module plugged into a nearby electrical outlet, and a battery-powered wireless transmitter that goes near an entry door. When you leave the house, says the manufacturer, you press the off button on the transmitter, which tells the transceiver to cut off the water at the solenoid valve.

The Flo n Stop can’t prevent the damage that would occur if water pours out of a ruptured water heater, for example, but it is supposed to prevent your fresh-water supply from continuing to flow once a leak occurs.

The companion 24/7 Water Sentinel mat is designed to prevent floods even if you leave the Flo n Stop in the on position. If the mat gets wet when an appliance or pipe leaks, it is supposed to send a signal to the Flo n Stop transceiver to cut off water to the household.

The Flo n Stop is expected to cost under $200, without installation. It is available at www.improvementscatalog.com and in spring at Lowe’s stores in Florida.—Ed Perratore

Essential information: You can’t plan for every emergency, but you can minimize the likelihood that an old appliance will turn on you. Read our expert tips for maintaining your appliances.

Comments

[simp1yb1ue]

Sounds like a great safety messaure. Keep in mind that it is often the case, a Plumbing permit maybe needed before the instalation of this product and it may be required that this work be done by a licensed and bonded plumber. In any case it is always a good idea to contact your local Inspections Department. I would also want to know if this pruduct is UL listed.

[Holly]

This device sounds great I guess my question is what are the odds that my washing machine would burst. Is this something that happens often? Last thing I would want to deal with is water damage.