WATER LEAK DETECTION, PREVENTION AND WATER CONSERVATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS

摘要

A water leak detection and prevention system uses sensors, wires, and wireless transmitters, to monitor all plumbing fixtures (faucets, toilets, hose bibs, etc.) and water-using appliances (dishwashers, washing machines, icemakers, etc.). When water is being used at a plumbing fixture or a water-using appliance, the sensor shows water that is expected to be used at that location and communicates the usage and the amount of flow for that location. Excessive usage or flow, or any flow when a location has not called for water, is indicative of a leak. Water to the building is on all the time—water pressure remains in the plumbing—creating no delay in water delivery. Water pressure and water flow are monitored at all times whether water is off or on. Should a leak occur the water flow sensor will show that water is flowing and that no approved location has called for water. The main valve will immediately be turned off and water in the plumbing system will be purged safely outside the building. Plumbing system protection: Should an over-pressure situation occur—due to expanding water being heated for instance—system will evacuate a small amount of water to the outside of the building, protecting plumbing, fixtures and appliances. Temperature sensors placed on piping at strategic locations will protect plumbing from freezing. Should temperatures near the freezing point, the system will purge water from the pipes. Water conservation system: should a toilet flapper become stuck open or partially open, or a faucet left dripping or running, the system main valve will close and water will be conserved.

主权项

1. A method for protecting a home or business building from flooding caused by a leak or rupture in the building plumbing or a malfunctioning appliance comprising:
when no fixture or water-using appliance (e.g., faucet, toilet, shower, dishwasher, clothes washer, refrigerator, humidifier, reverse osmosis unit, water treatment unit, thermal solar panel, etc.) demands water, a flow sensor detects water leakage and determines an amount of water that has been leaked; water to the building is turned off and water in a plumbing system is purged safely outside the building; each plumbing fixture and water-using appliance is monitored by a sensor and communicates wirelessly with a control panel that monitors flow of water through a main plumbing supply; the control panel is programmed with a location of each fixture or appliance and a maximum amount of water that fixture or appliance uses should the flow sensor detect water usage in excess of an allowed limit for that fixture or appliance, water will be turned off and any water in the plumbing system will be purged safely outside the building.