SmartHome Water Valve

[jgcharlotte]

Ok, so I want to get going on my water cutoff system.  I found a motorized ball valve on Amazon for about $70 that I like because it is 120vac (don't need a power supply), but it failed on the bench.  Scratch that.  The SmartHome 70275 is $99 and requires a power supply, but looks pretty robust.  Does anyone have experience with this one?

I already have a bunch of leak detectors deployed (beeper and notify only).  I'm also planning on installing an inline flow sensor in the same branch for conditions that may not be a leak.  Going to bypass that whole setup with two 3-way valves and a bypass line 'just in case'.

[MWareman]

Ok, so I want to get going on my water cutoff system.  I found a motorized ball valve on Amazon for about $70 that I like because it is 120vac (don't need a power supply), but it failed on the bench.  Scratch that.  The SmartHome 70275 is $99 and requires a power supply, but looks pretty robust.  Does anyone have experience with this one?
I already have a bunch of leak detectors deployed (beeper and notify only).  I'm also planning on installing an inline flow sensor in the same branch for conditions that may not be a leak.  Going to bypass that whole setup with two 3-way valves and a bypass line 'just in case'.

I have the Smarthome one - and it’s worked pretty well.

The only issue is there is no ‘positive feedback’ as to the status of the valve. I have it hooked to my Elk rather than an iolinc as the last thing I want is an all-on or all-off event to open or close the valve.

[etsvilik]

I'm also looking into water shut-off system. Deciding between Smarthome 70275 and Z-wave Warercop valve (found on Amazon ). Also looked at Dome Z-Wave

I have no Z-Wave setup and not eager to start building the whole stack, upgrade just for the valve to work. I thought may be to get Smarthings to get this running if I take this route. 

I have a number of Insteon leak sensor already in place. 

Can't find much information on Smarthome valve so may be someone can answer those questions.:

• Is valve self returning to open? What happens when I/O link relay opens?
• Read some reviews about issues with bad, leaking NPT threats. Is this still an issue?
• In general how do you reset the valve to open once leaking condition removed? Through program, manually through interface of manual override at the valve? 

In general which route would you take in my situation?

[jgcharlotte]

Will you be interfacing to ISY?  I wouldn't stress too much over adding Z-Wave.  It's pretty painless as long as the device is known to be compatible with the ISY.  That one looks pretty nice, I like having the local controls.  I ordered one from Amazon similar to the SmartHomes.

At any rate, I would highly recommend a manual cutoff/bypass.  I will be able to bypass mine with two 3-way valves if it is stuck closed or something, which will also isolate it if I need to remove it from the system.

 

[etsvilik]

Good idea about bypass.  I have another shutoff valve already after the meter. I'm adding new valve before the meter, so technically have a backup shutoff.

 I also only looked at valves with manual override.

I'd love to integrate with ISY but UDI Z-wave implementation in current state is not appealing to me. For instance ISY new daughter board is only for beta 5.XX firmware but I don't want to upgrade until it is a stable production version.  ISY is not a toy for our home but hard working automation appliance that needs to be rock solid as it is now. Adding the old Z-wave  board now is kind of going backwards.

For time being I may just try to use  IFTTT or other means to link ISY to Smarthings

[mwester]

Er, not sure if your municipality has different rules, but in Chicago (the last place I had a water meter), the municipality owned the plumbing up to the meter itself, and it wasn't legal for me to tamper with that in any way (including adding an additional valve).  Of course, on the other side of the meter, I could do whatever I wanted...

[etsvilik]

Thanks for the note. I checked and they told me I can do whatever past their curb shutoff valve. Works for me.