Potential new buyer: Water Detection Application

[kpfeif]

Hello.

 

I'm considering buying an ISY-99 as a way to control a few lights in the house AND to serve as my "water sentry" in the basement.

 

We've never had water in the basement, but alas, I have a water softener, a water heater, and other devices down there that contain water. There's also a sanitary sump and pump - it's alarmed, but what if nobody was around to hear it go off? Where there's water, there's a flood waiting to happen.

 

We just finished the basement, and I can't stand the thought of water silently filling up the thing while we're at work. I'd like to create some sort of system that will email/txt message me if water has been detected.

 

I'm a software developer, so writing the programs won't be a problem. It's the water detection itself. Is there an Insteon device that can do this? Are there different ways other than Insteon? Does anybody have any advice?

 

Thanks,

Kris

[midrar]

I have a sump pump in my basement that is being monitored by Insteon. Using a $3 float switch from ebay, a standard i/o linc, and a stand off to mount the float switch to the PVC pipe for the sump pump, I am able to send an email/text notification when water hits a predetermined level. It works like a champ and everything cost around $50.

 

What I'm trying to work on now is find an inexpensive water moisture detector that will sense any type of leak. Does anyone have any suggestions?

[LeeG]

Smarthome did sell a water detection probe in an I/O Linc package but it was unreliable and was withdrawn. Don't think they have found a reliable sensor to put together another leak detection I/O Linc package but that would be one place to look. SH has lots of I/O Linc packages which now may contain a reliable leak detection device.

 

Simplehomenet carries a Dakota Alert Universal Transmitter/water sensor combination that was working well for me. I used it to detect high water washing over the dock to prevent a pump from being damaged. I've since relocated the pump so I no longer use that combination anymore but it was working well during tests.

 

It is a somewhat expensive combination if you do not already have a Dakota Alert system to receive the RF signal from the Dakota Alert Universal Transmitter. It is also battery powered so you have to remember to replace the 9V battery about once a year. I wanted a battery based solution in case power to the dock was lost due to a GFCI trip.

[aLf]

A simple search for Basement Watchdog will bring you to even more peace of mind. Made in Lincolshire Illinois, they are a fool proof back-up. I know this is kind of off topic, but I'd rather have the Big-Dog model start pumping on its own anytime over an e-mail from ISY. The only drawback I have with them is that you have a lead/acid battery in the house. And yes, it requires maintenance (water level) three to four times a year.

 

http://www.basementwatchdog.com/

 

Also have one of these.

 

http://www.freezealert.com/freeze_alarm_products.htm#ALARM

 

They work beautiful. I've had one for years to turn the thermostat on and off. Now with the Insteon thermostats, I have given some thought to dropping it for the Insteon way. With Freeze Alarm you only can switch between two therms, with Insteon you monitor the entire HVAC. I just wish I trusted the Insteon/network more.

 

The reason I posted the Freeze Alarm is that they offer a moisture sensor.

 

http://www.freezealert.com/motion-sensor-alarm.htm

 

I'm sure that this would work with an IO linc.

 

aLf

 

PS. You guys who have the Insteon thermostats, can you help make my mind more open to the Insteon thermostat change-over!

[Brian H]

Smarthome has a new water detector sensor that can be used as an accessory with the I/OLinc. I have not seen it in a kit, just as an added purchased item.

 

http://www.smarthome.com/71940/Minotaur ... sor/p.aspx

 

They also have a Freezer Failure, Refrigerator Failure and Freeze Detector modules from the same manufacturer.

[agent0014]

I wonder if it'd be relatively simple to crack open one of these and tap into the speaker wires and run that to an IOlinc:

 

http://www.amazon.com/Zircon-Leak-Alert-Electronic-Detector/dp/B00004XOVI/ref=pd_sim_hi_1

 

I've never done such a thing (unfortunately I know very little about current and electricity when it comes to home electronics) so I don't know what kind of signal the IOlinc requires. Perhaps someone smarter than me can comment on the feasibality of such a thing? [/url]

[gfridland]

http://www.smarthome.com/71940/Minotaur ... sor/p.aspx

 

Just got two of these for the same purpose...monitoring 2 sump pumps in basement. They do seem to work quite well. They will detect moisture as well as I placed them on a moist paper towel and was able to get a signal to register. There are no float/mechanical moving parts here so I am not concerned about debris causing issues.

 

I am sure that you can build something also...probably for less cost than what Smarthome charges for this, but, time was not on my side.

 

Also, you can run them in parallel and will therefore allow for multiple sensors on one i/o link.

 

Good luck!

[Brian H]

Thank you for the hands on tests of the moisture sensor results.

[apostolakisl]

I have used my Elk m1 to prevent water damage by installing water sensors through the house. http://www.homesecuritystore.com/p-48-2 ... witch.aspx

 

I have wired these to zones on my alarm panel and when the circuit closes because water touches the contact, the system alarms.

 

Furthermore, I have an Elk whole house automatic valve. http://dpcdist.com/watershutoffvalve.aspx

 

The Elk alarm panel closes a relay that closes the valve during a water alarm shutting down the whole house. In addition, I have it set to shut the house water off 45 minutes after the system is armed away.

 

Using this device from insteon http://www.smarthome.com/2450/IOLinc-IN ... ut-/p.aspx you could monitor one water sensor and control one water valve using your ISY instead of an Elk.

 

I paid less than the prices on those websites, those are just what came up when I googled my products for your reference.

 

Once the status of the water sensor and valve are known to the ISY, you can do with that what you will. Send emails, sound sirens, flash lights, send text messages, you get the idea.