Water leak detection and prevention systems and methods

• US 7,306,008 B2
• Filed: 04/05/2005
• Issued: 12/11/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 04/05/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Paul G. Tornay
• Original Assignee: Paul G. Tornay
• Inventors: Tornay, Paul G.
• Primary Examiner(s): LEE, KEVIN L
• Application Number:
  US11/099,351
• Publication Number:
  US 20050224118A1
• Time in Patent Office: 980 Days
• Field of Search: 137/624.11, 137/624.12, 137/487.5, 137/460, 137/488, 137/558
• US Class Current: 137/624.11
• CPC Class Codes: F17D 5/06 using electric or acoustic means
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 3/2815 using pressure measurements
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/0452 Detecting or repairing leak
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/7727 Excessive flow cut-off
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/7761 Electrically actuated valve
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/8342 Liquid level responsive indicator, recorder or alarm
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/86389 Programmer or timer

Abstract

Water leak detection and prevention systems and methods in which water is only delivered to the water pipes in the building when a faucet or appliance demands water and water is delivered through a normally closed shut off water valve. During the period that the main water is shut off, the water pressure in the water pipes is continuously monitored to detect a water leak in the building. Detection of a leak causes an alarm to be sounded and a continued closure of the shut off valve.

Claims

1. A system for protecting a home or business building from flooding caused by a leak or rupture in the building plumbing and for prompt detection of a leak or rupture in the plumbing system or water using appliances when the main water supply is disconnected from the building plumbing comprising

an electrically controlled shut-off water valve connected between the main water supply to said building and the building plumbing, said water valve having a fail safe shut mode when no electrical power is supplied to said valve so that no water from said main water supply is supplied to said building plumbing when no electrical power is delivered to said valve,

a low voltage network in said building connected to substantially all of the water using appliances in said building, said network being engaged whenever a water using appliance connected to said building plumbing demands a flow of water from said main water supply,

said low voltage network coupled to said electrically controlled water valve so that said normally closed valve is opened, upon demand from a water using appliance, and allow delivery of water from said main water supply to said water demanding appliance,

a water pressure sensor connected in said building plumbing for detecting a change in pressure of the water in said plumbing during periods of time that said water valve shuts off the water main from said building plumbing

an alarm,

said water pressure sensor coupled to said alarm when a predetermined change in water pressure is detected, and

a timer preset to a predetermined timer interval, said timer responsive to water demand at a faucet or appliance and coupled to open said circuit to said water valve at the end of said predetermined timer interval unless the faucet or appliance demanding water has been turned off during said timed interval.

2. A system for protecting a home or business building from flooding caused by a leak or rupture in the building plumbing and for prompt detection of a leak or rupture in the plumbing system or water using appliances when the main water supply is disconnected from the building plumbing comprising

an electrically controlled shut-off water valve connected between the main water supply to said building and the building plumbing, said water valve having a fail safe shut mode when no electrical power is supplied to said valve so that no water from said main water supply is supplied to said building plumbing when no electrical power is delivered to said valve,

control circuits responding to substantially all of the water using appliances in said building, said control circuits being engaged whenever a water using appliance connected to said building plumbing demands a flow of water from said main water supply,

said control circuits coupled to said electrically controlled water valve so that said normally closed valve is opened, upon demand from a water using appliance, and allow delivery of water from said main water supply to said water demanding appliance,

a water pressure sensor connected in said building plumbing for detecting a change in pressure of the water in said plumbing during periods of time that said water valve shuts off the water main from said building plumbing,

an alarm, and

said water pressure sensor coupled to said alarm when a predetermined change in water pressure is detected.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein a low voltage network in said building is connected to substantially all of the faucets and water using appliance in said building, said network being engaged whenever a faucet or water using appliance connected to said building plumbing demands a flow of water.

4. The system of claim 2 wherein each faucet and water using appliance has an electrical switch coupled to said low wattage network.

5. The system of claim 2 wherein having water using devices will generate a wireless signal to demand a flow of water and a receiver coupled to said control circuits and adapted to receive said wireless signals and cause said normally closed valve to open.

6. The system of claim 2 wherein an activated smoke sensor or fire alarm closes an electrical circuit to said water valve to maintain said water valve open and allow water into said building from said main water supply.

7. The system of claim 2 wherein a timer is triggered each time water is demanded, said timer preset to a time interval and coupled to said control circuits to automatically close said normally closed water valve at the end of said preset time interval to shut off the supply of water to said building from said main water supply.