2005 Year in Review

Water Alarms Prevent Costly Repairs

Source: Lois E. Smith, Extension Educator, Consumer and Family Economics, smithle@uiuc.edu

It happens more often than you think--while you're at work, asleep at night, or even worse, out of town for several days-–a water leak.

"Water leaks can happen wherever pipes or hoses are located-–sometimes in places that are not highly visible," says Lois Smith, University of Illinois Extension consumer and family economics educator. "Leaks often occur under sinks and appliances such as the dishwasher. By the time the leak is noticed, there may already be damage to the flooring or appliance. Repair can be costly and inconvenient."

According to the May 2002 issue of the Wall Street Journal, every year more than 5 million water heaters rupture. And, washing machine hose failure amounts to over $150 million in the U.S. and Canada. Other leading causes of water damage are from icemakers, dishwashers, and frozen or broken pipes. Even slow leaks can cause serious damage.

Smith says a water alarm can detect even the smallest amounts of water before damage occurs. Placing a water alarm in critical spots throughout your home will help protect against the destruction and expense of water damage.

Since repair and replacement costs from water damage often range from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars, a water alarm is well worth the small investment. Several models can be purchased for around $20.

"The water alarm detector is a self-contained electronic device that sounds an alarm when water is detected in your home," explains Smith. "When the battery runs low and needs to be replaced, the electronic horn makes a short beep. Damp locations and high temperatures may reduce the battery life, so you have to check the alarm regularly to see if it is working properly."

A free Water Alarm fact sheet is available from the U of I Solutions website. Log on at Solutions Series and type "water detector" in the search box.

by  Editor, theCity1.com
August 2, 2005