Laundry Valves

There are now a variety of manual and automatic washing machine shut-off valves offered for use in the laundry.

Manual Shut-Off Valves

Some plumbing contractors still install a pair of boiler drain valves over a laundry tub but more have now switched to dual quarter turn lever faucets using ball valve mechanisms. Versions of these valves are used in recessed washing machine outlet boxes(shown right)

This permits quick and efficient shut-off of the water supply to minimize the risk of flooding should the hose burst.

A more advanced model provides a single lever to shut off both the hot and cold water valve simultaneously.

The WATTS 2-M2 (shown left) has a throttling feature that minimizes the shock effect of quick-closing washing machine solenoid valves.

Water, Water Everywhere!
But what happens when the hose bursts, and you're not right there to turn it off?

The sad truth is that most of the worst washer-related home damage comes from burst hoses. Most people do not realize that a washing machine does not have to be in operation to spring a leak or have a hose burst.

Did you know ....
A burst washing machine hose can discharge
500 gallons of water in one hour!

According to a recent nationwide analysis by Safeco Insurance, one out of every 10 water-damage insurance claims can be traced back to a malfunctioning hot water tank or washing machine. These two appliances are more likely than Mother Nature, to inflict serious water damage on the home.

Reinforced water hoses offer a greater protection level than standard rubber hoses. However, hoses, whether rubber or reinforced, will not last indefinitely and should be replaced every few years.

Water sensors are generally inexpensive, battery-powered devices that can be installed easily by the home owner. The detection unit sounds an alarm when water is detected. The down-side is these units work only after water is already on the floor (provided the batteries are working) ... and you still have to be there to hear the alarm and turn the water off.

Automatic Shut-Off Valves
Automatic shut-off valves, shut the water off at the faucet without your having to do so. The best ones combine a floor leak sensor with a flow sensor to help prevent catastrophic water damage.

Be aware some water damage may occur before
the valves shut off due to the initial rupture in the line

110 VAC Appliances
The Watts A2C-M1 Intelliflow® is an Automatic washing machine water shut-off Valve.

The IntelliFlow® is installed between the hot and cold water supply piping and the washing machine hoses to protect against catastrophic water damage from a burst inlet hose connected to a washing machine in use or unattended.

The Series A2C-M1 IntelliFlow senses when the washing machine is on or off, and then opens or closes the hot and cold inlet valves as needed, to allow or prevent water from flowing to the washer.

If a leak is detected, current flow to both the hot and cold water valves are immediately interrupted and closed.

In the event that the hose burst while the machine is in use, the Intellifow's included floor mounted leak sensor signals the Intellifow to shut off the water supply immediately, protecting against catastrophic water damage.

The A2C-M1 Intelliflow® consists of an electrical three-prong outlet to receive a washing machine power cable, leak sensor, a power cord, and a replaceable internal strainer screen. Models are available for both new construction and retrofit installations.

These valves are ideal for single and multi-family residences, elderly or handicapped housing, vacation properties, or any other place where an automatic electric (110 volt) clothes washer is installed.

220 VAC Appliances
The Watts A2-IntelliTimer is a remote timer that allows the IntelliFlow® to be used in applications where the washing machine or a combination washer/dryer is 220 VAC powered.

The A2-IntelliTimer low voltage power supply is plugged into IntelliFlow® power outlet. The timer initiates a two-hour cycle when the button is depressed. The timer sequence can be stopped by pushing the button a second time. A green LED is illuminated whenever the A2-IntelliTimer is on.

Upgrade Existing Installations
In retrofit Installations, the A2C-M1 IntelliFlow® directly replaces existing manual valves. It needs no special wiring or plumbing.

Retroift kits are available for nearly every type of washer valve.

Once installed, the washing machine only need be plugged into the A2C-M1 IntelliFlow®, and the IntelliFlow® unit plugged into the wall outlet.

A floor mounted leak sensor is available to protect against catastrophic water damage should a washing machine inlet hose burst while the machine is in use or unattended.

Learn more about Watts IntelliFlow®

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