Types of leak protection systems
Home leak protection systems vary in response rate, purchase, installation and maintenance costs.
- Water Block valve;
- powder hose;
- mechanical valve;
- partial protection with microswitch, float;
- full protection with a solenoid valve;
- system with external sensors.
The listed varieties react differently to leaks.
Operation with a mechanical valve
The safety device reacts to strong changes in water pressure, which can occur if the sleeve is depressurized. One of the devices of this type is the UDI valve.
Installation of the AquaStop mechanical valve.
There is a locking device inside. If the pressure rises, it shuts off the water supply. A special spring is responsible for this, which does not prevent the flow to the water intake point freely in normal mode.
The mechanical valve only functions when there is a sudden drop in pressure. The mechanism does not respond to a small amount of water seepage at the connection point.
If there is mud or heavy suspended solids in the water, the spring is clogged and will not trip in an accident.
After actuation of the safety mechanism, the cause of the failure is eliminated: the valve is unscrewed until it snaps into place, then screwed back into place. The water tap is smoothly opened, which brings the system into operation.
Depending on where it is installed, the construction is available as a fitting, straight or swiveling monoblock.
Water Block Valve
The principle of operation is to determine the volume of liquid flowing through the system. The product is installed upstream of the water supply hose.
The Water Block valve.
The level of the permitted water volume can be adjusted by the user. Setting step is 5 liters.
The key for setting the required parameters is supplied with the oven. Require information on how much water the appliance wastes in one cycle.
For example, if the consumption figure is 50 liters, the arrow on the body of the blocking device must be in the corresponding position. The valve will not let more water through by blocking the supply.
This system even reacts to small leaks, i.e.к. The pressure in the water supply for the device does not matter.
After an emergency situation, the user eliminates the fault by pressing the reset button. The blocking device is then ready for use again.
Powder absorbent in the Aquastop hose
Some modern appliance models are equipped with a powder-absorber hose. In most cases, the protective product is purchased separately. The construction has an internal channel through which water flows. The outer sleeve seals the inner passage. If it is damaged, the water flows into the outer hose, rising to the automatic blocker.
The mechanism is at the point of connection to the water mains.
There are 2 types of these protective devices:
- The first type has a plunger that acts as a shut-off valve. The absorbent is connected to the plunger with a spring of appropriate stiffness. When the substance comes into contact with water, it expands. When the absorbent has increased in size, it presses against the spring and the plug closes the system.
- The second device group has magnets to ensure the plungers remain stable. A dry absorbent material keeps the system in balance. The wet substance expands in volume, driving the two magnets apart. The field between them weakens and the flow cuts off the plunger.
This system is only effective if the hose leaks. If the depressurization occurs on the thread or inside the appliances, the mechanism will not work, as with a small leak. Another disadvantage is the impossibility of recovery: the hose will need to be replaced after an emergency.
Partial protection system with float sensor and switch
Built-in protection is suitable for some models of household appliances. In some cases, the bottom of the washing machines is closed with a decorative tray of plastic, and in the case of a leak at the connection point or inside the household appliance, the liquid accumulates in a special container. The float in the protection system rises as the water level in the sump increases.
The mechanism actuates a switch which opens the pump circuit when the liquid rises above the permissible level. It then puts the appliance into a water pumping mode. After removing the cause of the malfunction, the elements of the mechanism should be dried thoroughly. The system is put back into operation.
The disadvantage of this protection is that the mechanism is triggered only when liquid enters the tray. If water collects elsewhere, the switch does not trip. It also will not respond to small leaks. This system can only be installed in a machine where this has been made possible by the manufacturer.
Protects against water leakage by means of a float sensor.
Full electromagnetic type protection with combined partial protection
This type of protection is a device with a float and a switch, completed by a hose with an electromagnetic operating principle. The hose is encased in a flexible sleeve which provides a protective function. Hose is installed in the appliance by the manufacturer.
Inside the flexible hose there is a block with one or two consecutive solenoid type valves.
Some designs include a pneumatic or electric valve. The unit is secured with a nut to the water supply. Valve is hermetically sealed with resin. An electrical cable extends from the unit to the appliance along the entire hose.
If the hose leaks, water accumulates in the drain compartment, from which the liquid flows into the sump, raising the float. A switch that cuts off power to the valve is actuated, and the water is shut off. System is reliable, but ineffective if threaded leakage occurs. After an emergency, the hose will need to be replaced.
Full protection with external sensors
System with external detachable sensors designed by “smart home” technology and equipped with a special control unit and external sensors. Electromagnetic shut-off valves are installed on the pipes. If water enters the sensors, signals are sent to the controller. Control unit closes valves, cutting off water supply.
How the water leakage protection sensor works.
The set includes from 2 to 250 sensors. The user chooses the system according to the size of the room, the number of household appliances. In modern modifications notification is sent to the user’s smartphone. Sensors can be connected to the control unit by wire or wirelessly.
Important condition for the operation of this equipment is the presence of a level floor.
Otherwise, the liquid can run down the slope, and the sensor will not work, because the water does not get on the contact surfaces.
Provision is made for further operation of the system after an emergency.
With the right placement of sensors, the system will react even to small leaks, so this type of equipment is reliable.
Similar products can be purchased at KVANTA online store
Popular models with Aquastop from well-known brands
Budget models of washing machines are usually not equipped with the system Aquastop, but each brand has a line of models that have a system of protection against leaks.
Here are some of the popular models with Aquastop from well-known washing machine manufacturers:
- Bosch. Bosch WLR245H2OE;
- Siemens. Siemens WI14W540OE;
- Miele. Miele WWD120 WCS White Edition;
- ASKO. Asko W2086C.W/1;
- ARISTON. Hotpoint-Ariston RDPD 96407 JD EU.
Modern washing machines should be used strictly in accordance with the instructions, then the user will be confident in the safety of the device and get the most comfortable operation. Appliances with the Aquastop feature are no exception.
- 1 Unplug the appliance from the power outlet.
- 2 Turn off the water so that it does not flow into the washing machine
- 3 Prepare a cloth and a small basin of about one liter.
- 4 Move the machine away from the wall so that the hoses are accessible.
- 5 Locate the fill hose and begin unscrewing it counterclockwise.
Unscrew the back panel of the dishwasher and push it aside. Disconnect the bushing holding the hose and pull it out. Insert a new hose into the hole, connect it to the pump, and screw the clamp. Reassemble the machine.
How to check the AquaStop safely?
Warning! Unprofessional diagnosis and repair of electrical appliances such as washing machines is potentially dangerous to life and limb!
The best option when the water leak protection is triggered is to unplug the machine and trust an experienced washing machine repair technician to check the AquaStop!
When starting to check the washing machine yourself, it is very important to remember the rules of safety!
You can safely check the AquaStop this way:
- With dry hands, disconnect the washing machine‘s cable plug from the electrical outlet.
- Turn off the water tap on the machine completely.
- Drain the Washing Machine. Read about this in the article “ How to drain a washing machine ”.
- Open the door, pull out the laundry.
- Check if there is water in the washing machine tray.
Tray. a metal or plastic container with a water sensor built into it (“float” Electrically isolate the washer-dryer from the appliance.).
Universal Anti-flood Aqua Stop Appliance Hose
If the drip tray is dry. you need to refer to the manual and find the section that describes what to do in the event of an error “Leak”.
If there is water in the sump. do not delay to order repair service in a reliable and legally operating service center!
To understand the causes of failure and to repair the unit, in the case of a leak, should only an experienced and qualified technician.
Also, the washing machine will need professional repair, if the independent action did not work and AkvaStop is triggered again.
Basic types of aquastops
Leak-proof systems for washing machines come in a variety of forms. They are installed both inside and outside of the machine. Typically, complex systems with sensors and electronic control board are mounted inside. External aquastops are designed to block the water supply through the fill hose.
A simple solenoid valve that is easily installed in fittings and in case of breakage of the fill hose, its crack, rupture, shuts off the water supply automatically. Such a device can be used repeatedly after replacing the hose with a new one.
Built-in aquastop with sensors installed by the washing machine manufacturer. A smart device monitors the operation of the machine, the water level, foam in the tank, and in case of an abnormal situation sends a signal to the control board, which blocks the water supply.
The powdered aquastop is a double hose with an absorbent inside. it absorbs water in case of a leak and sensors signal the valve to stop the water supply. This type of protection is the most effective, as it catches even dripping leaks. However, it has one drawback. it is disposable, as the powder absorbent is not recoverable after a leak.
Choosing an aquastop is based on the configuration of your washing machine. In most cases it is sufficient to purchase a simple valve, which will prevent the machine from leaking.
Installing Ball Valves
There is a certain technique that allows you to install the “Aquastop” system. Water leakage protection, the installation of which is carried out by your own forces, will require the study of the sequence of operations. Electric ball valves should be cut into the pipe behind the manual inlet valves. Under no circumstances should they be installed before or instead of the stop valve.
Before installation, the water supply is shut off. Next, from the inlet valve is disconnected wiring. The system taps are then installed. If the thread is external, it is simply screwed on the communications. When it is internal, you have to use an “American”. The thread is wrapped with a sealant (fum-tape, gasket). The system faucet is screwed to the valve in a specific direction. It is marked with an arrow. The pipes are connected.
Complete anti-leakage protection. the Aquastop system
The AquaStop design is a combination of the following elements:
In an emergency situation, the liquid is automatically pumped out, which increases reliability. “Aquastop” is triggered when the tank leaks, the spigots are damaged or the foam comes out.
Turn off the water tap after the wash?
Washing machine breakdown
If you can not regulate the operation of the washing machine yourself, it means that a serious breakdown has occurred. Call a master from the service.
- Drainage path leaks: This breakdown can be recognized by the water around the machine and the active operation of the pump. Do not attempt to repair leaks. It costs up to 1000.
- A damaged cuff: the tight fit of the cuff determines the hermetic closing of the door. If it is damaged or worn, water will drip from under the door. You can’t fix the problem yourself even if you try to seal the crack in the cuff with glue. Service of the master on replacement of the cuff is estimated from 1500
The protection system has worked. why and what to do
The leak protection system can work in certain cases.
- If the sewer or drain filter is clogged, the pump is broken.
- If the water flows into the machine‘s tank intermittently, it may indicate that the hose is kinked or damaged. This can also sometimes be caused by a faulty water valve.
- Breakage of the system Akvastop. It can occur because the hose has come loose, the sump or float is damaged.
In any situation where the leak protector activates, the appliance must be immediately de-energized.
It is important to take care not to step in puddles at this time, otherwise you could get an electric shock. If you can’t reach the socket without stepping in water, it’s better to turn off the fuse boxes in the whole apartment.
To completely stop the water supply, you need to turn off the tap on either the machine itself or on the water riser. After that, do not use the technique is not recommended. it can be dangerous. It is necessary first to perform diagnostics and determine the cause of failure and places of leakage. If necessary, clogs are punctured, and broken components are repaired or replaced. After that you should press reset and the protection system will activate again. If the problem is there, you will have to replace the Aquastop system. To do this, you need to remove it and replace it with a new.
