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Topic: Water Leak Sensors - Where & How Many? (Read 1140 times) previous topic - next topic
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Water Leak Sensors - Where & How Many?
Please excuse me for starting a new thread on the topic.  We hadn't thought about buying water leak sensors and since the price is so reasonable, it certainly makes sense.   My question is ... where do most people place their water leak sensors?  I'm thinking next to the water pump and perhaps someplace in the bathroom?  Just looking for advice on the prudent use of these sensors.  And thanks in advance for guidance.
Re: Water Leak Sensors - Where & How Many?
Reply #1 –
You want a water sensor that detects moisture. The Honeywell thing says it detects 1/16 inch of water. That is too much. The sensor you want has conductive pins that touch the surface. I suppose the one I have is no longer for sale. If I find it I'll post.

Of course put it near the water pump on the pressure side. Those with accumulators need a water pan with a drain hose to the outside, I would think. A valve on the accumulater would be nice to have to stop a leak if detected, otherwise it is inevitable you will one day have a 2 gallon leak.
Harry 2006 RB
Harry 2006RB
Re: Water Leak Sensors - Where & How Many?
Reply #2 –
Walmart hast two. One by First Alert and one by GE. They both use 9 volt batteries. You will have to fasten the sensor down since RVs Rock and roll. I use that tacky putty stuff. They need to have a low battery alarm. If not then you need to replace the battery on a schedule.

Mine has alarmed twice, once with water and once low battery. It missed a water event once because the coach was not level and the water flowed away from it. The big save was in the middle of the night. For some reason a pump fitting developed a major leak. By the time I got it stopped the floor was barely wet so I was glad to have it. The pump is not easy to get to in an RB.

You do need to have an on/off valve between the tank and the pump and LD didn't put one in, at least in 2006.
Harry 2006 RB
Harry 2006RB
Re: Water Leak Sensors - Where & How Many?
Reply #3 –
Traxless,
I have a '88MB.  I would probably put in 2 Water leak detectors. 
1.  First put one at the pump and water tank area. 
2. The next place would be the the water pipe groove at the water heater end (under the wardrobe drawers).

My reasoning for the second detector is two fold. First the cold side brass check valve at the water heater was and had historically leaked when I took delivery Nov 2016.  Secondly,  the 'PEX" used at that time was involved in a product liability suit and the piping groove under the passage way is a low spot for potentially un observable  leaks.
Rodney
1988 Mid Bath
Re: Water Leak Sensors - Where & How Many?
Reply #4 –
Quote from: rodneyhelfrich  - 
First the cold side brass check valve at the water heater was and had historically leaked when I took delivery Nov 2016.  Secondly,  the 'PEX" used at that time was involved in a product liability suit and the piping groove under the passage way is a low spot for potentially un observable  leaks.

These suggestions make a lot of sense.  I hadn't thought about a sensor near the water heater.  Thanks for your guidance.
Re: Water Leak Sensors - Where & How Many?
Reply #5 –
I just posted about the ones I use in the accumulator thread.  Mine have been in use for 8 years.

Ken F in NM
'08 MB
Re: Water Leak Sensors - Where & How Many?
Reply #6 –
Most moisture sensors need to be in water, not merely wet or moist.
What is needed is a shallow pan directly under the water pump, the most likely item to leak.
The remote sensor would then sit in the bottom of the pan.
If a pan the right size cannot be found, make a simple custom-fitted pan from several layers of aluminum foil, folded over once or twice. Shape the resulting thick sheet into a pan that will fit.

In my experience,  90% of leaks cane traced to the water pump, usually either the inlet and/or output fitting is loose or cracked or a hose clamp needs tightening.
Occasionally the pump will leak from the gasket, separating the pump and motor. It's normally the death of the motor, once water gets into the bearings.
Like many others here, I carry a spare water pump. Also carry a few replacement PEX fittings and faucet supply line plugs.

Larry


Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze