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    Brennamj's Avatar
    Brennamj Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Oct 31, 2011, 02:40 PM
    Broken water pipe sensor
    Anyone know of unit that can be installed on main water line in a house, to detect severe drop in water pressure caused by broken pipe? I have gray PVC pipe that can break anytime, anywhere in the house. Ideally unit has ball valve that will shut off water. Thanks, Mark
    ma0641's Avatar
    ma0641 Posts: 15,675, Reputation: 1012
    Uber Member
    		  
    #2

    Oct 31, 2011, 03:22 PM
    Are you sure it's not polybutylene pipe, that's gray? Does it have screw fittings? PVC is white and CPVC is cream. NM tubing for electrical use is gray but is not NSF certified. Brasscraft makes inline shut off valves that can be installed in HW heaters so I don't see why it wouldn't work on a supply system. The only problems you have with them is tripping when you use a high flow faucet, maybe when filling a tub. You would need 2, one for hot and 1 for cold.
    Brennamj's Avatar
    Brennamj Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #3

    Nov 1, 2011, 06:04 AM
    You are right, it probably is polybutylene. Most all off the connections are made with the cooper compression ring. I have had connections just pull apart, and elbows crack. It is the thought of having other connections just pull apart, that have me worried. Fortunately both that have occurred so far have been in the basement, minimal damage, but still a big mess
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
    		  
    #4

    Nov 1, 2011, 07:40 AM
    If poly is what you have there aren't many options, doing nothing isn't one of them. Polybutylene Plumbing - How Do I Get Rid of Polybutylene?
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
    		  
    #5

    Nov 1, 2011, 08:55 AM
    The experts are correct. You don't need a sensor you need new pipes. Good luck, Tom
    Brennamj's Avatar
    Brennamj Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #6

    Nov 1, 2011, 10:23 AM
    Thanks for the feedback. I did look at Plumbing Express's web site for re-piping.
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
    		  
    #7

    Nov 1, 2011, 10:28 AM
    Let us know what you decide. Good luck, Tom
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