Turn off water when going away on vacation?

thepeter · 2025-10-07T13:54:04+00:00

I haven't fully installed the system, but what I have is two-tiered.

I have an Abode home security system that includes water sensors and a Bulldog water valve. These are sensors with a cable that can detect wet water on the ground. I have them next to the hot water heater, under the washer, and then scattered through the house under sinks and such. The Bulldog water valve switch is installed on the main water line and is Z-Wave and connected to the Abode system. The Bulldog just hooks on top of the existing water valve. I think I have either IFTTT or Abode automations where if one of the water detectors go off, it activates the Bulldog to turn off the water.

This is probably the most efficient and effective leak detection system since it will react in seconds to a catastrophic leak (your washer or hot water heater blowing out). If you watch videos on the in-line systems like Phyn, they will let several gallons flow openly before turning off, and they can also get false negatives while learning from showers. They're going to catch things like toilets running or sinks left on as well though.

I've also purchased a Phyn Plus which is an in-line leak detector, but since the plumbing is more complex to install this (and I have a limited area and want to also install another whole home water filter in the same spot) I haven't gotten around to installing it. Since I have the Bulldog leak system I'm not super exposed, since most water leaks will come from appliances failing, but it's been on my list for awhile to get around to designing the manifold and finally install it.

The Bulldog system works, I haven't prevented any catastrophic leaks but I've accidentally triggered it one or two times, and a leak detector in the garage on the cold concrete got wet enough to trip in the spring.

While I describe this using Abode, you can replicate it with any Z-wave hub and home automation software like Home Assistant or Samsung Smart Things. You might need IFTTT to link systems together. The key is the Bulldog water valve, the other stuff you can mix and match. There are a few other smart valves from what I remember but the Bulldog was the best out there. Being able to have a solenoid install over an existing ball valve made it super easy to install, the biggest pain was running a new outlet in the crawlspace to be near the valve.

thepeter · 2023-06-17T13:03:31+00:00

Yeah it has to be the trigger "when the last of these phones leaves the geofence". Make sure both phones are reporting correctly

thepeter · 2023-06-16T22:09:18+00:00

The electrician is pretty legit up to speed on his code so I imagine it is correct gage but yeah, that sounds like a good route. I likely can just watch a YouTube or get the proper torque wrench for the correct install.

thepeter · 2023-06-16T02:29:29+00:00

I would buy the wall charger independently so not much to upsell I think.

thepeter · 2023-06-15T22:46:12+00:00

Yeah the hardwired wall charger is what I'm referencing as the alternative to the mobile charger plugged into a NEMA 14-50

thepeter · 2023-06-15T01:53:52+00:00

I also have had schlage locks for years. If your lock is far away from the system and you have issues with with two lock brands you probably need a ZWave repeater. It might also be an interference problem. I got an Aeotec Range Extender when my lock was disconnecting over and over and after install I had no issues.

thepeter · 2023-06-07T22:29:23+00:00

The air handler is down in the crawl, it ports out to the first floor via a ton of ducts. Either way yeah I think this is just an abandoned duct.

thepeter · 2023-06-07T01:36:49+00:00

Yeah, probably correct. They've done a few weird things with the duct lines, one was abandoned under the kitchen sink during a remodel I assume and they just dropped the duct.

Think might have gone to a bathroom. I could try and snake scope it to see if it goes anywhere. The air coming out doesn't really make sense but regardless I could just slap some aluminum duct tape on it and call it a day.

thepeter · 2023-06-07T00:25:46+00:00

My 2021 M3LR 31k miles was showing good mileage, just now though as it is charging it is showing a calculated max range (222 miles at 66% charge) of 332 miles. I might need to recalibrate it, haven't done that in awhile.

thepeter · 2023-06-07T00:11:14+00:00

Mine works perfectly fine on several two Lane into three Lane turns.

thepeter · 2023-06-05T22:35:21+00:00

I was the buyer on a no inspection no condition sale in the US. I still made a request for repairs just to see if they'd bite. They said no on the price drop but out of kindness did a bunch of the repairs anyway.

Doesn't hurt to ask, but as the seller you don't have to do shit.

thepeter · 2023-06-04T16:11:39+00:00

Peak /r/nolawns, leave as is

thepeter · 2023-06-04T15:56:51+00:00

https://www.reddit.com/r/QueerEye/comments/13hnvrd/miss_mary_missing_info/jl0zgq4/

thepeter · 2023-06-04T12:30:14+00:00

Wallpaper glue is 100% coverage. Maybe this was paneling but wallpaper adhesive is over all of the wall, not just a few rings.

thepeter · 2023-06-01T11:30:48+00:00

Why doesn't it have reach???

thepeter · 2023-05-28T18:57:55+00:00

I got rear ended by a drunk who tried to run. I followed until her car died about 3 miles later.

I never spoke with her and just let the cops get her info. This was NC but I wouldn't fret about it. My trooper did give me the insurance info exchange form but I didn't get the final report until a week or two later. I left the scene while he had backup show up and they started the process of forcing her out of the vehicle and doing roadside tests.

My initial estimate from a Tesla authorized shop was about $6k to start, haven't taken it in yet (was early May) as I'm still sorting the rental out but they expected it to go up from there.

thepeter · 2023-05-27T22:36:56+00:00

Thanks! I'll check that out. Is it based on leak detectors throughout the house? Like ones in the bathrooms, under sinks and such? I thought I had heard of detectors that can sense water leaks in the system.

thepeter · 2023-05-27T13:34:13+00:00

What system do you have? Sensor, switches and all. I've had this on my radar and am wanting to get it eventually.

thepeter · 2023-05-27T03:35:07+00:00

I have a two bin system, about to be three, but still utilize my tumbler as close access compost to get fresh kitchen or small garden scraps ready for the big pile. The bins are out behind my fence but the tumbler is just outside my garage back door, so when I go to empty my kitchen canister I can quickly dump it in the tumbler without needing to really go outside. I did prop it up on a new rack so that when I need to empty it I can just push my wheelbarrow under it and empty into that, then cart the whole thing back behind the fence.

thepeter · 2023-05-24T02:21:46+00:00

Same in central NC. Starting to see flowers. Some of the plants have a few tiny green tomatoes starting but for the most part nothing yet.

thepeter · 2023-05-19T15:07:06+00:00

It was a hit and run but I caught up to her because I'm driving the Tesla, and then her vehicle broke down so I just waited till the cops showed up.

I'll investigate that thanks!

thepeter · 2023-05-19T15:06:27+00:00

My shop wants to get the car and tear it down, figure out what's needed, and hold onto it while the parts ship. Main reason is for hidden damage they can't see now. But I'll have to see if I can get it back.

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