Frequently Asked Questions
Q. "I broke my leak sensor, can I buy just the sensor as a replacement part?"
A. Yes, you can purchase the leak sensor, part number A2C-LS, above.
Q. "If the power was to fail, would the water continue to flow through the valves or would the valve switch to the off position?"
A. The valves used in the IntelliFlow™ are "Normally Closed" solenoid valves. If they are on/open when the power goes off, they will return to the off/closed position.
Q. "I only have one cold valve and do not have a hot side as I wash my clothes with cold water. Can I still use this shutoff valve?"
A. That's not a problem at all. This valve will work with only one side hooked up, providing there is no water coming into the side not connected to your washing machine.
Q. "So I just install this and forget about it, right?"
A. For maximum protection, make sure to follow all of the manufacturer's instructions and directions by performing the proper maintenance and inspections to ensure that you are fully protected from flooding; this is extremely important with man-made safety devices as they will eventually fail. Proper maintenance and inspections can also help lengthen the life span of your safety device.
Q. "I installed one of these Watts IntelliFlow™ automatic washing machine water shutoff valves and now there is noticeable water hammer. Is there any way to reduce the water hammer?"
A. Any device that is a quick-acting shutoff valve, may cause water hammer. We suggest that you install water hammer arrestors when installing any fast closing shutoff valve.
Q. "What is Water Hammer?"
A. Water hammer is a phenomenon caused by a combination of conditions usually involving a quick closing valve, and manifests itself as banging, knocking or hammering noises in your pipes.
Quick closing valves by themselves are not necessarily the cause of water hammer.
Several factors can contribute either by themselves or in any combination to cause water hammer such as:
- Improperly sized piping with relation to water flow velocity
- High water pressure
- Long runs of pipe between the water supply and the valve
- No shock absorbing system in place, such as hammer arrestors
- Fast closing valves
- Poor strapping of the piping system to the structure. (This is not the cause of the water hammer, more a symptom and contributor to the amount of noise.)
Water hammer is caused by the shock of the moving water in the pipe coming to a sudden stop when a valve closes, such as with automatic valves found in washing machines, dishwashers, ice makers and sprinkler systems. It can also be caused by fast closing manual valves, such as shower valves;
kitchen sink faucets,
bathroom sink faucets and even some
toilet fill valves. Although most sink faucets have low flow aerators that help in preventing the water volume and/or velocity from reaching water hammer levels; high water pressure and/or undersized piping coupled with high flow aerators can allow these fixtures to cause water hammer.
