Water detection and shut-off system and methods

Abstract

A water detection and shut-off system is disclosed. The water detection system may be battery powered and include a water detector, a satellite water detector, and a water shut-off mechanism. The detectors and shut-off mechanism may be communicatively coupled via one or more communication links to a client component such as a smartphone app. Upon detecting the presence of unwanted water, the shut-off mechanism may operate an electric motor to close a water shut-off valve to prevent flooding or water damage.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A water detector for a water detection system including a wireless transmitter for sending an alert when a leak is detected, a wireless receiver communicatively coupled to the water detector for receiving the alert, and a water shut-off mechanism adapted to couple a water pipe with a shut-off valve and to turn the shut-off valve to a closed position in response to the alert, the water detector comprising:
 a catch basin along a top of the water detector;   at least one first water sensor located at a lower portion of the catch basin adapted to detect a leak by detecting the presence of water; and   at least one second water sensor located at a bottom of the water detector adapted to detect a leak by detecting the presence of water.   
     
     
         22 . The water detector of  claim 21  defining a first aperture at the lower portion of the catch basin receiving the first water sensor. 
     
     
         23 . The water detector of  claim 22  wherein the catch basin is sloped downwards towards the first aperture. 
     
     
         24 . The water detector of  claim 21  defining a second aperture receiving the second water sensor. 
     
     
         25 . The water detector of  claim 21  wherein the catch basin is sloped downwards towards the first water sensor. 
     
     
         26 . The water detector of  claim 21  further comprising a housing with an external groove that corresponds to the shape of quarter-round trim. 
     
     
         27 . A water detector for a water detection system including a wireless transmitter for sending an alert when a leak is detected, a wireless receiver communicatively coupled to the water detector for receiving the alert, and a water shut-off mechanism adapted to couple a water pipe with a shut-off valve and to turn the shut-off valve to a closed position in response to the alert, the water detector comprising:
 a catch basin along a top of the water detector;   a first water sensor located within a first aperture located at a lower portion of the catch basis adapted to detect a leak by detecting the presence of water; and   a second water sensor located within a second aperture defined by the water detector located along a bottom portion of the water detector, the second water sensor adapted to detect a leak by detecting the presence of water.   
     
     
         28 . The water detector of  claim 27  wherein the catch basin is sloped downwards towards the first aperture. 
     
     
         29 . The water detector of  claim 27  further comprising a housing with an external groove that corresponds to the shape of quarter-round trim.