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Plumbing pros weigh in: new app promises faster fixes and fewer headaches

594 replies 83.9 K views
 
geo_dobby
20 posts

Hmm, a pet mode sounds interesting, but wouldn't it still risk missing smaller leaks? Maybe a timed sensitivity adjustment instead - like lower sensitivity only during typical pet activity hours, then back to full alertness overnight... Could balance safety with sanity.


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donaldgadgeteer
10 posts

"Maybe a timed sensitivity adjustment instead - like lower sensitivity only during typical pet activity hours..."

Timed adjustments sound good on paper, but from experience, pets don't really stick to schedules. I've had tenants whose cats went wild at 2 AM, knocking stuff around, and dogs that slept all day then paced the kitchen at night. A better solution might be sensors that differentiate between constant drips (real leaks) and random splashes or bumps (pets). Might cost a bit more upfront, but saves headaches long-term...


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25 posts

I've tried timed settings before, and yeah... pets are masters at breaking routines. Honestly, a drip vs splash sensor sounds great, but how pricey are we talking? If it's reasonable, might be worth skipping the midnight false alarms.


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15 posts

Drip vs splash sensors sound tempting, but honestly, I'd be cautious about relying too heavily on tech to avoid false alarms. I've seen sensors fail or misread situations plenty of times - especially with pets around. Maybe consider a simpler mechanical float valve or overflow pan setup instead? They're less flashy, sure, but fewer moving parts usually means fewer headaches down the line. Just my two cents... better safe than sorry at 2 AM.


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wturner73
16 posts

I get the caution about sensors - tech can definitely be hit or miss, especially when you're counting on it at odd hours. Had a buddy who installed one of those fancy drip sensors, and it went off every time his cat decided to splash around in the water bowl. Not exactly ideal at midnight...

That said, mechanical float valves aren't foolproof either. Had one stick open on me once, and trust me, waking up to a flooded laundry room isn't fun. I think the key is redundancy - maybe pair a simple mechanical setup with a basic sensor as backup? Doesn't have to be top-of-the-line tech; even a cheap moisture alarm placed strategically can save you from a nasty surprise.

Bottom line, no single solution is perfect. But combining low-tech reliability with a bit of affordable tech might just give you the best of both worlds without breaking the bank.


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