Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will purchasing the Water Master lower my insurance rates and if so by how much?
2. What is the process for installing the Water Master?
3. Is it possible for the average homeowner to install the Water Master themselves?
4. Can the Water Master be installed in something other than ¾ copper piping such as PVC or galvanized steel piping?
5. How much does it normally cost to install the Water Master?
6. How does the Water Master work?
7. After installing the Water Master will my water pressure drop?
8. Will the Water Master disrupt my normal water use patterns?
9. Can the Water Master tell me the location where a leak is present?
10. After the Water Master has shut off the water, can I reset the unit using the remote control or do I have to do it manually?
11. In the event of a power outage, will the Water Master still protect my home?
12. If a fire were to occur, would the Water Master shut off the fire sprinkler systems?
13. Can the Water Master interact with lawn sprinkler systems and other systems that require long periods of water use or very small amounts of water?
14. Can the Water Master work with my home security system?
15. Does one Water Master fully protect my home?
16. Is there any required routine maintenance for the Water Master?
17. Are there any additional products that I will have to purchase for the Water Master to fully protect my home?
18. Why does the Water Master cost $825?
1. Will purchasing the Water Master lower my insurance rates and if so by how much?
Typically insurance companies offer homeowner’s insurance discounts if a Water Master leak detection system is installed. Consult your insurance company to see if they can provide you with a discount and learn how much money you can save.
2. What is the process for installing the Water Master?
Installing the Water Master is fairly easy. Turn the incoming water supply to the home or business off. Once all of the water in the piping system has drained, find a space where the Water Master can be mounted in the upright position close to the beginning of the incoming main water line. Remove 9” of the existing pipe to ensure the Water Master will fit in the space provided along with the necessary connectors. Open all valves on the Water Master and solder the joints together. Plug the Water Master in and test for leaks ensuring that the solder joints are of the highest quality.
3. Is it possible for the average homeowner to install the Water Master themselves?
Yes. The average homeowner can install the Water Master if they have the experience and knowledge necessary for the installation process. A homeowner who is “handy” would most likely be able to accomplish the job however it is recommended that a professional plumber install the Water Master to ensure the highest quality of soldered joints.
4. Can the Water Master be installed in something other than ¾ copper piping such as PVC or galvanized steel piping?
Yes. The Water Master is designed to be installed in a ¾” copper piping systems however with additional fittings and adaptors, the Water Master will be able to be installed in a PVC or Galvanized steel piping system.
5. How much does it normally cost to install the Water Master?
Even though prices vary for the services of a professional plumber, a typical price to install the Water Master would be in the range of $100-$125. The actual installation process should take no longer than 30-45 minutes.
6. How does the Water Master work?
Once installed, the Water Master closes the incoming water line off using a flow valve thus trapping the existing water in the piping system of the home or business. The Water Master then performs a pressure decay test to determine if there is a leak in the plumbing system. If the pressure remains the same, no leaks are present. However, if there is a drop in pressure, it is determined that there is a leak present or user demand has occurred. The flow valve is opened to allow water into the piping system. This process determines if there is user demand present of if in fact there is a leak. A switch found in the Water Master determines the existence of water flow or a lack of water flow by using a flow threshold. If the result is no water flow, the Water Master establishes that there is a leak in the plumbing system and the water is shut off. If at any time during the pressure decay test user demand occurs, the pressure decay test is stopped allowing for water use. The test then restarts once user demand has ceased.
7. After installing the Water Master will my water pressure drop?
No. There will not be a noticeable drop in water pressure after the Water Master has been installed.
8. Will the Water Master disrupt my normal water use patterns?
No. The Water Master will not disrupt the normal water use pattern of your household or business. It will protect your home without being noticed.
9. Can the Water Master tell me the location where a leak is present?
No. The Water Master views the entire piping system as a single entity. One must look for evidence of a leak to determine where the leak is present. If a leak cannot be located, either a tap has not been shut off or the leak is concealed. If help is needed finding a leak, simply contact us and we at Michigan Aqua-Tech can assist you in this matter.
10. After the Water Master has shut off the water, can I reset the unit using the remote control or do I have to do it manually?
The Water Master can be reset both ways. The most convenient way is through the remote control. A simple touch of the “A” button will reset the Water Master. If done manually, the user can push the system reset button found in the middle of the main panel.
11. In the event of a power outage, will the Water Master still protect my home?
Yes. The Water Master will automatically shut the water off in the event of a power outage. If water is needed during the outage, the bypass valve can be opened so that water is accessible. When power has been restored, the bypass valve must be returned to the close position in order for the Water Master to protect your home or business.
12. If a fire were to occur, would the Water Master shut off the fire sprinkler systems?
No. The Water Master will not shut off the fire sprinkler system. Typically the fire sprinkler system will be installed in the main water line before any safety taps to ensure that fire protection is the top priority. Therefore, the Water Master would be installed after the fire sprinkler system to guarantee that it would not shut off that system.
13. Can the Water Master interact with lawn sprinkler systems and other systems that require long periods of water use or very small amounts of water?
The Water Master can fully accommodate any lawn sprinkler system, system that requires long periods of water use, or very small amounts of water use. It is designed to work in accordance with all appliances and systems that use water. Contact us for details and instructions.
14. Can the Water Master work with my home security system?
Yes. The Water Master can work with your home security system. Consult your home security company for additional information on how to make the needed adjustments. If necessary, we will work with them to attain the desired results.
15. Does one Water Master fully protect my home?
One Water Master will protect your home or business. Multiple units would be needed for hotels, large apartment complexes, or large factories to make certain that adequate protection is provided.
16. Is there any required routine maintenance for the Water Master?
No. The Water Master does not require any routine maintenance to function properly. It is comprised of the highest quality parts to ensure maximum operating life.
17. Are there any additional products that I will have to purchase for the Water Master to fully protect my home?
No. Everything one needs for operation is included with the Water Master. It is ready to operate and protect your home right out of the box. However, there are some circumstances where additional materials will be required if the piping system is not of the traditional ¾” copper piping. Also, special consideration should be given to the water heater. In the event of a leak within the tank, the Water Master will shut the water off but the water found in the tank will continue to drip. A catch basin, pan, or drain fittings can be purchased at your local retail center to prevent this problem from occurring.
18. Why does the Water Master cost $825?
The Water Master is a complete leak detection system. It does not detect water on the floor but instead focuses on detecting leaks in the piping system thus eliminating the damage before it happens by shutting the water off. The Water Master is made from the highest quality parts. It is American made as are the components it is comprised of. Every unit is made with precision and we at Michigan Aqua-Tech, Inc. focus on making the Water Master with excellence. It stands alone in regards to quality in the water leak detection industry.