Effective home water management devices

A home water management system allows homeowners to receive clean water reliably and safely. Without a water management system, the water in your home can become contaminated, flow erratically, or cause costly water damage. If you notice something is wrong with the way your home’s plumbing system is working, it’s likely you could benefit from a replacement or new installation of home water management equipment. In this article, you can explore the types of home water management devices and how they are used in your home’s plumbing system.

What is a home water management device?

Home water management devices control or regulate the water flowing through the home’s plumbing system. Each of these devices performs distinct functions, some of which include flow rate calculation, leak detection, backflow prevention, and flow and pressure regulation. Working together, these devices allow clean water to flow through your home conveniently, safely and smoothly. When equipment breaks down, you could be overcharged on your water bill, leaks could damage your home, or water pressure could become too high or too low.

Types of indoor water management equipment 

There are many types of devices used in homes to manage water flow, including water meters, water pressure regulators, backflow preventers, leak detection systems, and flow restrictors.

Water meter

Water meters, also known as water management devices, monitor the amount of water flowing through them. They are used by municipal governments and charge customers according to the amount of water they consume. Most water companies charge customers a flat base fee plus a variable fee based on the amount of water used in the home during the month. Water meters are used to calculate this variable fee, ensuring customers are not charged too little or too much each billing period.

You can monitor your home’s water usage by periodically measuring your water meter. The water meter is located at the home’s main water valve, which can be found under the slab in the yard or in the basement. Once a month, record the water meter readings and subtract the previous month’s readings from the current total. This will give you the total amount of water used in your home for the previous month.

Water pressure regulator

The water pressure regulator, also known as the pressure reducing valve, reduces water pressure when water flows into the house. These devices contain a spring-loaded diaphragm that allows a lower volume of water to pass through when incoming water pressure is high. When incoming water pressure is high, the spring is subjected to high pressure, shrinking the diaphragm and allowing less water to pass through. This reduction in water flow reduces the water pressure flowing through the regulator. The pressure regulator can be calibrated to a specific pressure by turning the adjustment screw. This allows you to control the maximum allowable water pressure in your home.

Backflow prevention device 

Backflow preventers block water from flowing in the opposite direction in the plumbing system. They prevent dirty water, such as wastewater and dishwashing liquid, from contaminating potable water in the water supply pipes. There are three common types of backflow preventers found in the home: dishwasher air gaps, vacuum circuit breakers, and check valves.

Dishwasher air gap

Dishwasher air gaps are fittings mounted above the sink that prevent water in the drain from flowing back into the dishwasher. An air gap connects the kitchen sink drain to the dishwasher to prevent wastewater from entering clean dishes. The air gaps separate the two branches of the tube by an air gap, making cross-contamination of the lines impossible.

Dishwasher air gaps are required by regulation in some states, but not in others. In areas where air gaps are not required, high rings are a popular alternative. In the high ring, the drain line runs from the dishwasher to the highest point of the sink. Although high rings are effective, they are not as reliable a method of preventing backflow as dishwasher air gaps.

Vacuum circuit breaker

Vacuum circuit breakers are threaded backflow prevention devices that attach to the ends of pipes and nozzles. AVB has a one-way valve and vent to prevent water from flowing in the opposite direction. When water flows through the vacuum circuit breaker, the one-way valve is pushed open by water pressure. The check valve will then close when the water flow stops and the pressure then drops. When this happens, the vent lets outside air into the system, preventing back drafting that occurs due to low pressure. When the valve closes, water cannot re-enter the valve until it opens again, at which point water pressure will only allow water to flow in one direction.

Checking valve

Check valves prevent backflow by sealing the water with a disc when water flows back. The disc in the one-way valve remains closed until the water flows in the right direction. The disc will remain open until the water flow stops, at which point the disc will form a tight seal. When water tries to flow back into the one-way valve, the disc remains sealed, preventing dirty water from contaminating the clean water source. Because they only allow water to flow in one direction, check valves installed in the wrong direction can cause pressure buildup and costly damage in the plumbing system. When installing a check valve, the installer must ensure the valve is oriented correctly.

Leak detection system 

Leak detection systems help prevent costly water damage in the home by shutting off the water supply when a leak is detected. Leak detectors are usually installed at the main water point entering the house. They monitor the flow of water through the system and detect any abnormalities. Once a leak is detected, the system will turn off all water sources in the home, preventing costly accidents before they happen.

The smart leak detection system connects to your home Wi-Fi to alert you when a leak is detected. It also allows you to monitor your water usage in real time. The components of these systems not only alert you to problems but also communicate with each other to resolve problems as they arise.

Flow restrictor 

A flow restrictor, also known as a flow controller, allows water to flow at a constant rate. They are especially beneficial for systems that operate with a steady flow, such as water filtration systems, tankless water heaters, and irrigation systems. The flow restrictor contains a two-port valve that increases and decreases the distance that water can flow through depending on the incoming flow rate. Regardless of incoming water pressure, the flow restrictor can ensure a steady, smooth water flow.

Many types of water treatment systems require a specific contact time with the water for effective treatment. Flow restrictors allow the time the water is in contact with these systems to remain consistent. This not only provides high quality water but also increases the lifespan of the water treatment system. Flow restrictors must be used for certain filtration systems, such as reverse osmosis. They can also allow for a steady flow of water in bathroom and kitchen faucets.

Are water management devices necessary?

Some water management devices are required in all or some regions, while others are not.

A water meter is required when the utility provider is the source of water for a home. Most well water systems do not have water meters.

Water pressure regulators are required in homes that receive water at a pressure greater than 80 psi.

All water outlets must have backflow prevention devices. Some backflow prevention devices, such as dishwasher air gaps, are only required in some states. However, these states require the dishwasher to be equipped with a different type of backflow preventer.

Building codes do not require leak detection systems, but they are a wise investment to prevent water damage in the home.

Flow restrictors are required in some applications. For example, showerheads, faucets, and all fixtures in the United States must be equipped with flow restrictors to keep flow rates at or below 2.5 GPM. Although not required by law, some filtration systems, such as reverse osmosis, require a flow restrictor to function properly.

How often should the home’s plumbing system be checked?

To prevent disaster, the home’s plumbing system should be inspected at least every two years. This involves everything in the plumbing system, including all fittings, valves, pipes and fixtures. The cost of a home plumbing inspection typically ranges from $180 to $225. While some homeowners may avoid inspections due to price, problems arising from faulty water management devices can lead to much more costly damage down the road.

See more: What you need to know about water neutralization systems

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