ASK around... You will likely find that about half of your contacts have had a water problem during the past year. Damage ranges from mopping up a leak to repairing or replacing a ceiling or floor. Some lost irreplaceable possessions. Mold caused by leaks can cause significant property damage and an unhealthful environment.

The three major causes of water problems are leaks from water heaters, washing machines and dishwashers. Sales of more than four out of every five of these appliances were for replacement.

Early detection of a leak could mean the difference between a quick, easy and inexpensive repair or a major, expensive construction job.

Just place a Sphinx LeakDetect Alarm anywhere water may cause damage. When water is detected, a common alkaline battery will power the loud 100 dB alarm for about 5-7 days, if needed. It sounds like a smoke alarm. Always "ON". There is no On-Off switch.

Accessories extend the range of the sensors and provides connections to a battery, household current and existing wired security systems. Coverage can be provided up to 300’ from the Sphinx LeakDetect Alarm.

Save on 9V batteries. Sphinx’s exclusive circuitry allows the battery to function until it is used to sound the alarm or until its full Expiration Date. The 9V battery becomes a back-up power source when the Sphinx Alarm is connected to a battery or household power supply. A 9V battery is installed for your convenience and cost savings.

Sphinx uses technology and products which have been proven within the telephone industry.  However, Sphinx products do not connect to your telephone system.

Test the Sphinx LeakDetect Alarm by placing a wet cloth or wet finger on either set of water sensors. Alarm will sound. Remove wet item and alarm will stop and automatically reset.

Caution: The Sphinx LeakDetect Alarm only sounds a warning alarm when water is detected. It will not prevent or stop leaks or mold.

Here are some easy steps to follow for early detection of potential water leak problems...

Record your water meter reading. For the next hour, turn off all faucets, all water-using appliances and do not flush the toilet. Then check the flow indicator on the water meter. The flow indicator in most water meters is the triangular or diamond-shaped rotating button. If the meter reading has changed or the flow indictor is moving, then you have a water leak.

Chances are that you do not have a water leak today. However, a water leak can happen anywhere and start at any time. Appliances and hoses leak and fail unexpectedly. 

The first precaution is to know the location of the main water shut-off valve. Check it to make sure that you can turn it Off. Then check out the places where leaks occur most often.

	# 1 Leak Problem: Water Heaters Install water heaters on the lowest level of the home and always locate next to a floor drain. If installed above or adjacent to finished spaces, the water heater should be placed inside a drain pan with the drain pan piped to a floor drain. Wet spots around the tank or a rusted tank may signal a problem. Most water heaters last only 10 to 15 years.
	# 2 Leak Problem: Washing Machines You will probably be surprised the next time you buy a washing machine. You will have to purchase the hoses separately. The manufacturers wanted to eliminate their number one problem -- leaking hot and cold water hoses. Inspect the hoses regularly for wetness around the hose ends and signs of bulging, cracking or fraying. Replace the hose if a problem is found or at least every three to five years.
	# 3 Leak Problem: Dishwashers Check under the sink to see if the hose connection to the water supply line is secure and is not leaking. Check around the base of the dishwasher for evidence of leaks. Look for discolored, warped, or soft flooring materials or water damage to nearby cabinets.
	Ice Makers Check the hose connection to make sure it is securely attached to the water supply line. The wet spot you see on the floor near the refrigerator may be a melted ice cube or it may be a crimped water line to the ice maker which is about ready to burst.
	High Water [Sump Pumps] Sump pump systems assist in keeping unwanted water out of your basement. Sump pumps are not intended to last more than 10 years and must have some components replaced or serviced within those 10 years.
	Toilets Placing inappropriate objects or too much toilet paper in the bowl can accidentally clog toilets, especially the low-flow toilets now required in homes. A hanging bowl deodorant is one of the culprits which can lodge deep in the plumbing system. Some chlorine tablet cleaners may corrode some internal components of the toilet and lead to a leak.
	Water Leaks Can Occur Anywhere Air Conditioner Drain Line.  Have your A/C system serviced by a qualified contractor. Make sure the service includes inspecting and cleaning the air conditioner condensation pan drain line to keep it free of obstructions.   Sinks.  Slow-draining pipes indicate a partially blocked drain. Check the pipes for signs of a leak.   Showers & Bathtubs.  The first indication of a leak may be discoloration or soft areas in floors and walls near showers or bathtubs. If the shower walls or floor are tiled, a leak may develop if there are cracks or missing areas of grout   Roofs.  Watch for missing, curling, cupping, broken or cracked shingles. Water stains on your ceiling were probably caused by a leaking roof.   Basements.  Look for cracks in the floor or wall which would allow ground water to seep in.   Dehumidifiers.  Periodically empty the pan which collects the water.   Second Homes. Water leaks do not take vacations. Leak detection can become part of the security system. It can notify you when you are not there.   Work & Storage Places.  Keep inventory off the floor. Electrical and telephone control boxes must remain dry. Look for cracks in walls and floors where water may enter.   Boats.  Look for water stains. Watertight compartments need to remain dry.

Adding leak detection products reduces your risks of significant water damage and build-up of harmful mold. Choose from three basic types of products:

• Whole House Systems
  Product Cost = $500 - $1,500 + Installation
  These systems feature a shut-off valve that is installed on the main water supply piping. When a leak is detected, the system will automatically shut off the entire water supply. 
   
• Individual Appliance Systems
  Product Cost = $50 - $150 + Installation
  These systems are installed on a specific appliance and will automatically shut-off the water supply when a leak is detected. 
   
• Portable Water Detection Products
  Product Cost = $20 - $45
  These products are typically battery operated. They are placed directly in the path of a potential leak. When a leak is detected, a loud alarm is sounded.

Examine the following features when shopping for a portable water detection product:

• Water Sensors
  All alarm products follow the same principle. An alarm sounds when water touches both sides of the sensor. Water acts as a bridge or switch to sound the alarm.
  
  All products have at least one set of sensors. Spacing between the sensors is typically about 1/4". This means that a small amount of water will sound the alarm. The wider the space between the sensors, the greater the amount of water which is necessary to sound the alarm.
  • Sphinx™:  Sensor Spacing = 1/4"
  • Competitors: Sensor Spacing = Up to 3"
  
  The number of sensors is especially important when the product is used on an uneven surface. Water follows the path of least resistance. Many floors are uneven.
  • Sphinx™:  Contains two sets of sensors.
  • Competitors:  Most products have only one set of sensors.
     
• Battery
  All products are battery operated.  A common 9V battery is typically used.
  • Sphinx™:  9V battery is included and installed. No extra cost. Just take the unit out of the package and it is ready to be used.
  • Competitors: Batteries may not be included. Then an extra-cost purchase is necessary. Replacements of specialty batteries which are found in some products may be more difficult to find as well as more costly.
  
  Batteries in most units will last until they are used to sound an alarm or until their expiration date. Therefore, testing of the battery is not especially important. Some people get peace of mind by replacing all batteries each year on an easy to remember predetermined holiday or anniversary.
   
• Ease of Testing
  Applying moisture, like a wet cloth or finger, to the sensors is a common way to test the operations.
  • Sphinx™: Easy. Just apply moisture to either set of sensors.
  • Competitors: Difficult to test when the sensors are widely spaced.
     
• Product Quality
  What is included with or is part of the product are good indicators of the quality of a product. This includes the product having a serial number, QC [Quality Control] acceptance stamp or label and a purchase registration process. These items help the manufacturer to contact the consumer in the unlikely event of a production problem and assist in improving the products.
  • Sphinx™: Includes serial number, QC label and a purchase identification process via either a return postcard or the Internet.
  • Competitors: Most competitors do not serialize their products, affix a QC acceptance stamp or have a purchase registration process.
     
• System Expansions -- Accessories
  Options include adding sensors beyond the base unit, connecting the base unit to a wired security system, connecting the base unit to 12V to 24V [battery], connecting to a 110V to 120V AC [household] power sources and sensing high water.
  • Sphinx™: Patented Upgrade Options include:
    Extend sensor range.
    Add high water sensor [sump pump]
    Connect to a battery
    Connect to household current
    Connect to wired security system.
    Secure pyramid in rental units & boats.
    All Sphinx accessories may be used with any Sphinx pyramid shaped product. Up to 300' of any combination of product and accessories may be connected together with 6 conductor cable and connectors. 
  • Competition. These system upgrade options are not available.
      
• Appearance
  A bright red color helps to identify the product as a safety or security product. Identifying security on the outside of the product helps to establish the need for the product to be on the floor. This will help stop some people from picking it up and discarding it because it was sitting on the floor. The product's appearance should also help children not to mistake it for a toy.
  • Sphinx™: The outside of the product is a compact bright red plastic pyramid. "Security" is clearly embossed on the sides.
  • Competitors: Rectangular, plain vanilla colored boxes can lead to a mistaken identity of the function and be discarded because it was on the floor. Other shapes can attract children to play with the product and put it in their toy box