Recently, I was engaged in designing of a device that protected the washing machine from ever flooding the living quarters.
A question arised: Would the plumbing Engineer specify this? Would the Plumbing Contractor purchase and install it? Would the Home Owner request it?
At the end of the day, what are the benefits of a product versus the cost of the product? Value of safety device can only be measured when the accident occurs and the level of damage and time loss generated. Unfortunately, we do not seek damage, and incidences occur based on probability. Now the value of safety device is promotional to the probability of accident as well as the cost of the damage.
What happens if the product is green and the gallons of water wasted and the material loss of the accident is now part of the equation. This perspective alters, depending on who is reviewing the question. An insurance company with 100,000 homes in the portfolio addresses differently than home owner. The apartment managers see this is an event that will occur versus if the event occurs.
The question is still out there: Do you specify or install a safety device preventing the Cloth washer from flooding? Let me know- snour@absoluteco.com
The following is my write-up on the device.
1. Prevents serious flooding caused by the washing machine drain hose dropping out of the 2” open drain connection.
2. Prevents drainage water escaping from the loose connection (vacuum break) when a blockage occurs downstream.
Note: the purpose of the loose drainage connection is to prevent the occurrence of self-siphonage caused by the washing machine during its washing cycle.
3. The incorporation of a backflow device (#8 on the patent diagram) which prevents the ingress of contaminated drainage water into the washing machine when a blockage occurs downstream.
4. The invention system requires connection to a vent system to enable direct connection of the washing machine to main drainage.
5. The invention incorporates a low voltage float switch that interrupts electrical supply via a GFI receptacle to the washing machine when a blockage occurs downstream. Also, this system ensures that electrical power cannot be restored to the washing machine until the blocked drain is cleared. Then the float switch returns to its normal “closed” position thus allowing the GFI reset button to be engaged and power resumed to the washing machine.
6. The incorporation of an LED light and audible alarm to alert the homeowner of a drain blockage.
7. Another important element of the invention is the one piece universal adaptor with a hand tight connection to the female adaptor drain connection. Part of the adaptor is a flexible rubber connector which accommodates all diameter washing machine drain hoses. Also supplied with the adaptor are several hard plastic liners to fit the various drain hose diameters. The correct one is selected and inserted into the open end of the washing machine drain hose. This operation supports the drain hose wall and prevents the hose end being distorted when compressed. The hose end is now pushed into the universal adaptors and stops when it reaches the correct connector. Pressure is now applied to the attached hose clip by means of a plumbers torque wrench. The soft rubber compresses onto the drain hose, thus ensuring a watertight yet flexible connection.
8. The invention requires connection to the drainage and vent system with no-hub connectors to facilitate ease of installation or removal of the “No Flood Washing Machine Outlet Box”.
9. Also supplied with the invention will be a pair of Flood Safe Connectors. These are flexible stainless steel hoses that will be connected from the dual hot and cold shut-off valve (within the invention) to supply water to the washing machine. These hoses are designed to automatically shut off in the event of a sudden rupture within the supply hose.
10. The invention will have UL and IAPMO listing.
11. It has been estimated that the invention will save the insurance companies at least one billion dollars every year.
12. IAC insurance has expressed great interest in the product and wish to see it as soon as it is available.
Oct 272011
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