FloodStop

FloodStop is a manufacturer of automatic leak detection and water shut-off systems for residential and light commercial plumbing applications. FloodStop is a brand of IPS Corp, a manufacturer of specialty plumbing products. FloodStop systems combine a floor-level moisture sensor with a motorized ball valve that automatically shuts off the water supply to a protected appliance or fixture the moment a leak is detected at the sensor. An audible alarm sounds simultaneously with the valve closure, alerting occupants to the leak condition. FloodStop systems are available in configurations for water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers, toilets, water filters, and ice makers, covering the most common appliance leak sources in residential buildings. Plumbing contractors, property managers, and homeowners specify FloodStop where automatic leak protection is required to prevent water damage from appliance or fixture supply line failures.

FloodStop Product Lines

Water Heater Auto-Shut-Off Kits

FloodStop water heater kits provide automatic shut-off at the cold-water inlet of a tank or tankless water heater when a floor-level leak is detected. Kits are available in 3/4" NPT and 1-1/2" NPT male-by-female in-line valve configurations to match standard residential water heater inlet pipe sizes. The motorized ball valve installs in the cold-water supply line; the floor sensor is placed at the base of the water heater in the drain pan. When the sensor detects moisture, the valve closes automatically and the alarm sounds. The FloodStop V4 controller manages the valve and sensor interface and can integrate with a Sensaphone or home security system for remote notification. Water heater kits from FloodStop address one of the highest-value water damage loss scenarios in residential buildings.

Washing Machine Shut-Off Systems

FloodStop washing machine shut-off systems protect against supply hose failures and internal washing machine leaks, which are among the most common sources of catastrophic water damage in residential laundry areas. FloodStop washing machine systems include motorized ball valves at both hot and cold supply connections and a floor sensor placed in the washing machine drain pan or at the base of the machine. When the sensor detects moisture, both supply valves close simultaneously to stop the flow from either supply line. Washing machine water damage can occur rapidly from a ruptured hose; the FloodStop washing machine system provides automatic shut-off without requiring occupant intervention.

Small Appliance and Fixture Kits

FloodStop small appliance kits provide automatic shut-off for dishwashers, toilets, water filters, and ice makers using 3/8" and 1/4" in-line ball valve configurations matched to standard supply line connections on these appliances and fixtures. Dishwasher and toilet supply lines use 3/8" compression inlet fittings; ice maker and water filter connections use 1/4" tubing connections. FloodStop provides model-specific kits for each appliance type, allowing the same automatic shut-off technology used in the water heater and washing machine kits to be applied to smaller appliance supply connections. Where the water heater and washing machine kits address the highest-volume leak sources, small appliance kits address the most common number of individual supply connections in a residence.

Why Contractors Specify FloodStop

Plumbing contractors and property managers specify FloodStop systems because automatic leak detection and shut-off prevents the extended water exposure that causes the most costly water damage claims in residential properties. A FloodStop system closes the supply valve and sounds an alarm within seconds of sensor activation, stopping the flow before significant damage occurs. FloodStop kits are available for the appliances and fixtures with the highest leak damage potential: water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers, and toilets. The FloodStop V4 controller integrates with Sensaphone monitoring and standard home security systems for remote notification when the system activates. FloodStop kits are available through SupplyHouse in configurations for all standard residential appliance supply pipe sizes.

How to Choose a FloodStop Product

The primary selection variable for a FloodStop system is the appliance or fixture being protected. FloodStop offers application-specific kits for water heaters (3/4" and 1-1/2" NPT), washing machines (separate hot and cold valves), dishwashers and toilets (3/8" compression), and ice makers and water filters (1/4" tubing). Match the FloodStop kit to the supply connection size on the appliance or fixture.

The second variable is sensor placement. The FloodStop floor sensor must be placed where the first water from a leak will accumulate: in the water heater drain pan, in the washing machine drain pan, or at the lowest point of the appliance enclosure. Confirm the sensor cable is long enough to reach from the valve body to the sensor placement point before installation.

The third variable is notification integration. The FloodStop V4 controller includes terminals for connection to a Sensaphone monitoring system or a standard home security system dry contact input. For properties with existing security or monitoring systems, confirm the controller output type matches the monitoring system input requirements before specifying.

FAQs

Who manufactures FloodStop products?

FloodStop is a brand of IPS Corp, a manufacturer of specialty plumbing products. FloodStop automatic water shut-off systems are available through plumbing supply distributors including SupplyHouse.

What warranty does FloodStop offer on its systems?

FloodStop warranty terms are available through IPS Corp product documentation at ipsplumbingproducts.com/brands/floodstop. Confirm warranty coverage with your FloodStop distributor at the time of purchase.

What is the difference between FloodStop water heater kits and washing machine kits?

The difference between FloodStop water heater kits and washing machine kits is the valve size and supply line configuration. Water heater kits include a single 3/4" or 1-1/2" NPT in-line valve for the cold water supply inlet. Washing machine kits include two separate valves for both hot and cold supply connections, closing both lines simultaneously when a leak is detected. Both kits use the same floor sensor and V4 controller technology.

How quickly does FloodStop close the water supply valve when a leak is detected?

FloodStop motorized ball valves close automatically when the floor sensor detects moisture, with valve closure occurring within seconds of sensor activation. The audible alarm sounds simultaneously with valve closure. For specific valve closure time specifications on a FloodStop model, consult the FloodStop product data sheet at ipsplumbingproducts.com/brands/floodstop.

Can FloodStop integrate with a home security system?

The FloodStop V4 controller includes output terminals for integration with Sensaphone monitoring systems and standard home security systems that accept a dry contact input. When the FloodStop system activates, the controller output can trigger a remote alert through the connected monitoring or security system. Confirm the controller output type matches the monitoring system input requirements before installation.

What size valve does the FloodStop water heater kit use?

FloodStop water heater kits are available in 3/4" NPT and 1-1/2" NPT male-by-female in-line valve configurations. The 3/4" kit suits the standard 3/4" cold water inlet found on most residential tank water heaters. The 1-1/2" kit suits larger water heaters with 1-1/2" inlet connections. Match the kit valve size to the cold water supply inlet connection size on the water heater being protected.