Abstract:
A preferred embodiment of the present invention is directed to a water management system. One aspect of a version of the invention comprises a manifold with separate lines running to separate appliances and fixtures. Each individual line detects leaks, alerts that a leak has occurred, shuts down only the leaking line, and provides a visual cue to alert that the line is leaking. In one embodiment of a version of the invention, the water management system comprises a hot water heater water management system that detects leaks, sounds an alarm, shuts down the water heater power, and drains the water heater. In a preferred embodiment, once the water heater is repaired and refilled, the power is automatically restored.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    A preferred embodiment of the invention refers to a building water management system for detecting leaks and water loss and shutting down the compromised lines. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Traditional piping systems based on copper or hard metal pipes and rigid connectors are giving way to new methods. One new method for water distribution gaining acceptance in the home and commercial building industry is the use of manifold plumbing systems. Unlike the conventional copper-pipe trunk and branch infrastructure, manifold plumbing systems function like circuit breakers for water. 
         [0003]    Manifold plumbing systems are control centers for hot and cold water that feed flexible cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) supply lines to individual fixtures. Manifolds, together with PEX lines, offer installation-related cost advantages over conventional rigid pipe plumbing systems. The unique features of PEX piping make it ideal for use in manifold-type system designs, commonly referred to as home-run plumbing systems. In this design, all fixtures are fed from dedicated piping that runs directly and unbroken from a central manifold or manifolds. 
         [0004]    Whether a manifold or conventional plumbing system, the first step in stopping a leaking fixture or pipe is to be aware that a leak exists. Generally, a water leak is silent, or very quiet. Attempts to address these problems can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,428,347 and U.S. Publication Ser. Nos. 10/031,5245 and 06/020,8912. However each one of these references suffers from many disadvantages. Primarily, an audio or visual alarm cannot automatically shut down the leaking water supply system. An alarm is simply made to notify the user responsible for correcting the leak. Because an alarm is useless if no one is there to hear it, leak detection systems based on audio or visual alarms must be equipped with other shut-off elements. Furthermore, the types of alarms available measure leakage from only one pipe or fixture. Thus a complicated system of alarms must be equipped to fully analyze leakage from the various fixtures and appliances present in a home, apartment complex, or commercial building. 
         [0005]    Because alarms alone cannot automatically shut off water supplies, attempts have been made to solve this problem as found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,675,826 and U.S. patent Publication Ser. No. 13/009,2242. However, each of these references suffers disadvantages. First, the disclosures are used to measure one, or only a few, water lines. Additionally, the disclosures require adding additional pieces to the water line and/or fixture. Furthermore, if a leak is detected, the entire water supply is shut-off, thus shutting off water to other fixtures and appliances. 
         [0006]    Of all the fixtures and appliances, one of the most dangerous and destructive is a leaking or burst hot water heater or hot water heater pipe. Not only does a hot water heater generally hold a large capacity of water, but the water container therein is extremely hot. A sudden discharge of the hot water stored inside of the water heater could cause extreme burning to a human or domestic animal. In addition, the massive amount of rushing hot water could quickly flood basements or other areas of the home. 
         [0007]    Information relevant to attempts to address these problems can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,345,224; 5,229,750; 4,572,113 and U.S. Publication Ser. Nos. 12/027,5927; 04/0206405. However, each one of these references suffers from one or more of many disadvantages. 
         [0008]    First, the holding reservoir used in many of the disclosures may also have an undetected leak. Additionally, the reservoir may overflow if a pipe bursts, thus creating a more dangerous situation, as an increased rush of hot water will be released when the reservoir overflows. Another disadvantage is that some systems were created for draining water from the system before leaving the home or building for an extended period of time during the winter, not quickly detecting and draining leaks. Other systems do not automatically shut off a leaking or burst hot water heater. Another disadvantage is that many systems do not drain the water left in the water heater. Another disadvantages is that many systems do not automatically turn off the hot water heater when a leak has been detected, or when the water heater has been drained. Another disadvantage is that many systems do not automatically turn the power back on when the tank has been refilled. 
         [0009]    As noted from the foregoing, problems exist in the field relating to leak detection, leak control, and water management systems. Thus, a need exists in the art for a water management system that overcomes the disadvantages of the current systems and methods. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0010]    This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is this Summary intended to be used to limit the claimed subject matter&#39;s scope. 
         [0011]    An embodiment of a version of the invention is directed to a water management system. A preferred embodiment of a version of the invention comprises a water manifold system, individual ports, water lines, water flow measurement elements, and/or shut off elements. In one embodiment, a manifold comprises both a hold and cold side. Preferably, both hot and cold sides have hold and cold water lines. In a preferred embodiment, the water lines coming from the manifold ports are equipped with flow sensors, normally open solenoid valves, detection lights, and manual shut off valves at each port. Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, the main service line feeding the manifold is monitored with a flow sensor, normally open solenoid valve, detection lights, and manual shut off valve. In a preferred embodiment, each fixture is identified on the manifold cover. 
         [0012]    Yet another preferred embodiment of a version of a water management system comprises a water management apparatus for hot water heaters. A preferred embodiment of a version of the invention comprises a water detection element, a shut off element, a water heater supply line, a shut off element, and a leak detection element. 
         [0013]    A preferred embodiment of a version of the invention comprises a water detection element located below a hot water heater. The water detection element is in contact with a shut off element. The shut off element is connected to a water heater supply line. In a preferred embodiment, the water detection element sends a signal to the shut off element when water is detected. In a preferred embodiment of a version of the invention, a leak detection element is signaled upon water being detected by the water detection element. 
         [0014]    In one embodiment, a version of the invention comprises the water detection element detecting fluid and sending a signal to a power relay box. In a preferred embodiment, the relay box has a connection to the hot water heater power supply and activates a shut off element for shutting off power to the hot water heater. 
         [0015]    In a preferred embodiment, a version of the invention comprises a water detection element detecting fluid and sending a signal is to a draining element for draining water from the hot water heater. In a preferred embodiment of a version of the invention, the draining element allows water to drain from the hot water heater via a draining pipe. 
         [0016]    In a preferred embodiment, the hot water heater is reset when the leak is corrected, except for the power, and the hot water heater is automatically refilled with water. The power to the hot water is automatically turned on once a pressure sensing element detects the proper amount of water pressure inside the hot water heater. 
         [0017]    In one embodiment of a version of the invention, the system is operated off of alternating current (A.C.). In yet another embodiment of a version of the invention, the system is operated off of direct current (D.C.). In yet another embodiment of the invention, the water management system is integrated with an alarm system or separate alarm box. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawing where: 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  depicts a front view of an apparatus embodying features of the present invention for a water management system. 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a front view of an apparatus embodying features of the present invention for a water management system. 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is a front view of an apparatus embodying features of the present invention for a water management system. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]    In the Summary above and in this Detailed Description, and the Claims below, and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features, including method steps, of the invention. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specification includes all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, or a particular claim, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with/or in the context of other particular aspects of the embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally. 
         [0023]    The term “comprises” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used herein to mean that other components, ingredients, steps, etc. are optionally present. For example, an article “comprising” components A, B, and C can contain only components A, B, and C, or can contain not only components A, B, and C, but also one or more other components, or can contain at least one component chosen from A, B, or C. 
         [0024]    Where reference is made herein to a method comprising two ore more defined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order or simultaneously (except where the context excludes that possibility), and the method can include one or more other steps which are carried out before any of the defined steps, between two of the defined steps, or after all the defined steps (except where the context excludes that possibility). 
         [0025]    The present invention is directed to a water management system. With reference to the drawings, and particularly  FIG. 1 , a preferred embodiment of a version of the invention comprises a water manifold system, further comprising a water manifold  10  having individual ports  11  attached thereto. In a preferred embodiment, each individual port  11  has a water line  12 . In a preferred embodiment of a version of the invention, each port  11  is equipped with a water flow measurement element  13 . In one embodiment, the water flow measurement element  13  is in contact with a port shut off element  14 . 
         [0026]    In one embodiment of a version of the invention, a water management apparatus comprises the water flow measurement element  13  sending a signal to the port shut off element  14  if irregular flow is measured in a water line  12  and the port  11  is shut off. 
         [0027]    In one embodiment of a version of the invention the water flow measurement element  13  is a pressure switch. In yet another embodiment of a version of the invention, the port shut off element is a normally open valve. 
         [0028]    As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a preferred embodiment of a version of the invention comprises the manifold  10  having a detection light  15 . The detection light  15  being activated when a leak is detected. 
         [0029]    In yet another embodiment of a version of the invention, the manifold comprises a manual shut off valve. The manual shutoff valve allows a user to manually shut off a port. 
         [0030]    In a preferred embodiment of a version of the invention, the water manifold system operates on alternating current. Nevertheless, versions of the invention may operate on direct current. 
         [0031]    In an embodiment of a water management apparatus, the water manifold  10  has a hot side  20  and a cold side  21 . Each hot  20  and cold  21  side has water lines  12  attached thereto. Each water line  12  has a flow sensor  13  for detecting water flow. Each water line  12  further has a normally open solenoid valve  14  for shutting off a leaking line. Each water line  12  further has a detecting light  15  for alerting that a line is leaking or compromised. In one embodiment, each water line  12  has a manual shut off valve. 
         [0032]    In one embodiment of a version of the invention the hot side  20  has individual hot side ports  11  and the cold side has individual cold side ports  11 . The hot side ports  11  have hot side water lines  12  and the cold side ports have cold side water lines  12 . The hot and cold side water lines  12  run to devices needing water. These devices may comprise, but are not limited to, appliances, fixtures, sprinklers, and any other devices requiring water. 
         [0033]    In a preferred embodiment of a version of the invention, a flow detecting element  13  is situated in each hot side  20  and cold side  21  port  11 . In one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises an individual water line shut off element  14  if an irregular fluid flow is detected. In a preferred embodiment, only the leaking line is shut off while the other regularly flowing lines are kept operational. In one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises an alerting element  15  for alerting a person that an irregular fluid flow has been detected. This alerting element may be a visual and/or audio alert. 
         [0034]    An embodiment of a version of the invention comprises a manifold having a main hot water line  22  and a main cold water line  23  connected to the manifold  10 . In one embodiment, the main hot water line  22  and main cold water line  23  comprise a flow detecting element  13  in each main hot water line  22  and main cold water line  23 . The flow detecting element  13  detects the flow of fluid in each individual main water line. 
         [0035]    In a preferred embodiment, each main hot water line  22  and main cold water line  23  comprise a water line shut off element  14  for shutting off the main water line if an irregular fluid flow is detected. Preferably, the leaking line is shut off while the other regularly flowing line is left operational. In yet another embodiment, the main hot water line  22  and main cold water line  23  have an alarm element  15  for alerting a person that an irregular fluid flow has been detected. 
         [0036]    Preferably, the apparatus is operated on alternating current. In a preferred embodiment the apparatus operates on 24 volts alternating current. Nevertheless, versions of the invention may operate on direct current. 
         [0037]    Yet another preferred embodiment of a version of a water management system comprises a water management apparatus for hot water heaters  30 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , a preferred embodiment of a version of the invention comprises a water detection element  32  located below a hot water heater  31 . The water detection element  31  is in contact with a shut off element  33 . The shut off element  33  is connected to a water heater supply line  34 . In a preferred embodiment, the water detection element  32  sends a signal to the shut off element  33  when water is detected. In a preferred embodiment of a version of the invention, a leak alerting element  40  is signaled upon water being detected by the water detection element  32 . In one embodiment of a version of the invention, the water management system further comprises a drip pan  44  located below the hot water heater  31 . 
         [0038]    In a preferred embodiment, a hot water heater water management system  30  comprises the water detection element  32  detecting fluid and sending a signal to a power relay box  35 . In a preferred embodiment, the relay box has a connection to the hot water heater  31  power supply and activates a shut off element  38  for shutting off power to the hot water heater  31 . 
         [0039]    In a preferred embodiment, a hot water heater water management system  30  comprises a water detection element  32  detecting fluid and sending a signal to a draining element  36  for draining water from the hot water heater  31 . In a preferred embodiment of a version of the invention, the draining element  36  allows water to drain from the hot water heater via a draining pipe  45 . In one embodiment, the draining pipe  45  leads outside the home or building. In yet another embodiment, the draining pipe  45  leads to a municipal water drain. 
         [0040]    In a preferred embodiment, a hot water heater water management system  30  comprises the hot water heater  31  is reset when the leak is corrected, except for the power, and the hot water heater  31  is automatically refilled with water. 
         [0041]    In a preferred embodiment, a hot water heater water management system  30  comprises the power to a hot water heater  31  is automatically turned on once a pressure sensing element  37  detects the proper amount of water pressure inside the hot water heater  31 . 
         [0042]    In a preferred embodiment, a hot water heater water management system  30  comprises the water detection element  32  located below a hot water heater  31  is a normally open wet switch. Upon the normally open wet switch  32  detecting water a signal is sent to a relay box  35 . In a preferred embodiment of a version of the invention, the relay box  35  sends a signal to a normally open solenoid valve  33  located on a cold water supply line  34 . Once the signal reaches the normally open solenoid valve  33  located on the cold water supply line  34  the water feeding the hot water heater  31  is shut off. 
         [0043]    In a preferred embodiment, after a leak has been detected and the main water line  34  is shut off, a signal is sent to a normally closed drain valve  36  and a normally closed anti-vacuum valve  39  allowing the water heater  31  to completely drain all remaining water from the water heater  31 . 
         [0044]    In a preferred embodiment, upon the leak being corrected, the system is reset, except for the power. The reset action causes the water heater  31  to be refilled with water. In a preferred embodiment, the water heater has a psi switch  37  for detecting a proper refill level in the hot water heater  31 . Once a proper amount of water is detected, the psi switch  37  sends a signal to a relay box  35 , which in turn sends a signal to the power relay  38 . The power relay  38  restores the power to the water heater  31 . 
         [0045]    As noted in  FIG. 2 , a preferred embodiment of a version of the invention comprises a manual shutoff valve  41  on the hot water heater supply line  34 . 
         [0046]    A preferred embodiment of a version of the invention comprises a building water management system comprising a water manifold  10 , and a hot water management device  30 . In one embodiment, the water manifold  10  comprises a hot side  20  and a cold side  21 . The hot side  20  has individual hot side ports  11  and the cold side  21  has individual cold side ports  11 . The hot side ports  11  have hot side water lines  12  and the cold side ports  11  having cold side water lines  12 . The hot and cold side water lines  12  run to devices needing water. In a preferred embodiment, the ports  11  have flow detecting elements  13  therein detecting the flow of fluid in each individual hot water line  12  and cold water line  12 . Each individual water line  12  has a shut off element  14  capable of shutting off the individual water line  12  if an irregular fluid flow is detected. Each individual water line  12  has an alerting element  15  for alerting a person that an irregular fluid flow has been detected. 
         [0047]    In a preferred embodiment of a version of the invention, the system further comprises a hot water heater management device comprising a water detection element  32  located below a hot water heater  31 . The water detection element  32  is in contact with a shut off element  33 . In a preferred embodiment, the shut off element  33  is attached to a water heater supply line  34 . The water detection element  32  sends a signal to the shut off element  33  when water is detected. The water detection element  32  detects fluid and a signal is sent to a power shut off element  38  for shutting off power to the hot water heater  31 . 
         [0048]    In a preferred embodiment, the water detection element  32  detects fluid and a signal is sent to a draining element  36  for draining water from the hot water heater  31 . The hot water heater  31  is reset, except for the power, when the leak is corrected, and the hot water heater  31  is automatically refilled. The hot water heater  31  power is automatically turned on once a pressure sensing element  37  detects the proper amount of water pressure inside the hot water heater  31 . 
         [0049]    Embodiments of the invention further comprise, the water detection element  32  located below a hot water heater is a normally open wet switch. Upon the normally open wet switch  32  detecting water a signal is sent to a relay box  35 . The relay box  35  sends a signal to a normally open solenoid valve located  33  on a cold water supply line  34 . Once the signal reaches the normally open solenoid valve  33  located on the cold water supply line  34  the water feeding the hot water heater  31  is shut off. 
         [0050]    In a preferred embodiment, after a leak has been detected and the main water line  34  is shut off, a signal is sent to a normally closed drain valve  36  and a normally closed anti-vacuum valve  39  allowing the water heater  31  to completely drain all remaining water from the water heater  31 . 
         [0051]    In a preferred embodiment, upon the leak being corrected, the system is reset, except for the power. The reset action causes the water heater  31  to be refilled with water. In a preferred embodiment, the system has a psi switch  37  for detecting a proper refill level in the water heater  31 . The psi switch  37  sends a signal to a power relay  38  once a proper amount of water is detected. The power relay  38  restores the power to the water heater  31 . 
         [0052]    A preferred embodiment of an apparatus comprising aspects of the invention is illustrated in  FIG. 3 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , a preferred embodiment comprises a power supply, comprising a 240V/24VAC Transformer  42 . It is understood that versions of the invention comprise other transformers. As further illustrated in  FIG. 3 , a preferred embodiment of a version of the invention comprises a fuse  46 . In one embodiment, the fuse  46  is a 10A fuse. It is understood that versions of the invention may comprise other fuses. 
         [0053]    As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , a preferred embodiment of a version of the invention comprises element covers  43  for storing wiring, plumbing, and electronics cleanly and out of the way. 
         [0054]    In a preferred embodiment of a version of the invention, all fixtures and appliances will be constantly monitored. In addition, the hot water heater will be monitored. Therefore, the water management system will significantly reduce the risk of leaks and flooding. 
         [0055]    A primary advantage of a preferred embodiment of the water management system is the simplicity of the system and ease at which the system can be installed and serviced. Additionally, aspects of features of the invention have the advantage of allowing one to quickly find the leak without cutting holes in the wall or sheetrock. Additionally, aspects of the invention allow a homeowner, plumber, or technician to instantly know which port off of the manifold is leaking. Because each water line and fixture is supplied separately, any water loss from a leak will be minimal because the only water that will be able to escape from the leaking pipe will be the amount in the pipe before the valve is shut off at the port. Therefore, one advantage of an embodiment of the invention is that the water management system will not only shut down the leak, but will also identify which water line has a leak. Additionally, one embodiment of the water management system further detects leaks coming from the water heater.