Aquastop
An aquastop (often also referred to differently, see under market situation ) is a safety mechanism that interrupts the water supply to prevent water damage in the event of defects in a water-carrying system . In some cases, it is also protected against water escaping from leaks. The technology used usually contains a shut-off valve integrated into the hose coupling.
These systems are regularly used in technical devices that are connected to the fixed water installation via hoses . Typical household uses are washing machines and dishwashers . There are various mechanical and electrical systems to detect a leak, to block the inlet and to collect and pump out emerging water.
Mechanical systems
There are three types of faucet mechanical systems that are mostly offered for retrofitting today.
Hose burst protection (pressure drop)
Here the bursting or slipping of the feed hose from the tap is recognized by a strong pressure drop below an (adjustable) threshold value. Smaller hose defects from which water leaks (often over a longer period of time) are not recognized. The trick here is that during normal use, the drainage of the water through the connected device is restricted and water pressure builds up in the Aquastop. In the example of the utility model, this pressure is distributed over three channels. Together with a mechanical spring, an equilibrium is created in the Aquastop and the water can flow. If the hose bursts behind the Aquastop, the pressure drops, the mechanical spring moves a slide and the system is closed. This solution is mainly found for retrofitting, but a counter fuse is recommended.
Register backup
Systems with a small, built-in counter close when a certain (adjustable) continuous amount of water is exceeded and thus also detect small leaks as soon as they exceed a certain flow rate above which the turbine wheel rotates. The counter is reset every time the flow stops on its own before the maximum amount is reached, for example because the washing machine has drawn the amount of water it needs. If the device has triggered, the counter can be reset manually. This solution is also available for retrofitting in the price range around 20 euros with an adjustable maximum amount.
Double jacket hose
There are also double-jacket hose systems in which even hairline cracks in the pressure hose quickly lock the mechanical valve: They have an additional outer hose that is filled with a swelling agent that expands considerably under the influence of water, so that the system can be operated even if the water is lost in droplets Supply hose reacts.
Electronic systems
In newer household appliances, a built-in electric water valve is mainly used, which only opens when voltage is applied. This is i. d. Usually operated with mains voltage and typically has an output of 10 to 30 watts .
Watercontrol system
This system is equipped with a water level sensor that constantly monitors the planned water intake in the device. As soon as the normal water level is reached, the water supply is automatically stopped. Often the devices are also equipped with a floor pan that is controlled with a float switch. As soon as the water level in the floor pan z. B. has reached a certain height due to leaks, this switch interrupts the power supply to the inlet valve so that further fresh water can no longer flow in. However, since this system cannot detect any damage to the inlet hose, devices that are exclusively equipped with a water control system should only be connected with a mechanical Aquastop hose.
Waterproof system
This system is the further development of the above system. Here, the technology of the water control system is supplemented with a double solenoid valve so that the second closes the water inlet even if one valve is defective. The system is also equipped with a double hose. If the actual water hose is defective, the water flows through the hose into the bottom pan of the machine and is pumped out there.
Electronic monitoring systems - systems with alarm and solenoid valve functions
In electronic monitoring systems, moisture sensors are attached to the floor at points to be monitored. The sensors register leaking water and report the leak to a central unit, which triggers an alarm and closes a connected solenoid valve. This can also be used as an electronic faucet, for example if you are absent for a longer period of time or overnight.
Market situation
There are devices on the market whose protection against water damage can be divided into the following three general categories, regardless of the specific technical implementation:
- No additional protective functions beyond the equipment of the basic device. A common marketing term is, for example, "multiple water protection".
- In addition, a double-walled inlet hose, regardless of the technical design. Common marketing names are, for example, " AquaStop ", "AquaStop hose " and "AquaSecure".
- In addition to the double-walled inlet hose, a waterproof floor pan with sensor. Common marketing terms are, for example, " AquaStop ", "AquaStop system " and "Total AquaStop".
Due to the inconsistent use of the term “AquaStop” between manufacturers and the similarity of the other names, it is often not immediately apparent to consumers which protective functions a certain product contains. However, the majority of the devices advertised in this regard are only equipped with a double-walled inlet hose. Some manufacturers also advertise a guarantee that is intended to compensate private consumers for the damage incurred if the system fails. However, only certain protection variants or devices are usually covered by such guarantees.