Importance

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Abstract

A leak detection and management apparatus including a programmable message device, for a hot water heater. The apparatus includes a liquid pan disposed beneath and concentrically with a hot water heater for collecting water leaking from the hot water heater. A float is disposed at least partially within the liquid pan 14 and causes an electrical shut-off signal from an electrical switch to be generated when it is elevated in response to the collection of water within the liquid pan 14. The electrical shut-off signal causes electrically controlled solenoid valves disposed in the water supply and gas lines to the hot water heater 12 to be closed, thereby interrupting the flow of cold water and natural gas into the hot water heater 12, and simultaneously causing a programmable message device to play a prerecorded message informing of the water leak and where to obtain service to correct same. In a preferred embodiment, the programmable message device includes a conventional magnetic tape transport device having a magnetic recording medium such as a cassette tape and a conventional speaker. The magnetic recording medium includes a preprogrammed message which may be made by personnel installing the apparatus.

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First Claim