US Patent 9916748 Talking water tank minder

A system for detecting and stopping flooding from a residential water heating system. A central controller is coupled to one or more flooding sensors and one or more automatic valves. In response to the sensors' detecting water, the controller causes the automatic valves to close, shutting off flow of water into or out of the water heating system. Advanced modular galvanic sensors and low-voltage, high-torque automatic ball valves may be used to improve the energy efficiency and responsiveness of the system. When flooding is detected, a variety of visual and auditory signals are generated by the controller, providing advance warning to the blind, deaf, or elderly that flooding is occurring and prompt attention is required.