Best Automatic Water Shutoff Valves for Homes: Whole-Home, Laundry, and Water Heater Options

Introduction

Automatic water shutoff valves are not all the same. Some protect the whole house from the main water line, some turn an existing shutoff valve, and others protect one high-risk appliance such as a washing machine or water heater. The right choice depends less on which product is most advanced and more on which leak risk you are trying to stop.

A slow plumbing leak can stay hidden for days, while a burst hose or failed water heater connection can release a large amount of water before anyone notices. That is why many homeowners look beyond simple leak alarms and consider automatic water shutoff valves for homes. These devices are designed to either shut off the main water supply or close an appliance-level valve when a leak sensor or flow-monitoring system detects a problem.

The right product depends on the kind of protection you need. Some systems monitor the whole home from the main water line. Others are designed for high-risk appliances such as washing machines and water heaters. If your goal is to reduce the risk of hidden plumbing leaks, repeated moisture problems, floor damage, or mold growth after leaks, an automatic shutoff system can be a practical part of a broader prevention plan. For more background on why plumbing leaks become serious structural moisture problems, see How Plumbing Leaks Cause Structural Damage.

As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect the price you pay. Our recommendations are based on research, product reliability, and real-world usability in moisture-prone environments.

Quick Picks: Automatic Shutoff Valves by Leak Risk

• Best Whole-Home Automatic Shutoff Valve: Moen Flo 3/4-inch Smart Water Shut Off Valve
• Best Retrofit Main-Valve Operator: YoLink DIY Automatic Water Leak Detection & Shut-Off Starter Kit
• Best for Laundry Rooms: FloodStop Washing Machine Leak Detector Kit
• Best for Water Heaters: FloodStop Water Heater Leak Detector Kit, 3/4″ NPT MIP x FIP
• Best for 1-Inch Main Lines: Moen Flo 1-inch Smart Water Monitor and Automatic Shutoff Sensor

Automatic Shutoff Valves vs Smart Water Shutoff Systems

This guide covers automatic shutoff valves by the type of leak risk they control. That includes smart whole-home valves, retrofit valve operators, washing machine shutoff kits, and water heater shutoff kits. Some products here have smart features, but the main focus is automatic water shutoff, not app dashboards or whole-home water analytics.

If you specifically want connected leak protection with app alerts, remote shutoff, flow monitoring, and smart sensor integration, see the separate guide to best smart water shutoff systems for whole-home leak protection. If you want to compare the different kinds of valves that can automatically close when a leak is detected, this guide is the better starting point.

Automatic Water Shutoff Valve Reviews for Different Leak Risks

Best Whole-Home Automatic Shutoff Valve: Moen Flo 3/4-inch Smart Water Shut Off Valve

The Moen Flo 3/4-inch Smart Water Shut Off Valve is the strongest whole-home automatic shutoff valve in this lineup for homeowners with a compatible 3/4-inch main water line. Instead of only reacting when water reaches a floor sensor, this type of system monitors water movement through the plumbing system and can close the valve when it identifies unusual usage patterns. That makes it especially useful for homes where a hidden pipe leak, failed supply line, or unattended fixture could lead to moisture damage before anyone sees water on the floor.

This is not the simplest option in the list because it is an inline system and is usually best installed by a qualified plumber. However, that installation burden is also part of its strength. Once installed on the correct main water line, it can protect more areas of the home than a single appliance kit. For homeowners comparing automatic water shutoff valves for homes, this is the product I would use as the benchmark for whole-home protection.

This pick overlaps with the smart shutoff category because it is both smart and automatic. In this article, it is included because it can automatically close the main water supply. If your main priority is app control, flow alerts, connected monitoring, and smart-home-style leak protection, the more focused smart shutoff systems guide is the better comparison.

Moen Flo 3/4-inch Key Features

• Whole-home shutoff design for compatible 3/4-inch main water lines
• Monitors flow activity instead of relying only on floor-based leak sensors
• App-based control for checking water status and shutting water off remotely
• Designed to identify abnormal water use patterns that may indicate leaks
• Useful for homes with hidden plumbing runs, finished basements, utility areas, and multiple water-using fixtures

Where the Moen Flo 3/4-inch Works Well

• ✔ Strongest whole-home automatic shutoff option in this lineup
• ✔ Better coverage than a single appliance shutoff kit
• ✔ Helpful for identifying unusual water use before visible damage spreads
• ✔ Backed by a well-known plumbing brand
• ✔ Good fit for homeowners who want automatic shutoff plus app-based water control

Moen Flo 3/4-inch Limitations to Know

• ✖ Professional installation is usually the practical choice
• ✖ Requires the correct pipe size and installation location
• ✖ More involved than a sensor-only water alarm
• ✖ May be more system than some renters or short-term homeowners need

Best Homes for the Moen Flo 3/4-inch

• Homeowners who want whole-home automatic shutoff
• Homes with finished basements, expensive flooring, or hidden plumbing runs
• People who travel often and want remote water shutoff control
• Owners who want leak response beyond basic water alarms

Check the Moen Flo 3/4-inch Smart Water Shut Off Valve on Amazon to see current availability.

Best Retrofit Main-Valve Operator: YoLink DIY Automatic Water Leak Detection & Shut-Off Starter Kit

The YoLink DIY Automatic Water Leak Detection & Shut-Off Starter Kit is the best retrofit main-valve operator in this list for homeowners who want automatic shutoff protection without cutting into the plumbing line. Instead of replacing part of the pipe with an inline valve, this kit uses a valve operator that turns an existing compatible valve. That makes it especially appealing for homeowners who want automatic shutoff but are not ready for a more permanent main-line installation.

The included leak sensors also make this kit practical for real moisture-prone areas. You can place sensors near a water heater, washing machine, under-sink cabinet, basement utility zone, or other high-risk location. If you are comparing this with sensor-only products, the key difference is that this kit is designed to take action by closing the valve, not just sounding an alert. For more detail on that difference, see Smart Water Shutoff Systems vs Leak Sensors.

This system depends heavily on the existing shutoff valve. If the valve is a reliable, easy-to-turn quarter-turn ball valve with enough clearance around it, a retrofit operator can be a practical way to add automatic shutoff. If the valve is stiff, corroded, leaking, blocked by framing, or difficult to reach, fix the manual valve problem before relying on a motorized operator.

YoLink Shut-Off Starter Kit Key Features

• Retrofit-style automatic shutoff kit using a valve operator
• Designed to turn an existing compatible shutoff valve
• Includes leak sensors for placement in moisture-prone areas
• Designed for automatic response when compatible sensors detect water
• Good option where cutting into the plumbing line is not preferred
• Useful for homes where several placed sensors need to trigger one main-valve response

Where the YoLink Shut-Off Kit Works Well

• ✔ Easier path to automatic shutoff than many inline systems
• ✔ Includes multiple sensors for different leak-prone areas
• ✔ Strong choice for homeowners who want practical DIY protection
• ✔ Can help cover specific risk zones around appliances and plumbing fixtures
• ✔ Good option when the existing main valve is accessible and compatible

YoLink Shut-Off Kit Limitations to Know

• ✖ Must be compatible with the existing valve style and placement
• ✖ Does not monitor flow through the plumbing line like an inline smart monitor
• ✖ Sensor placement matters; poor placement can delay leak detection
• ✖ Requires users to understand hub, sensor, and valve-controller setup
• ✖ Not a good fix for old, stiff, or corroded manual shutoff valves

Best Homes for the YoLink Shut-Off Kit

• Homeowners who want automatic shutoff without hiring a plumber for pipe modification
• Basement utility rooms with several nearby leak risks
• People who want sensor-triggered shutoff for several known leak-prone areas
• Homes where a main valve is accessible, compatible, and easy to turn

Check the YoLink DIY Automatic Water Leak Detection & Shut-Off Starter Kit on Amazon to see current availability.

Best for Laundry Rooms: FloodStop Washing Machine Leak Detector Kit

The FloodStop Washing Machine Leak Detector Kit is an appliance-specific shutoff system for one of the most common high-risk leak areas in a home: the laundry room. Washing machine supply hoses can fail suddenly, and slow connection leaks can damage flooring, subfloors, trim, and nearby walls before the problem is obvious. This kit is designed to shut off the hot and cold washing machine water supply when its sensor detects water.

This is not a whole-home system, so it should not be compared directly to Moen Flo as if it provides the same coverage. Its strength is targeted protection. If your main concern is a washer on the second floor, a laundry closet near finished flooring, or an older laundry room where hose leaks would be hard to notice quickly, this type of automatic shutoff kit can be more practical than relying on memory to close manual valves after each load.

The FloodStop washer kit also fits this article better than the smart whole-home shutoff article because it is not mainly about app dashboards, flow monitoring, or whole-home analytics. It is about automatic response at one specific leak source. It also pairs well with preventive advice in When to Replace Washing Machine Hoses.

FloodStop Washing Machine Kit Key Features

• Designed specifically for washing machine hot and cold supply lines
• Uses a water sensor to trigger automatic shutoff
• Shuts off both washer supply lines when the system activates
• Includes visual and audible alerts
• Targets one high-risk appliance instead of the entire plumbing system
• Good fit for laundry rooms where hose failure would cause floor or wall damage

Where the FloodStop Washing Machine Kit Works Well

• ✔ Focused protection for a common source of household water damage
• ✔ Shuts off both hot and cold washer supply lines
• ✔ Helpful for upstairs laundry rooms and finished laundry areas
• ✔ Does not require a whole-home smart water system
• ✔ Practical for homeowners mainly worried about washer hose failures

FloodStop Washing Machine Kit Limitations to Know

• ✖ Protects the washing machine area only
• ✖ Does not monitor hidden pipe leaks elsewhere in the home
• ✖ Sensor placement still matters
• ✖ Availability can vary, so confirm the exact model and connection size before buying
• ✖ Not a substitute for replacing old or damaged washer hoses

Best Laundry Setups for the FloodStop Washing Machine Kit

• Second-floor laundry rooms
• Laundry closets near finished living areas
• Homes with older washer hoses or difficult-to-monitor washer connections
• Homeowners who want targeted automatic shutoff without a whole-home system

Check the FloodStop Washing Machine Leak Detector Kit on Amazon to see current availability.

Best for Water Heaters: FloodStop Water Heater Leak Detector Kit, 3/4″ NPT MIP x FIP

The FloodStop Water Heater Leak Detector Kit is the most practical pick for homeowners who want automatic shutoff protection around a water heater rather than a whole-home smart valve. Water heaters often sit in garages, basements, closets, utility rooms, or finished areas where a small leak can spread into flooring or wall materials before it is noticed. This kit is intended to shut off the water heater supply when its sensor detects water near the unit.

This is especially relevant for homes where the water heater is located indoors or near moisture-sensitive materials. A drain pan can help contain some water, but a shutoff kit adds another layer of response by addressing the incoming supply. It should not be treated as a substitute for water heater maintenance, proper drain pan installation, or replacement of aging components, but it can be a useful protection layer.

Like the laundry version, this is an appliance-level automatic shutoff valve, not a whole-home leak monitoring platform. That is exactly why it belongs in this broader automatic shutoff valve guide. If your main leak risk is the water heater area, a targeted valve can make more sense than buying a full whole-home system immediately. For related prevention planning, see How to Prevent Water Heater Leak Damage.

FloodStop Water Heater Kit Key Features

• Designed for water heater leak detection and automatic shutoff
• 3/4″ NPT MIP x FIP configuration for compatible installations
• Uses a sensor to detect water near the heater area
• Includes visual and audible alarm functions
• Useful for utility rooms, basements, garages, and water heater closets
• Targets the water heater supply rather than the entire plumbing system

Where the FloodStop Water Heater Kit Works Well

• ✔ Targets one of the most damaging appliance leak sources
• ✔ Good fit for water heaters located inside finished or semi-finished spaces
• ✔ Adds response beyond a passive drain pan
• ✔ Useful for basements and utility rooms where leaks may go unnoticed
• ✔ Practical appliance-specific alternative to a whole-home shutoff valve

FloodStop Water Heater Kit Limitations to Know

• ✖ Protects the water heater area only
• ✖ Must match the plumbing connection requirements
• ✖ Does not fix corrosion, pressure issues, or aging water heater components
• ✖ May require plumbing help depending on the installation setup
• ✖ Does not replace regular water heater inspection or maintenance

Best Water Heater Setups for the FloodStop Kit

• Water heaters in basements, garages, closets, and utility rooms
• Homes where a tank or connection leak could damage flooring or drywall
• Homeowners who already use a drain pan but want automatic water shutoff
• People concerned about slow leaks near the water heater base

Check the FloodStop Water Heater Leak Detector Kit on Amazon to see current availability.

Best for 1-Inch Main Lines: Moen Flo 1-inch Smart Water Monitor and Automatic Shutoff Sensor

The Moen Flo 1-inch Smart Water Monitor and Automatic Shutoff Sensor is best viewed as the larger-size whole-home option for homes where the 3/4-inch Moen Flo is not the right fit. Many homeowners make the mistake of choosing an automatic water shutoff valve based only on features, but pipe size and installation compatibility are just as important. If the valve does not match the plumbing system, it is not the right product no matter how good the technology looks.

This model is especially useful for homeowners with a compatible 1-inch main line who still want the same general benefits of whole-home water monitoring, app-based control, and automatic shutoff response. It belongs in this article because installation compatibility is one of the main decision factors when choosing automatic water shutoff valves for homes. For a deeper planning article, see Where to Install Smart Water Shutoff Systems.

If your home has a 3/4-inch main line, do not choose this just because it looks like a more powerful option. If your home has a 1-inch main line, do not force a smaller model into the wrong installation. With whole-home automatic shutoff valves, correct sizing is part of the safety plan.

Moen Flo 1-inch Key Features

• Designed for homes with compatible 1-inch main water lines
• Whole-home monitoring and shutoff approach
• App-enabled control for water status and remote shutoff
• Useful for larger residential plumbing setups where a smaller model is not appropriate
• Same general product family as the 3/4-inch Moen Flo model

Where the Moen Flo 1-inch Works Well

• ✔ Better fit for homes with 1-inch main water lines
• ✔ Strong whole-home protection approach
• ✔ Helpful for monitoring water use patterns across the home
• ✔ Good alternative when the 3/4-inch model is not compatible
• ✔ Backed by the same major plumbing brand as the whole-home pick

Moen Flo 1-inch Limitations to Know

• ✖ Not the right size for every home
• ✖ Usually requires professional installation
• ✖ May be unnecessary if your home has a smaller main line
• ✖ Still requires careful placement on the correct section of plumbing

Best Homes for the Moen Flo 1-inch

• Homes with compatible 1-inch main water lines
• Homeowners who want Moen Flo protection but need the larger size
• Properties where a whole-home system makes more sense than appliance-only shutoff
• Finished homes where hidden leaks could cause expensive moisture damage

Check the Moen Flo 1-inch Smart Water Monitor and Automatic Shutoff Sensor on Amazon to see current availability.

Whole-Home vs Appliance Shutoff Valve Comparison

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Automatic Water Shutoff Valve

Start With the Leak Risk You Are Trying to Control

The best automatic water shutoff valve depends on where the damage is most likely to start. If you are worried about hidden pipe leaks anywhere in the home, a whole-home system such as Moen Flo makes more sense. If your biggest concern is a washing machine hose or a water heater leak, an appliance-specific FloodStop kit may be more practical.

Whole-home systems are broader. Appliance kits are more targeted. Neither approach is automatically better for every home. A homeowner with a finished basement, multiple bathrooms, and frequent travel may benefit more from whole-home protection. A homeowner with a second-floor laundry room may prioritize washer shutoff first.

Decide Whether You Need Whole-Home or Appliance-Level Shutoff

A whole-home shutoff valve is best when you want one system to control the main water supply. An appliance-level shutoff kit is best when one leak source is the main concern. For example, a second-floor laundry room may justify a washing machine shutoff kit even if the rest of the plumbing is low risk. A water heater in a finished basement may justify a water heater shutoff kit even if you are not ready for a full smart water system.

This distinction is the main reason this article includes both whole-home and appliance-specific products. A broad automatic shutoff valve guide should help you choose the right shutoff level, not just the most advanced device.

Check Whether You Need Inline Installation or Valve Operation

Inline systems are installed into the plumbing line. They can be more integrated, but they also require correct sizing, access, and usually professional installation. Valve-operator systems turn an existing valve, which can make them easier to add without modifying the pipe. However, they require the existing valve to be accessible, compatible, and in good working condition.

This is where many homeowners accidentally choose a product that looks right online but does not fit their plumbing setup. Before ordering, identify the main shutoff location, valve type, pipe size, available clearance, nearby power needs, and whether the device can be installed where it will actually protect the home. If you are not ready for automatic shutoff, a reliable manual shutoff valve is still the basic first layer of leak control. See the guide to best manual water shutoff valves for homes for non-automatic options.

Decide Between Flow Monitoring and Sensor-Based Shutoff

Some automatic water shutoff valves monitor water flow through the plumbing system. These can help identify abnormal use that may indicate a leak. Other systems rely on water sensors placed in specific areas. Sensors can respond quickly when water reaches them, but they only detect leaks where the sensor is placed.

For broad plumbing coverage, flow monitoring is usually more comprehensive. For known danger spots, sensor-based shutoff can be very effective. Many homes benefit from combining both: a whole-home shutoff system plus individual sensors near appliances. For broader home moisture planning, you can also review How to Find, Fix, and Prevent Moisture Problems in Homes.

Match the Product to the Pipe Size

Pipe size matters. The Moen Flo 3/4-inch model is not the same as the 1-inch model, and the FloodStop water heater kit must match the water heater connection requirements. Do not assume that a product will fit because it looks similar in photos. Confirm the size, thread type, valve type, and installation position before buying.

Think About What Happens When You Are Away

Automatic shutoff valves are especially useful for people who travel, work long hours, or own rental or vacation properties. A standard water alarm may notify you, but if nobody is home to respond, water can continue running. A shutoff system is designed to reduce that response gap by closing a valve automatically or remotely.

How to Set Up Automatic Water Shutoff Valves Correctly

Install the device where it can actually stop the water source you care about. For whole-home protection, that usually means the main water line after the water enters the house. For appliance-specific protection, place the valve and sensor according to the appliance risk area. A washing machine kit should monitor the washer connection and floor area. A water heater kit should monitor the base, pan area, or lowest likely leak path.

Test the system after installation. Do not wait until a real leak to find out that a valve was not fully open, a sensor was placed too far away, or an app notification was not configured correctly. Follow the manufacturer’s test process and confirm that the shutoff action works.

Keep sensors clean and positioned correctly. A sensor hidden behind clutter may not detect water until the leak has already spread. In utility rooms, avoid placing sensors where they can be kicked, covered with storage bins, or lifted off the floor.

For smart or connected systems, check the app settings, notification permissions, Wi-Fi or hub connection, and power source. A shutoff system is only useful if it can communicate properly and operate when needed. For a more complete explanation of how connected shutoff systems respond to leaks, see How Smart Water Shutoff Systems Work.

Finally, remember that shutoff devices are not a substitute for plumbing maintenance. Replace aging hoses, inspect shutoff valves, look for corrosion, and monitor high-risk areas after repairs. If you already have signs of damp flooring, swelling trim, stains, or musty odors, use the shutoff system as part of a broader moisture investigation, not as the only solution.

Automatic Shutoff Valve Mistakes That Can Leave Leak Risks Uncovered

Buying a Leak Sensor When You Need Shutoff

A leak sensor can alert you to water, but many sensors cannot shut off the water by themselves. If your goal is automatic water control, make sure the product includes a compatible shutoff valve, valve actuator, or shutoff function. Sensor-only products belong in a different category.

Choosing the Wrong Pipe Size

Do not guess pipe size from the product photo. Check the actual line size and fitting requirements. A 3/4-inch model and a 1-inch model are not interchangeable for every installation.

Choosing Whole-Home Protection When One Appliance Is the Real Risk

A whole-home shutoff system can be a strong choice, but it is not always the first product a homeowner needs. If your main concern is a second-floor washer or an indoor water heater, a targeted appliance-level shutoff kit may solve the most urgent risk at a lower cost and with a simpler setup.

Choosing an Appliance Kit When the Whole Home Is at Risk

The opposite mistake is also possible. A washing machine shutoff kit will not protect a hidden pipe leak, a sink supply failure, or a leak in another part of the home. If your house has multiple high-risk areas, frequent vacancy, or expensive finished space below plumbing, a whole-home shutoff valve may make more sense.

Putting Sensors in the Wrong Place

Sensor-based systems only work well when water reaches the sensor quickly. Place sensors at the lowest likely leak point, not on a shelf, behind stored items, or far from the appliance.

Ignoring Old Manual Shutoff Valves

If the existing shutoff valve is corroded, stiff, leaking, or hard to turn, a valve operator may not work correctly. Older manual valves may need attention before adding an automatic controller. For related maintenance timing, see When to Replace Main Water Shutoff Valves.

Assuming a Shutoff Valve Prevents All Moisture Damage

An automatic shutoff valve can reduce water flow after a detected event, but it cannot guarantee that no damage will occur. Slow condensation, roof leaks, seepage, appliance drain failures, and humidity problems may require different solutions.

Skipping Regular Testing

Test the device periodically. Batteries, sensors, hubs, apps, and valves should all be checked so the system is ready when needed.

Automatic Water Shutoff Valve FAQs

Are automatic water shutoff valves worth it for homes?

They can be worth it for homes where a plumbing leak could cause expensive damage before anyone notices. They are especially useful for finished basements, second-floor laundry rooms, vacation homes, rental properties, and houses with older plumbing or multiple water-using appliances. They should be viewed as one layer of leak protection, not a guarantee against all water damage.

What is the difference between a leak sensor and an automatic shutoff valve?

A leak sensor detects water and sends an alert or sounds an alarm. An automatic shutoff valve is designed to close a water valve when a leak is detected or when abnormal flow is identified. Some systems include both sensors and shutoff control, while others only alert you.

Do I need a plumber to install an automatic water shutoff valve?

For inline whole-home systems, a plumber is usually the practical choice because the device must be installed into the plumbing line correctly. Some valve-operator kits are more DIY-friendly because they fit over an existing valve, but they still require compatibility checks and careful setup. Appliance-specific kits may also require plumbing work depending on the installation.

Where should a whole-home automatic shutoff valve be installed?

A whole-home system is usually installed on the main water line after the water enters the home and before it branches to fixtures. The exact location depends on your plumbing layout, clearance, pipe size, power access, and local plumbing requirements.

Is a whole-home system better than an appliance shutoff kit?

A whole-home system gives broader coverage, while an appliance shutoff kit targets one high-risk area. If your main concern is a washing machine or water heater, an appliance kit may be enough. If you want broader protection against leaks throughout the home, a whole-home system is usually the stronger option.

What is the best automatic shutoff valve for a washing machine?

For a laundry room, a washing-machine-specific kit such as the FloodStop Washing Machine Leak Detector Kit is usually more practical than a whole-home system if the washer is the main concern. It is designed to shut off both hot and cold washer supply lines when its sensor detects water.

What is the best automatic shutoff valve for a water heater?

For a water heater area, a water-heater-specific kit such as the FloodStop Water Heater Leak Detector Kit can be a practical targeted option. It is designed to close the water heater supply when water is detected near the unit, but it does not protect the entire home.

Can automatic shutoff valves prevent mold?

They can help reduce the amount of water released during certain plumbing leaks, which may lower the chance of long-term moisture problems. However, they do not directly prevent mold from all causes. Mold prevention also depends on drying, ventilation, humidity control, and fixing the moisture source.

Should I still use water leak sensors if I install a shutoff valve?

Yes, in many homes that can be a smart combination. A whole-home shutoff system monitors water use broadly, while added sensors can provide faster detection in specific places such as under sinks, near washing machines, beside water heaters, and around basement appliances. Appliance-level kits already include their own sensor, but extra standalone sensors may still help in nearby risk areas.

Conclusion

The best automatic water shutoff valve for your home depends on the type of leak risk you are trying to reduce. For the strongest whole-home option, the Moen Flo 3/4-inch Smart Water Shut Off Valve is the best whole-home automatic shutoff pick for compatible main lines. If your home has a 1-inch main line, the Moen Flo 1-inch Smart Water Monitor and Automatic Shutoff Sensor is the better size-specific choice.

For homeowners who want a more DIY-friendly option without cutting into plumbing, the YoLink DIY Automatic Water Leak Detection & Shut-Off Starter Kit is the most practical retrofit main-valve operator in this list. If your main concern is a specific appliance, the FloodStop Washing Machine Leak Detector Kit is best for laundry rooms, while the FloodStop Water Heater Leak Detector Kit is the better targeted option for water heater areas.

No automatic shutoff system replaces regular plumbing maintenance, leak inspections, or moisture monitoring. But when matched to the right risk area and installed correctly, these products can give homeowners a stronger response plan than waiting for visible water damage to appear.