Traveling Overseas? This $50 Gadget Just Saved a Ridgewood Home from a Major Flood

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, What would you do if a pipe burst in your home while you were thousands of miles away? For one Ridgewood, NJ family traveling overseas this week, that nightmare nearly became a reality.

Thanks to a combination of high-tech smart home security and old-fashioned neighborly care, a potentially catastrophic flood was stopped in its tracks. Here is how the Ridgewood Fire Department (A Platoon) helped save the day—and what you can learn from this “lucky” break.

A “Smart” Catch from Across the Ocean

The incident began on Euclid Avenue when a pipe burst in a resident’s basement. Normally, a burst pipe in an empty home can gush thousands of gallons of water for days, leading to mold, structural damage, and astronomical repair costs.

However, this homeowner had a WiFi-enabled water leak detector installed. Despite being halfway around the world, he received an instant notification on his smartphone that moisture was detected. He immediately contacted a trusted neighbor, who called the Ridgewood Professional Firefighters FMBA Local 47 to respond.

Why the Ridgewood Fire Department is Praising This Setup

When A Platoon arrived, they were able to mitigate the water condition before it reached critical levels. Ridgewood Fire officials noted that the situation was “much less severe” than it could have been.

While the department doesn’t endorse specific brands, they highlighted two “must-haves” for every traveler:

1. A Working Smart Leak Detector: These devices sense moisture and send alerts to your phone, giving you a head start on an emergency.

2. A Reliable Emergency Contact: Having a neighbor with a key and your contact info is your best line of defense.

3 Tips to Prevent Burst Pipes While You’re Away

If you are planning a trip, the Ridgewood Fire Department and plumbing experts recommend these steps to avoid coming home to a “swimming pool” in your basement:

• Shut Off the Main Water Valve: If you’re gone for more than a few days, turning off the water at the source is the only way to ensure a leak doesn’t turn into a flood.

• Maintain the Heat: Never turn your heat off completely in the winter. Keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F – 60°F to prevent pipes from freezing.

• Install Low-Cost Sensors: Smart sensors can be placed near “high-risk” areas like water heaters, washing machines, and sump pumps.

Final Thoughts

We are thrilled this story had a happy ending for our Ridgewood neighbors. It’s a powerful reminder that while we are always ready to respond, a little bit of technology and a great neighbor can make all the difference!

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