CN118215773A

CN118215773A - Pipeline fitting box and leak detection system

Info

Publication number: CN118215773A
Application number: CN202280073743.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 摩西·佩雷斯
Original assignee: Haggai Mizrahi; Tal Israel Perez
Current assignee: Haggai Mizrahi; Tal Israel Perez
Priority date: 2021-11-25
Filing date: 2022-10-27
Publication date: 2024-06-18
Also published as: AU2022396191A1; WO2023095115A1; CA3237773A1; IL312660A

Abstract

Disclosed and described herein is a pipe joint comprising: a housing having a plurality of ports; a joint within the housing; a plurality of guide tubes connected to the plurality of ports and a plurality of guide tubes, proximal ends of the plurality of guide tubes connected to the joint and passing through the plurality of guide tubes, and a plurality of ports of the housing, distal ends of the plurality of ports connected to an end unit outside the junction box. Embodiments of the present invention include installation and maintenance of water guides, as well as water leak detection.

Description

Pipeline fitting box and leak detection system

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/283,228 filed on 25 th 11 of 2021 in accordance with 35 USC ≡119 (e), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical field and background art

In some embodiments of the invention, the invention relates to the field of pipe fitting installation and maintenance, as well as water leakage detection from such fittings and pipe fittings, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to pipes and connections to and from them.

In the field of plumbing and systems, leakage is a frequently occurring, extremely damaging and difficult to repair problem. Losses from untreated or inaccessible and blocked leaks can cause considerable losses to private homeowners, not to mention industrial and municipal water supplies. Leakage can cause extensive structural damage and result in high maintenance and repair costs.

There are many solutions on the market, which to some extent solve these problems. However, difficulty in installing or replacing plumbing and fittings is a common problem, as well as slow and difficult to detect leaks, and in addition, finding leaks and spills can be difficult.

When a leak is detected, the water typically has accumulated and flowed downwardly from the leaking pipe. Water may be detected at some point in the structure where water is accumulated, but it may not be clear where or from which pipe the water is coming. To repair a leak, a plumber may have to remove large pieces of walls and/or floors until a source of leaking water is found. The plumber may then pull the pipe completely along the wall or floor, replace the pipe and repair the wall and/or floor, or cut and repair broken pipe sections, which may result in future leakage of old pipes that have been fragile. In addition, the wet area is typically dried prior to repair work, which often makes people free of water for a long period of time.

Some embodiments of the present invention may alleviate these and other problems. For example, some embodiments provide new innovative solutions to some of the major problems in the field that may be more efficient, simpler to maintain, simpler to operate, and/or simpler to leak test, which are simpler than some of the current products that are popular in the marketplace.

Disclosure of Invention

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a piping system comprising: a plurality of first connection boxes, comprising: a plurality of tube adapters; a joint connecting the plurality of inner spaces of the plurality of pipe adapters; a sealed housing (casing) fitted around the plurality of tubes; and a plurality of ports located within the sealed enclosure; a guide tube having a first end connected to a first port of the plurality of ports of the first junction box such that the port opens into an interior of the guide tube; and a first water conduit connected at a first end thereof to a conduit connector of the first tank; the water conduit passes through the first port and the guide tube.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the water guide tube comprises a second end connected to the pipe end unit.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the end unit is a plumbing fitting and is selected from a plumbing connection box, a housing (casing), a bathroom fixture, a bathroom fitting, a kitchen fixture, a kitchen fitting, a faucet, a cooling system, a heating system, a fire protection system, a garden water supply, a drain system, or a total water supply (MAIN WATER supply network).

According to some embodiments of the invention, the system further comprises: a second pipe connection box comprising: a second tube connector; a second sealed housing surrounding the tube connector; and a second plurality of ports within the second sealed enclosure, each of the ports of the second plurality of ports including a pilot connector; wherein the guide tube comprises a second end connected to a respective guide connector of a respective port of the second plurality of ports and the water guide tube also passes through the respective port and the guide tube, wherein the water guide tube comprises a second end connected to the tube connector of the second connection box.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the connection to the end unit is waterproof.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the guide tube is built into a wall, floor or ceiling of a structure or a combination thereof.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a pipe connection box comprising: a plurality of tube adapters configured to connect to a water conduit; a joint connecting the plurality of inner spaces of the plurality of pipe adapters; a sealed enclosure surrounding the plurality of tube adapters; a plurality of ports located within the sealed enclosure; and a plurality of connectors, each connector connected to one of the plurality of ports and configured to pass the water conduit therethrough and configured to connect to a guide tube such that the plurality of ports interconnect the interior of the tank with the interior of the connected guide tube such that the water conduit passes through the port between the interior of the guide tube and the interior of the sealed enclosure.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the piping connection box further comprises: a valve configured to open and close a connection through the joint between at least two of the plurality of tube adapters.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a pipe connection box comprising: a housing having a removable cover, wherein the housing includes a plurality of ports, each of the plurality of ports being connected to a respective guide tube; a plurality of water conduits, each of the plurality of water conduits passing through a respective port of the plurality of ports and the respective guide tube; and a connector located within the housing and connected between the plurality of water conduits.

According to some embodiments of the invention, each of the water guides is connected at its proximal end to the fitting and at its distal end to an end unit.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the piping connection box further comprises: a connector switch connected to the adapter; and an inlet tube having a cutoff switch.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the plumbing connection box further comprises a drain port having a drain tube.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the piping connection box further comprises a sensor.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the sensor is selected from a humidity sensor, a water sensor, a motion sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, or any combination thereof.

Drawings

Some embodiments of the invention are described herein by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Referring now in specific detail to the drawings, it is emphasized that the details shown are by way of example and are intended to illustrate the embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings make apparent to those skilled in the art how the embodiments of the present invention may be practiced.

In the accompanying drawings:

fig. 1: schematic side views of header connection boxes according to some embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 2: schematic perspective view of a mains connection box according to some embodiments of the invention;

Fig. 3: a schematic cross-sectional view cut on plane A-A' of the header connection box of fig. 1 and 2, according to some embodiments of the invention;

fig. 4: a cross-sectional view of a pipe fixing device according to some embodiments of the present invention;

fig. 5: a perspective view of a pipe fixing device according to some embodiments of the present invention;

fig. 6: a perspective view of a pipe fixing device according to some embodiments of the present invention;

fig. 7A: schematic diagram of a piping system according to some embodiments of the present invention;

fig. 7B: schematic diagram of a piping system according to some embodiments of the present invention;

fig. 8: a schematic perspective view of a plumbing fitting according to some embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 9: a schematic perspective view of a plumbing fitting according to some embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 10: a schematic cross-sectional view of a plumbing fitting according to some embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 11: a schematic perspective view of a plumbing fitting according to some embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 12: a schematic perspective view of a plumbing fitting according to some embodiments of the present invention;

fig. 13: a schematic perspective view of a plumbing fitting according to some embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 14: a block diagram of a plumbing connection box according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of a plumbing connection box in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

fig. 16: a flow chart of an installation method according to some embodiments of the invention;

fig. 17: a flow chart of a method of detecting a leak according to some embodiments of the invention; and

Fig. 18: a flow chart of an installation method according to some embodiments of the invention.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

In some embodiments of the invention, it relates to the installation and maintenance of pipe fittings, and the detection of water leaks in such fittings, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to pipes connected to and leading to and from the pipe fittings.

SUMMARY

An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to a plumbing fitting installation and maintenance and/or water leak detection system. For example, leaks from the pipe and/or fitting may be detected and/or localized. Alternatively, the system may detect leaks in pipes connected to and leading to and/or from the pipe fitting. In some embodiments, a simple method for replacing a failed tube is disclosed. Alternatively, the system is built into a wall, floor or ceiling of a structure.

Certain aspects of the invention may include two main parts or sections that may work together to solve or minimize some or all of the above problems that often occur in the pipeline world.

According to some embodiments, the first part or section of the present invention may be a specially designed pipe connection box. Such a junction box may serve various functions. For example, the junction box may be configured and/or used as a cold-hot mixing valve (e.g., for a shower, bathtub, and/or sink). Alternatively or additionally, the junction box may be configured and/or used as a shut off valve (shut off valve) for a single water source (e.g., hot or cold). Alternatively or additionally, the junction box may be configured and/or used as a mains junction box for distributing water to other junction boxes.

In some embodiments, the junction box may optionally be mounted into a wall, floor, ceiling, porcelain or tile, configured such that its lid may be level or flush with the surrounding wall, floor, ceiling, porcelain or tile. Alternatively, the housing may be designed in such a way that it can conveniently access the fittings mounted therein as desired. Alternatively, the cover of the housing may be designed to integrate with its visible periphery, for example as part of a tile, its surrounding surface, as a stand-alone shower fixture, etc. Alternatively, the junction box may be designed to allow for a light and quick installation of fittings and tubing therein

According to some embodiments of the present invention, a junction box, such as its housing, may have a special cast shape and groove in order to easily and conveniently "house" the fitting and/or tube, for example, by simply clicking the desired tube and/or fitting into a specially designed groove and/or recess within the housing. Alternatively and/or additionally, the housing may have specially designed ports, adapters, channels and/or grooves, which may facilitate a secure and watertight connection of a "guiding" tube. Alternatively or additionally, various types of conventional tubing and/or connections may be used.

According to some implementations of the invention, a "guide" tube (optionally, the tube may include a tube (pipe) and/or a hose (hose) may be a hollow passage.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the secure and waterproof connection of these "guide" tubes may enable any leaking water (e.g., from the fittings of the housing, from any point above the housing, etc.) to be safely guided away from the leak point without leaking to the wall and/or floor and/or ceiling. Alternatively, leaking water may be collected and detected by the second part of the invention.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the sensor may be mounted on the plumbing box housing (e.g., on a main floor) of a house or structure to detect any water leaks. Alternatively, the sensor may be located in the conduit housing and/or the guide tube. Alternatively, the conduit box housing may be located in the lowest possible portion of the house or structure. Alternatively, the sensor may send an alarm to the owner of the house, maintenance personnel, etc. immediately upon detection of water. Optionally, the alarm may provide information about in which guide tube the water is leaking and/or know from which guide tube the water is leaking. Alternatively, the alerted person may be made quickly aware of the leak, which is certainly much better than if the leak were only noticed when a water spot or flood occurs on a wall, floor or ceiling.

Alternatively, the drain opening and/or drainage system may be connected to the overall drainage system of the house or structure. Alternatively, when a leak occurs, wherever it occurs, the leaked water may flow to the total junction box housing and may drain therefrom into a drain port and/or to a total drain system. Optionally, this may prevent water from spilling over and flooding the floor of the house or structure, and/or may prevent water stains from occurring on walls, floors or ceilings. In some embodiments, the moisture detector may be located at the drain opening and/or drain pipe.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods set forth in the following description and/or illustrated in the drawings and/or examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the invention may comprise two parts of the invention.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the first part may consist of a specially designed plumbing box that may be embedded inside a wall, floor or ceiling, and may have several unique and innovative features.

In some embodiments of the invention, the plumbing connection box may have an interior that is specially cast or designed. Alternatively, the housing may be designed such that standard plumbing fittings may be fitted into the housing in a safe and easily accessible form. Alternatively, the internal design of the housing may be such fittings and their connection pipes as "accept" and/or they may be fixed in place. Optionally, this may reduce the risk of internal leakage of the housing due to movement and vibration caused by water flowing through the tube and/or fitting.

In some embodiments of the invention, the housing may have ports on its perimeter. Alternatively, the connector may be mounted on or within the port. Alternatively, the port connector may be designed such that the guide tube is connected thereto in a secure and/or watertight manner. Optionally, the guide tube comprises a tube embedded and/or built into a wall, floor and/or ceiling of the structure. Alternatively, the guide tube may be used as a guide tube (conduit) through which the guide tube may pass. Alternatively, the feature may enable any leaking water (e.g., in the junction box itself, in any water conduit, at any point above it, etc.) to be directed to the junction box through the guide tube, thereby preventing them from leaking to the wall, ceiling, or floor.

In some embodiments of the invention, the housing may have a removable cover or lid (lip) that may be designed as part of the natural environment of the shower and bath fixtures and accessories, for example, in aesthetic design, manufacturing materials, or both. Alternatively, this feature may allow a cover or lid to be mounted on the outer surface of a bathroom wall, ceiling, floor, porcelain or tile, thereby providing easy access and diagnosis in the event of a leak. Alternatively, the cover or lid may be completely removed, or may be opened at a hinge, or the like.

According to some embodiments of the invention, more than one junction box may be installed in a house or structure. Alternatively, the "main" junction box may be located in the lowest possible portion of the house or structure. Alternatively, a "secondary" junction box may be installed at various locations throughout the structure, for example, at each bathroom, kitchen, garden, each floor, ceiling, etc. Alternatively, the secondary piping connection box may include some or all of the features of the main piping connection box. Alternatively, the secondary piping connection box may be smaller than the main piping connection box and/or may include fewer connections and/or ports. Alternatively, the secondary piping connection box may be used as a joint, a shut-off valve and/or a mixing valve. Optionally, there may be a map of connectors, ports and/or guide tubes and accessories to which they are connected on each pipe connection box.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the second portion that may be facilitated by the first portion of the invention may be a drain and leak detection system located inside a plumbing connection box (e.g., a header connection box, a secondary plumbing connection box, or both). Alternatively, the second portion itself may comprise two sections:

Alternatively, all leaked water may eventually flow into the mains connection tank and/or water may be detected by a liquid detector. For example, the liquid detector may be located at the bottom of the junction box. Alternatively, in some embodiments of the invention, such a detector may alert the user to a leak when a liquid is detected. Alternatively, the sensor may be connected to the personal computing device wirelessly. Alternatively, the personal computing device may include a smart phone, a smart watch, a notebook computer, a desktop computer, a VR, or the like. Alternatively, the sensor may alert the user to the presence of a leak, other methods of alerting may be by sound and/or light, and/or any other method deemed to be effective.

Alternatively, water leaks may accumulate in the mains connection box. The connection box may be connected to the drain tube. Alternatively, the drain pipe leads to the general drainage system of the house or structure (e.g. from the bottom of the main plumbing connection box). Optionally, this may ensure that all leaks may be transferred to the total sewage system and/or may prevent the leaks from flooding the floor of the structure, thereby preventing serious damage and costs.

Reference is now made to the exemplary drawings.

Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of a plumbing connection box according to some embodiments of the present invention. For example, the plumbing connection box 100 may be a mains connection box. Alternatively, the junction box may include a housing 110 containing a plurality of adapters 102, each adapter 102 connected to a water conduit 104 passing through a guide tube 106, the guide tube 106 connected to the junction box by a port. Alternatively, the guide tube 106 may be mounted within a wall, floor or ceiling of the structure. Alternatively, the water conduit 104 may pass through the guide tube 106 and be connected at a distal end to one or more plumbing fittings, such as faucets, toilets, showers, bathtubs, sinks, refrigerators, boilers, garden watering systems, fountains, heating and/or cooling systems, fire protection systems, drainage systems, total water supply nets, and the like. Alternatively, the water conduit 104 may be connected at a proximal end to the adapter 102 on the tubing connection box. Alternatively, the plumbing connection box may include a drain 108. Optionally, the drain 108 may be connected to the overall drain system and/or drain (suage) system of the structure.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a schematic diagram of a plumbing fitting according to some embodiments of the present invention. For example, the mains connection box 200 may include a housing 214 containing one or more adapters 202, each connected to the proximal end of a water conduit 204 passing through a guide tube 206, and to an end unit at the distal end, such as a toilet, shower, bathtub, sink, refrigerator, boiler, garden watering system, fountain, heating and/or cooling system, etc. Optionally, each adapter 202 may include a shut-off valve 210. Optionally, plumbing fixture 200 may include a sensor 212 that may detect the presence of liquid in the plumbing fixture and/or liquid passing through the plumbing fixture to drain 208 and to the overall drainage system of the structure. Alternatively, sensor 212 may be a humidity sensor, a water sensor, a motion sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, or any combination thereof.

Fig. 3 is a schematic side view of a plumbing fitting according to some embodiments of the present invention. For example, plumbing connection box 300 may include adapters 302, each of which connects to a proximal end of a water conduit 304 passing through a guide tube 306, and to plumbing fittings at a distal end, such as faucets, toilets, showers, bathtubs, sinks, refrigerators, boilers, garden watering systems, fountains, heating and/or cooling systems, fire protection systems, drainage systems, total water supply network (MAIN WATER supply network), and the like. Optionally, each adapter 302 may include a shut-off valve 310. Alternatively, the water supply to the entire system, to the pipe connection box to which the faulty water conduit is connected, to the plurality of water conduits or only to the faulty water conduit may be shut off. Optionally, plumbing fixture 300 may include a sensor 312, and sensor 312 may detect the presence of liquid in the plumbing fixture, and/or the presence of liquid through the plumbing fixture to drain 308 and then through an outlet pipe to the overall drainage system of the structure. Alternatively, the removable cover 314 may be mounted on or flush with the outer surface of a bathroom wall, ceiling, floor, porcelain or tile.

Alternatively, the water conduit may be made of a resilient, flexible, semi-flexible or rigid material. Preferably, the material may be non-toxic and shatter resistant. Alternatively, the water conduit may be made of flexible plastic, rubber plastic, natural rubber, styrene-butadiene block copolymer (styrene-butadiene block copolymer), polyisoprene, polybutadiene, ethylene propylene rubber (ethylene propylene rubber), ethylene propylene diene rubber (ethylene propylene diene rubber), silicone elastomer, fluoroelastomer, polyurethane elastomer, nitrile rubber, acrylic (polymethyl methacrylate), butyrate (cellulose acetate butyrate), polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, ethylene glycol modified polyethylene terephthalate (glycol modified polyethylene terphthalate), polytetrafluoroethylene, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyamide, polyethylene, metal (e.g., lead, copper, aluminum, etc.), or combinations thereof.

Alternatively, the guide tube may be made of a high quality transparent, partially transparent, translucent, and/or opaque material. Preferably, the material may be non-toxic and shatter resistant. For example, the guide tube may be made of flexible plastic, rubber plastic, natural rubber, styrene-butadiene block copolymer, polyisoprene, polybutadiene, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer, silicone elastomer, fluoroelastomer, polyurethane elastomer, nitrile rubber, acrylic (polymethyl methacrylate), butyrate (cellulose acetate butyrate), polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate (glycol modified polyethylene terphthalate), polytetrafluoroethylene, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyamide, polyethylene, metal (e.g., stainless steel, copper, aluminum, etc.), or combinations thereof.

Fig. 4 is a schematic cut-away perspective view of a plumbing fitting (e.g., a shut-off valve) according to some embodiments of the present invention. For example, the plumbing connection box 400 may include a removable cover 402. Optionally, the waterproof guide tube connection 406 is such that water leaking from the water guide tube into the guide tube does not leak out of the system (e.g., into the wall of the building through which the tube passes) and/or can be transported back to the total water connection tank and/or the sensor and/or drain. Alternatively, the water conduit may be connected to a fitting 408 contained within a housing 410 of the junction box and then to a fitting 404, such as a faucet, toilet, shower, bath, sink, refrigerator, boiler, garden watering system, fountain, heating and/or cooling system, fire protection system, drainage system, total water supply network, or the like.

Fig. 5 is a schematic front perspective view of a plumbing fitting according to some embodiments of the present invention. For example, the plumbing connection box 500 may include a removable cover 502. Alternatively, the removable cover 502 may be mounted on or flush with the outer surface of a bathroom wall, ceiling, floor, porcelain or tile. Alternatively, the watertight guide connection 506 and the connection to the fitting 504 (e.g., faucet, toilet, shower, bathtub, sink, refrigerator, boiler, garden watering system, fountain, heating and/or cooling system, fire protection system, drain system, total water supply network, etc.) may lead to the housing 508 of the junction box 500.

Fig. 6 is a schematic rear perspective view of a plumbing fitting according to some embodiments of the present invention. For example, the plumbing connection box 600 may include a removable cover 602. Alternatively, the removable cover 602 may be mounted on or flush with the outer surface of a bathroom wall, ceiling, floor, porcelain or tile. Alternatively, the watertight guide connection 606 and the connection to the fitting 604 (e.g., faucet, toilet, shower, bathtub, sink, refrigerator, boiler, garden watering system, fountain, heating and/or cooling system, fire protection system, drain system, total water supply network, etc.) may lead to the housing 608 of the junction box 600.

Fig. 7A is a schematic diagram of a piping system according to some embodiments of the invention. For example, plumbing system 700a includes a header connection box, such as plumbing connection box 100 shown in FIG. 1. Optionally, guide tube 714 encloses water conduit 704. Optionally, the guide tube 714 prevents any water leaking from the water guide tube 704 from leaking out of the system (e.g., into a wall of a building). Tubes (e.g., guide tube 714 and water guide tube 704) are optionally connected between main conduit connection box 100 and peripheral connection boxes 401a-401c' (e.g., connection box 400 with stop valve and/or connection box 800 with hot/cold mixing valve).

In some embodiments, water conduit 704 conducts water between a water source (e.g., at the aggregate junction box 100) and a junction (e.g., junction 408 of fig. 4) in a peripheral junction box (e.g., shut-off valve junction boxes 401a, 401b, 401 c). The guide tube is optionally sealed to the housing (e.g., housing 410, e.g., guide tube connector 406 of housing 410) of the junction boxes 401a-401c' (e.g., to guide leaking water into the sealed junction box 400 and/or to the outside of the peripheral junction box only). For example, water leaking from the water conduit 704 may be returned down the guide tube 714 to the total water connection tank and/or the sensor and/or drain.

In some embodiments, the water in the draft tube 704 is connected to the end units and/or devices through joints in the peripheral plumbing connection boxes 401a-401c' and/or 800. For example, plumbing fixtures may include toilets 702a, sinks 702b, showers 702c, bathtubs, irrigation systems, garden hoses, fountains, fire protection systems, drainage systems, total water supply networks, and the like. For example, the apparatus may comprise a refrigerator and/or a water heater and/or a heating system and/or a cooling system. For example, the connections between the peripheral connection boxes 401a-401c', 800 and the devices and/or end units may include conventional water conduits 705 and/or may pass through an open space where leaks are to be detected.

In some embodiments, the water conduits 704, 705 may be connected through ports on the housing of the tanks 401a-401c', 500 through which the water conduits 704, 705 may extend into the sealed connection tanks. Inside the connection box, the connector may be connected to various water pipes. For example, the fitting may be interconnected with one or more outlet water conduits (e.g., tubes 705) at the inlet water supply conduit 704 (e.g., from the header tank 100), such as to a fixture and/or apparatus. Optionally, the water in the guide tube 714 is inhibited from exiting the system at the peripheral junction boxes 401a-401c', 800. For example, the pilot port connection (e.g., connection 406) may be sealed to inhibit water from exiting the pilot tube at the end connected to the peripheral connection box. Alternatively or additionally, a pilot tube connection (e.g., a connector on port 812) may lead to the sealed enclosure. In some embodiments, the ports through which the intake water supply conduits 705 (e.g., excluding the guide tubes) of the conventional conduits 705 pass are sealed so that water in the connection tank (e.g., tank 500) does not leak around the tubes 705. In some embodiments, the incoming water supply pipe 704 is enclosed in a guide pipe 714. Optionally, a feed water supply conduit 704 enters the tank through a port. Optionally, the guide tube 714 is connected to the housing of the tanks 401a-401c', 800 by a connector with a watertight seal.

In some embodiments, the housing of the junction box 100 (and/or peripheral junction boxes 401a-401c', 800) is connected to the overall drain system 742 of the structure by a drain 744. The connection boxes 100, 401a-401c', 800 may also contain sensors 716. Alternatively, the sensor may be located in the housing near the drain opening or outlet drain 744. Alternatively, the drain or outlet drain 744 may be located near the lowest portion of the housing. Optionally, the sensor may be located near the lowest point in the housing and/or near the proximal end of each guide tube. Alternatively, the sensor may identify a water leak by detecting water in the guide tube 704 and/or the housing and/or the drain 744 and/or the drain. In some embodiments, the sensor detects when material enters the housing but does not indicate where it came from. Alternatively, the user will open the housing to see which port the water flows from, thereby locating the leak to the associated guide tube 704, water conduit 714, and/or connection thereto. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor 716 may identify from which guide tube the water flows. For example, water leaking from the water conduit 714 may be transferred to the housing along its associated guide tube 704 and/or accumulated in the housing and/or drained to the overall drainage system 742 of the structure. Alternatively, the failed water conduit 714 may be easily replaced by disconnecting the distal and proximal ends from the end unit 702 and/or fitting 707 and/or the water supply, pulling the failed water conduit 714 from its guide tube 704, and then inserting a new water conduit by the guide tube 704 in a serpentine fashion and/or connecting the distal and proximal ends thereof to the end unit 702, the water supply and/or the fitting, respectively.

In some embodiments, junction boxes may be used between various conventional units of the piping system 700 a. For example, the device 703 (e.g., a water heater) may have a water input 707a and a water output 707b. The output may be selectively connected to the junction box 401c' by a conventional conduit 705. The junction box 401c optionally directs the heated water from the output 707b through the conduit 704 within the guide tube 714 to another junction box 401b' that directs the heated water to a conventional mixing valve of an end unit (e.g., sink 702 b). Alternatively or additionally, the junction box 401c directs the hot water from the output 707b through the water conduit 704 within the guide tube 714 to another junction box 800 that includes a mixing valve, and the mixed cold/hot water is transferred from the junction box 800 to an end unit (e.g., shower 702 c) via a conventional tube 705.

Fig. 7B is a schematic diagram of a piping system according to some embodiments of the invention. For example, plumbing system 700b includes plumbing junction box 706. The tank 706 may be directly connected to the end unit 702f, and the end unit 702f may include various accessories such as faucets, toilets, showers, bathtubs, sinks, refrigerators, boilers, garden watering systems, fountains, heating and/or cooling systems, fire protection systems, drainage systems, total water supply networks, etc., including ports for the water pipe 714 and connectors for the guide pipe 704. Alternatively or additionally, the tank 706 may be connected to an additional plumbing connection tank 800, the additional plumbing connection tank 800 including a mixing valve and/or wall-mounted shut-off valve connection tank 401d to connect to a standard tube 705 and/or an end unit 702e (e.g., a cold water supply of a conventional mixing valve of a bathtub). Optionally, the guide tube 704 will be sealingly connected around the connection between the wall-mounted shut-off valve connection boxes 401d, 40 Id'. For example, connecting may include being comprised of the guide tube 704 surrounding the water conduit 714. Optionally, a plurality of piping connection boxes 706 may be interconnected and/or connected to additional end units.

In some embodiments, the mixing valve connection tank 800 receives cold water input directly from another connection tank 706 and/or hot water input from the water heater device 703 through the shut-off valve connection tank 401 d'.

In some embodiments, the junction box may include a shut-off valve and/or a sensor 716 for detecting humidity in the guide tube. In some embodiments, the junction box may receive the intake of water conduit 717 within guide tube 718.

In some embodiments, the drain openings of the connection boxes 100, 400, 401a-c', 800 are also connected to the overall drain system of the structure by drain 744. The junction box may also contain a sensor 716. Alternatively, the sensor 716 may be located in the tank 100, 400, 401a-c', 800 near the drain opening or outlet drain 744. Alternatively, the drain or outlet drain 744 may be located in the lowermost portion of the tank 100, 400, 401a-c', 800. Alternatively, the sensor 716 may be located in the proximal end of each guide tube 704 or near the proximal end of each guide tube 704. Alternatively, the sensor 716 may identify a water leak by detecting water in the guide tube 704 and/or the tanks 100, 400, 401a-c', 800 and/or the drain 744 and/or the drain. Water from the drain conduit 714 may pass through the guide tube 704 and/or may accumulate in the tanks 100, 400, 401a-c', 800 and/or drain through a drain 744 to the overall drain system 742 of the structure. Alternatively, the failed water conduit 714 may be removed by disconnecting it from the end unit 702, the junction box at the opposite end, pulling it out of its guide tube, and then sinuously inserting a new water conduit 714 connected at its distal and proximal ends to the first and second end units, respectively.

Fig. 8 is a schematic perspective view of a plumbing fitting according to some embodiments of the present invention. For example, the plumbing connection box 800 may include a removable cover 802. For example, the cover 802 may be sealed to the outer shell 808 of the sealed enclosure. Alternatively, the valve control may be accessible from outside the housing. For example, the connection switch 804 may include a hot/cold mixing valve located between one or more outlet and/or inlet connections 814, 818, which may be connected to a water mains and/or a hot water source. For example, the connection switch 804 may protrude from the cover 802. Alternatively, the shut-off release valve 806 on the water outlet conduit (e.g., tube 1117 of FIGS. 11 and 12) may be accessed from outside the removable cover 802.

In some embodiments, the housing 808 may include one or more mounting aids 810. For example, the mounting aid 810 may be configured to facilitate connection of the housing within and/or to a wall, floor, and/or ceiling (e.g., by hooks, loops, screw holes, loops, etc.).

In some embodiments, the housing may include one or more ports 812. Alternatively, port 812 may include a connector (e.g., protruding from housing 808). For example, the connectors may facilitate a watertight connection between the ends of the guide tubes 816, 818 and the port 812. Optionally, a water conduit 814 may pass through guide tube 816 and/or extend into junction box 800 and/or connect to a fitting. A water conduit 814 may pass through guide tube 816 and be connected at its distal end to the end unit.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the installation of the conduit is the installation of the conduit ("guide tube") in the wall, as opposed to the installation of the conduit directly into the wall. A water conduit (e.g., a flexible tube) is then passed through the conduit. A plurality of water guide tubes are interconnected inside the pipe housing, for example by joints. The plumbing connection box may have a set of pipe adapters and/or fittings (and optionally valves), and optionally drain pipes, within a sealed enclosure. Alternatively, the guide tube may be connected to the housing of the junction box by a watertight seal.

Fig. 9 is a schematic perspective view of an open plumbing connection box 900 according to some embodiments of the present invention. For example, the plumbing connection box 900 may include a removable cover 902. Optionally, a switch 904 (e.g., a hot/cold hybrid switch) is connected, for example, to control flow between the water mains and/or through the fittings in the junction box. For example, the connection switch may be accessed from outside the housing of the pipe connection box. Optionally, a shut-off release valve 906 is present on the outlet tube (e.g., tube 1117 of fig. 11 and 12) inside the pilot tube 918. For example, the shut-off release valve may be accessed from outside the tank 900. Optionally, the housing 908 may include one or more mounting aids 910 configured to assist in attaching the housing into or to a wall, floor, or ceiling (e.g., hook, loop, screw, loop, etc.). The housing may include one or more ports 912 through which a water conduit 914 may extend and connect to a guide tube 916. The water conduit 914 may pass through the guide tube 916 and be connected at its distal end to, for example, an end unit, fitting, and/or wall connector.

Fig. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a plumbing fitting according to some embodiments of the present invention. For example, plumbing connection box 1000 may include a housing 1008, a connection switch 1006 (e.g., a hot/cold mixing valve) may protrude from housing 1008, and an optional shut-off release valve 1004 located on a water-guiding outlet pipe (e.g., pipe 1117 of fig. 11 and 12) from the total water network within guide pipe 1018 may protrude from housing 1008. Optionally, the housing 1008 may include one or more ports (e.g., through which the water conduits 1012, 1014 pass) with optional connectors (e.g., protruding from the housing). A water conduit 1014 may extend through the connector. Alternatively, the guide tube 1016 may be connected to a connector, for example, to provide a watertight seal around the port. The water conduit 1014 may be connected at its proximal end to an adapter 1020. The water guide tube may pass through the guide tube 1016 and be connected at its distal end to the end unit. Alternatively, the plumbing fixture coupling box 1000 may be mounted into a wall, floor, ceiling, porcelain or tile 1010, configured such that its cover may be flush with the surrounding wall, floor, ceiling, porcelain or tile. Alternatively, the junction box may be designed to provide easy access to the fittings mounted therein when desired. Alternatively, the cover of the housing may be designed to integrate with its visible surroundings, for example as part of a tile, its surrounding surface, as a separate shower, etc. For example, water may enter through a tube 1014 of the plurality of input tubes 1014, 1012. For example, hot water may enter through a tube 1012 of the plurality of input tubes 1014, 1012.

Fig. 11 and 12 are schematic perspective views of pipe fittings according to some embodiments of the invention. For example, plumbing connection box 1100 may include a housing 1106, a connection switch 1104 (e.g., a hot/cold mix valve) and/or, optionally, a shut-off release valve 1102 on an outlet water delivery tube 1117 may protrude from housing 1106. Optionally, an outlet delivery tube 1117 is positioned inside guide tube 1118. Optionally, the housing 1106 may include one or more mounting aids 1116 configured to assist in attaching the housing 1106 to or within a wall, floor or ceiling (e.g., hook, loop, screw, ring, etc.). The housing may include one or more ports 1110 connected to the guide tube 1108 through which the water guide tube 1114 may extend after being connected to the connection switch 1104 by an adapter 1112. The water guides 1114a-114d, 1117' may pass through the guide tube 1108 and be connected at their distal ends to the end units.

In some embodiments, the mixing valve connection box may include an alternative input port for hot water (e.g., connected to the tubes 1114a and/or 1114 b) and/or an alternative input port for cold water (e.g., connected to the tubes 1114c and/or 1114 d). For example, the heat input tube 1114b and the cold input tube 1114c may be from one end of the tank 1100, and/or the heat input tube 1114a and the cold input tube 1114d may be from one end of the tank 1100, and/or an alternative output port (e.g., connected to the tube 1117 and/or 1117') may be from an opposite end of the tank 1100. This may be convenient, for example, to connect the mixing valve to various input and/or output connections of various geometries.

Fig. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a plumbing fitting according to some embodiments of the present invention. For example, the plumbing housing (housing) 1200 may include a housing 1206, a connection switch 1204 may protrude from the housing 1206, and optionally a shut-off release valve 1202 on an outlet water conduit (e.g., conduit 1117 of fig. 11 and 12) may optionally pass through a guide conduit 1218. Optionally, the housing 1206 may include one or more mounting aids 1216 configured to help attach the housing 1206 to or within a wall, floor, or ceiling (e.g., hook, loop, screw, ring, etc.). Also protruding from the housing may be one or more ports 1210 connected to guide tube 1208 through which a guide tube 1214 may extend after being connected to connection switch 1204 by adapter 1212. A water guide tube 1214 may pass through the guide tube 1208 and be connected at its distal end to the end unit.

Fig. 14 is a block diagram of a plumbing housing (housing) according to some embodiments of the present invention. For example, the plumbing housing includes an inlet tube 1300 having a shut-off valve 1316 that connects the housing 1304 to a water network. The housing 1304 having the removable cover 1302 includes a plurality of adapters 1318, each connected to a water conduit 1310 that passes through a guide tube 1312, the guide tube 1312 being connected to the housing 1304 by a port 1324. Alternatively, the guide tube 1312 may be mounted within a wall, floor or ceiling of the structure, for example, by wall connectors 1306. The housing 1304 includes a sensor 1320 that can detect the presence of liquid in and/or through the plumbing housing to a drain 1322, through the drain 1308 to the general drainage system of the structure, and/or the drainage system. Optionally, the housing 1304 may include a connection switch 1314 that may control the flow of water.

Fig. 15 is a block diagram of a plumbing connection box in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. For example, an inlet tube 1400 with a shut-off valve 1410 connects the housing 1402 to a water network. The housing 1402 with the removable cover 1404 includes a plurality of adapters 1412, each connected to a water conduit 1414, the water conduit 1414 passing through a guide tube 1416, the guide tube 1416 being connected to a port 1418 on the housing 1402. Alternatively, the guide tube 1416 may be mounted within a wall, floor or ceiling of a building and held in place by the wall mounting aid 1406. The housing 1402 may include a connection switch 1408 that may control the flow of water.

Fig. 16 is a flow chart of a method of installing a plumbing fitting according to some embodiments of the present invention. For example, the guide tube is mounted 1502 in a wall and/or floor and/or ceiling of a structure. The guide tube is connected to the housing 1504 of the plumbing connection box. The water guide tube is passed through the guide tube 1506. The proximal end of the water conduit is connected to a fitting (e.g., via an adapter) 1508 in the manifold housing. The distal end of the water conduit is connected to an end unit 1510.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart of a method of detecting a leak according to some embodiments of the invention. For example, if one of the water guides were to leak 1602, the water would not enter the wall and/or floor and/or ceiling, but would drip into the guide tube 1604 and then be directed down the guide tube to the next plumbing connection box or header housing 1606. Water flows out of the plumbing junction box through the drain opening and drain pipe into the drainage system 1608. In the pipe connection box, a sensor may be included. The water in the plumbing connection box will be detected 1610 (e.g., by a water sensor and/or will be seen as it exits the drain pipe). The sensor alerts 1612 a user, maintenance professional, plumber, owner, etc. Alternatively, the alarm may be a signal. Alternatively, the signal may be transmitted wirelessly, e.g., over a network (e.g., radio, satellite, cellular network, etc.), to an electronic device of the user (e.g., computer, notebook, tablet, cellular phone, smart watch, cloud, VR, etc.). Alternatively, the signal may be visual (e.g., the light may flash) and/or audible (e.g., the alarm may sound). Alternatively, the practitioner may turn on and open the plumbing connection box and look at which conduit water is coming in from, thereby knowing that the water conduit in the conduit is leaking. Alternatively, the system may prevent the walls and/or floor and/or ceiling from being wetted.

Fig. 18 is a flow chart of a method of repairing a pipe fitting according to some embodiments of the invention. For example, leakage 1801 occurs in the water conduit. An alarm signal 1804 is issued that a leak has been detected. The plumber may identify which water pipe is leaking 1806 (e.g., observe water dripping from the pipe, or a sensor indicates which water pipe is damaged). Once it is known which water conduit is leaking, water 1808 is shut off (e.g., at the shut-off valve of the plumbing connection box). Alternatively, the entire system, the piping box to which the faulty water conduit is connected, the plurality of water conduits, or only the faulty water conduit may be disconnected. The malfunctioning water conduit is disconnected from the first end fitting (e.g., another plumbing connection box, bathroom fixture or fitting, kitchen fixture or fitting, faucet, cooling or heating system, fire protection system, garden water supply system, drainage system, mains water supply, wall mounted shut off valve, etc.) at the distal end and from the second end fitting 1810 at the proximal end. The failed catheter tube is pulled 1812 from the guide tube (e.g., pulled from the guide tube). A new water guide tube is serpentine into the guide tube 1814. The proximal end of the water conduit is connected to a second end unit (e.g., an adapter in the tubing housing) and the distal end of the water conduit is connected to a first end unit 1816. The water supply is reestablished. Thus solving the leakage problem while reducing the need to damage walls and/or floors and/or ceilings. The leaked water may also be directed away from the building by the guide tube and/or structural damage caused by the leakage may be reduced. The system may reduce the time to wait for the wet area to dry before starting the operation.

While the systems and methods described above are for use in a water supply system, the same features and embodiments may be applicable to sewage or waste treatment systems.

These embodiments are provided by way of example and are in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Although the invention has been described in its preferred form or with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the description has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction, manufacture and use, including combinations and arrangement of parts, may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

General rule

It is expected that during the life of a mature patent of this application many relevant building technologies, artificial intelligence methods, computer user interfaces, image capture devices will be developed and the scope of terms of design elements, analysis routines, user devices are intended to include all such new technologies a priori.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and/or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present invention, exemplary methods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be necessarily limiting.

The term "about" as used herein means ± 10%

The terms "include," comprising, "" including, "" having, "" with, "and variations thereof mean" including but not limited to.

The term "consisting of …" means "including and limited to".

The term "consisting essentially of" means that the composition, method, or structure may include additional ingredients, steps, and/or portions, provided that such additional ingredients, steps, and/or portions do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method, or structure.

As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Throughout the present application, various embodiments of the application may be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description of the range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as a inflexible limitation on the scope of the application. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all possible sub-ranges and individual values within that range. For example, descriptions of ranges such as 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed sub-ranges such as 1 to 3,1 to 4, 1 to 5, 2 to 4, 2 to 6, 3 to 6, etc., as well as individual numbers within the ranges, e.g., 1,2, 3,4, 5, and 6. It is applicable regardless of the range.

Whenever numerical ranges are indicated herein, it is intended to include any reference number (fractional or integer) within the indicated range. The phrases "a range between a first indicated number and a second indicated number" and "a range from the first indicated number to the second indicated number" are used interchangeably herein and are intended to include the first indicated number and the second indicated number, as well as all decimal and integer numbers therebetween.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments should not be considered as essential features of those embodiments unless the described embodiments are not functional without these elements.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. Furthermore, the citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present application. To the extent that chapter titles are used, they should not be interpreted as necessarily limiting.

Claims

1. A plumbing system, said plumbing system comprising:

a plurality of first connection boxes, comprising:

A plurality of tube adapters;

A joint connecting the plurality of inner spaces of the plurality of pipe adapters;

a sealed enclosure surrounding the plurality of tube adapters; and

A plurality of ports located within the sealed enclosure;

A guide tube having a first end connected to a first port of the plurality of ports of the first junction box such that the port opens into an interior of the guide tube; and

A first water conduit having a first end connected to a conduit connector of the first tank; the water conduit passes through the first port and the guide tube.

2. The piping system of claim 1, wherein: the water conduit includes a second end that is connected to the pipe end unit.

3. The piping system of claim 2, wherein: the end unit is a plumbing fitting and is selected from a plumbing connection box, a housing, a bathroom fixture, a bathroom fitting, a kitchen fixture, a kitchen fitting, a faucet, a cooling system, a heating system, a fire protection system, a garden water supply system, a drain system, or a total water supply network.

4. A plumbing system according to claim 3, wherein: the piping system further comprises:

a second pipe connection box comprising:

a second tube connector;

A second sealed housing surrounding the tube connector; and

A second plurality of ports located within the second sealed housing, each of the ports of the second plurality of ports including a pilot connector;

Wherein the guide tube includes a second end connected to a respective guide connector of a respective port of the second plurality of ports, and the water guide tube also passes through the respective port and the guide tube,

Wherein the water conduit includes a second end connected to the conduit connector of the second junction box.

5. The piping system of claim 2, wherein: the connection to the end unit is waterproof.

6. The piping system of claim 1, wherein: the guide tube is built into a wall, floor or ceiling of a structure or a combination thereof.

7. A pipe connection box, characterized in that the pipe connection box comprises:

A plurality of tube adapters configured to connect to a water conduit;

A sealed enclosure surrounding the plurality of tube adapters;

a plurality of ports located within the sealed enclosure; and

A plurality of connectors, each connector connected to one of the plurality of ports and configured to pass the water conduit therethrough and configured to connect to a guide tube such that the plurality of ports interconnect the interior of the tank with the interior of the connected guide tube such that the water conduit passes through the port between the interior of the guide tube and the interior of the sealed enclosure.

8. The plumbing connection box of claim 7, wherein: the pipe connection box further comprises: a valve configured to open and close a connection through the joint between at least two of the plurality of tube adapters.

9. A pipe connection box, characterized in that the pipe connection box comprises:

a housing having a removable cover, wherein the housing includes a plurality of ports, each of the plurality of ports being connected to a respective guide tube;

a plurality of water conduits, each of the plurality of water conduits passing through a respective port of the plurality of ports and the respective guide tube;

and a connector located within the housing and connected between the plurality of water conduits.

10. The plumbing connection box of claim 8, wherein: each of the water conduits is connected at its proximal end to the fitting and at its distal end to an end unit.

11. The plumbing connection box of claim 8, wherein: the pipe connection box further comprises: a connector switch connected to the adapter; and

An inlet tube having a shut-off switch.

12. The plumbing connection box of claim 9, wherein: the pipe connection box further comprises a water outlet, and a water drain pipe is arranged.

13. The plumbing connection box of claim 9, wherein: the pipe connection box further comprises a sensor.

14. The plumbing connection box of claim 13, wherein: the sensor is selected from a humidity sensor, a water sensor, a motion sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, or any combination thereof.

15. The plumbing connection box of claim 9, wherein: the plumbing connection box also includes a wall connector configured to connect the plumbing connection box within or to a wall, floor or ceiling of a structure.

16. The plumbing connection box of claim 9, wherein: the removable cover is configured to be mounted on or flush with the outer surface of a wall, ceiling, floor, porcelain or tile.

17. A method of installing a plumbing fitting, the method comprising:

Installing a guide tube into the structure;

connecting the proximal end of the guide tube to a port external to the tubing connection box;

passing a water conduit through the guide tube such that a proximal end of the water conduit protrudes into the tubing connection box through the port; and

The proximal end of the water conduit is connected to a fitting within the tubing connection box.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein: the mounting is into at least one of a wall, a ceiling and a floor of the structure.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein: the method further comprises: the distal end of the water conduit is connected to an end unit.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein: the end unit is selected from at least one of a plumbing connection box, a housing, a bathroom fixture, a bathroom fitting, a kitchen fixture, a kitchen fitting, a faucet, a cooling system, a heating system, a fire protection system, a garden water supply system, a drain system, a wall-mounted shut-off valve, and a total water supply network.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein: the method further comprises:

connecting a second of said respective guide tubes to a second port;

passing a second conduit through the second port and the second guide tube; and

The proximal end of the second conduit is connected to the conduit by the connector.

22. A method of detecting a leak in a plumbing fitting, the method comprising:

collecting water dripping from the leakage water guide pipe in the guide pipe;

directing the water down the guide tube into a pipe connection box; and

Sensing the water in at least one of the plurality of guide tubes and the plumbing connection box.

23. The method as recited in claim 22, wherein: the method further includes draining the water from the plumbing connection box through the drain opening.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein: the method also includes draining water through the drain opening into a drain pipe of the total drain system.

25. The method as recited in claim 22, wherein: the sensing is performed by a sensor selected from the group consisting of a humidity sensor, a water sensor, a motion sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, or any combination thereof.

26. The method as recited in claim 22, wherein: the method also includes alerting the user of the detected leak.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein: the warning is performed by a signal selected from the group consisting of a signal wireless signal, a visual signal, an audio signal, or a combination thereof.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein: the alert is performed by wirelessly transmitting a signal to the user's personal computing device.

29. The method of claim 26, wherein: the method also includes indicating to the user that a leaking water conduit is leaking.

30. A method for repairing a leaking water conduit passing through a guide tube, the method comprising:

Closing the water supply of the leaked water guide pipe;

disconnecting the leaking water conduit;

pulling the leaked water guide pipe out of the guide pipe;

Passing a new water conduit through the guide tube;

Connecting the new water guide pipe; and

And opening the water supply of the new water guide pipe.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein: the proximal end of the guide tube is connected to a port of a tubing connection box and the disconnecting includes disconnecting the distal end of the leaking water conduit from an end unit and disconnecting the proximal end of the leaking water conduit from a fitting within the connection box.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein: the pulling includes passing the distal end of the leaked water conduit through the guide tube and pulling from the port into the fitting.

33. The method as recited in claim 32, wherein: the passing includes passing a distal end of the new conduit from the junction box through the port and the guide tube.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein: the connecting includes connecting the distal end of the new conduit to the end unit and connecting the proximal end of the new conduit to a fitting within the pipe connection box.