Frequently Asked Questions

What is Guard Dog Valve?

The Guard Dog Valve is a motion activated control valve that regulates the flow of water to typical tank style toilets.

How does it work?

The valve is installed between the water shut off and the toilet.

It can be installed directly to the bottom of the tank or wall mounted depending upon the configuration of the toilet and bathroom layout. A plumber is not required to install the valve.

The only condition is that the existing shut off is working properly. The valve sits in the closed position as it’s default mode. When the sensor detects motion it opens the valve and allows water to flow to the toilet. The valve stays open for 10 minutes per cycle and then closes.

If a toilet is calling for water because of a leak condition (fill valve or flapper) it will be restricted to the 10 minute cycle and then the supply of water is shut off.

What benefit does it provide?

The valve drastically reduces the financial loss associated with running or leaking toilets. In rental apartments, most tenants do not report leaking or running toilets as long as they are still functioning properly. If a fill valve is malfunctioning from a worn seal and/or a flapper is not in place or holding its seal a toilet will continue to call for water throughout the 1,440 minutes in a day. A running toilet can draw as much as 2 to 3 gallons per minute. Depending upon the local water utility and the rate for water and sewer, this can equate to $50 to upwards of $100 / day. By regulating the flow of water to small 10 minute increments as opposed to the default which is a constant supply the valve reduces the loss rate from running toilets.

How is the valve powered?

The sensor in the valve and the solenoid valve that opens and closes the gate are powered by a low voltage lithium battery.

How often do I need to replace the battery?

The lithium battery is recharged by a hydro generator within the valve. The hydro generator turns with the flow of water through the valve to the toilet and generates enough power to recharge the battery.

What is required for installation?

The only tool necessary is a set of channel locks to remove the supply line from the shut off valve. A normal ⅜” compression fitting supply line is affixed to the bottom of the valve with the other end of the line fitting hand-tightened to the valve. The toilet end of the valve can be affixed directly to the bottom of the toilet tank for direct mounting or by way of an extended toilet supply line (12” to 20”) for wall mounting.

How much does it cost?

The retail price is $169.99 USD per unit.

Water Facts, Data & Sources

  • TRILLIONS OF GALLONS

    Household leaks account for more than 1.7 trillion (1,700,000,000,000) gallons wasted every year.

    Learn More (epa. gov) 

  • HOUSEHOLD WASTE

    That means the average household wastes more than 10,000 gallons every year in leaks.

    Learn More (epa.gov) 

  • TOILETS

    Toilets are by far the main source of water use in the home, accounting for nearly 30% of an average home’s indoor water consumption.

    Learn More (epa.gov) 

  • FLAPPERS

    A single toilet with a leaking flapper can waste up to 200 gallons per day (enough water for 50 flushes).

    Learn More (epa.gov) 

  • LEAKS

    1 in 5 toilets leak (20%).

    Learn More (lvvwd.com) 

  • FLUSH

    On average, a toilet is flushed 5 times per day. In a hotel, it can be up to 7, accounting for housekeeping flushing the toilet during cleaning.

    Learn More (watermd.com) 

  • TWICE THE COST

    Water is paid for twice, once when the water comes into the facility, and a second time when it exits the facility as sewage. Sewer billing is based on water usage.

    Learn More (epa.gov) 

  • SEWAGE

    The cost of sewage tends to be greater than the price of the incoming water in highly populated areas.

    Learn More (epa.gov) 

  • DAMAGE

    In 2017, the total amount of insurance payouts for water damage was $13 billion. The average claim cost about $10,000.

    Learn More (insurance) 

  • THE PRICE

    Since 2010, the price of a monthly water bill for a family of 4 has increased an average of 41% in 20 of the largest U.S. cities and in 10 regionally representative cities, as chosen by Circle of Blue staff.

    Learn More (cirlce of blue)