Enabling independent living often requires consideration of a number of factors, more than level access trays and grab rails. True bathroom safety means mitigating risk, protecting property assets and supporting vulnerable individuals without compromising dignity.
Whale Sense is a solenoid controller for mixer shower installations designed to reduce the risk of flooding. The company says it brings the safety benefits traditionally associated with electric showers into mixer-based systems — which can be a major advantage for refurbishment programmes where mixer showers are preferred or already installed.
Shut-off
The system has been designed to automatically shut off the water supply after a preset period, helping to prevent incidents where showers are inadvertently left running. This can be particularly relevant in properties occupied by residents living with dementia, ADHD or other cognitive conditions.
For housing providers managing multiple dwellings, preventing even a small number of flooding events can result in substantial cost avoidance and reduced disruption.
Whale Sense can be used with both gravity drainage and pumped drainage systems. In installations incorporating a Whale pump, the system provides an additional layer of protection: in the event of a power failure to the pump, the shower recognises this instantly and initiates its controlled shut-down sequence.
Reducing risk
By preventing continued water flow when drainage capacity is compromised, the risk of overflow and property damage is further reduced. This intelligent response can be particularly valuable in retrofit environments where pumped drainage solutions are necessary to achieve step-free access.
Water flow is controlled via electrically operated solenoids, with automatic shut-off protection in the unlikely event of solenoid failure.
Supporting accessibility
When paired with a Passive Infrared Sensor (PIR), the system also enables hands-free activation, supporting accessibility while maintaining compliance with UK water regulations when installed with WRAS-approved components and appropriate TMV2 or TMV3 mixers.
For refurbishment projects focused on enabling step-free showering and independent living, Whale Sense has been designed to deliver both resident-centred and asset-protection benefits. It allows specifiers to retain the familiarity and flexibility of mixer showers while introducing intelligent water control.
Image: Whale Pumps
