Leak detection and automated shutoff systems using water-soluble materials

A mechanical shutoff system for use with a water heater having a fluid inlet line, the system comprising:

• a spring-loaded shutoff assembly operatively coupled to the fluid inlet line, the spring-loaded shutoff assembly comprising:
• a handle configured to transition between an open configuration where fluid flow is permitted through the fluid inlet line and a closed configuration where fluid flow is not permitted through the fluid inlet line;
• a torsion spring operatively coupled to the handle and configured to bias the handle toward the closed configuration;
• and
• a latch configured to transition between a locked configuration where the latch maintains the handle in the open configuration and an unlocked configuration where the torsion spring causes the handle to transition to the closed configuration, wherein the latch comprises:
• a base portion fixedly coupled to a frame assembly;
• a latching arm pivotally coupled to the base portion, the latching arm configured to pivotally transition between the locked configuration where the latch maintains the handle in the open configuration and the unlocked configuration;
• and
• a retractable pin configured to transition between a locked state where the retractable pin maintains the latching arm in the locked configuration and an unlocked state wherein the retractable pin disengages with the latching arm to permit the latching arm to transition from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration;
• and
• a leak detection assembly comprising:
• a chamber configured to receive a fluid-soluble material, the chamber comprising a lower lid having an opening for receiving fluid into the chamber;
• a piston operatively coupled to the latch of the spring-loaded shutoff assembly via a cable extending therebetween, the piston configured to transition between a first position and a second position where the cable causes the latch to transition from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration;
• and
• a compression spring operatively coupled to the piston and configured to bias the piston toward the second position,
• wherein the fluid-soluble material is positionable between the piston in the first position and the lower lid, such that as fluid enters the chamber via the opening, the fluid-soluble material dissolves and the compression spring causes the piston to transition from the first position to the second position to thereby cause the handle of the spring-loaded shutoff assembly to transition from the open configuration to the closed configuration to shut off fluid flow through the fluid inlet line.