A method of using a fluid leak detection and shutdown apparatus for a fluid distribution system having a total fluid distribution system flow rate, said fluid distribution system having an inlet and an outlet, wherein said outlet has an article that consumes a portion of the total fluid distribution system flow rate, said method of using a fluid leak detection and shutdown apparatus comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing a fluid leak detection and shutdown apparatus that includes a solenoid shutoff valve having a longitudinal axis, said solenoid shutoff valve having a flow capacity substantially matched to the total fluid distribution system flow rate, said solenoid shutoff valve is adapted to be in fluid communication downstream from the fluid distribution system inlet, said solenoid shutoff valve having an open operational state that allows fluid flow therethrough and a closed operational state that substantially precludes fluid flow therethrough, said solenoid shutoff valve having a default position of being in said open operational state and said solenoid shutoff valve having an activated position of being in said closed operational state, a primary fluid flow line having a lengthwise axis, said primary fluid flow line is in downstream fluid communication with said solenoid shutoff valve, said primary fluid flow line also being in upstream fluid communication with the fluid distribution system outlet, said primary fluid flow line having a primary fluid flow line cross sectional flow area associated with a primary fluid flow rate, said lengthwise axis being substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal axis, a secondary fluid flow line having a long axis, said secondary fluid flow line is in downstream fluid communication with said solenoid shutoff valve, said secondary fluid flow line also being in upstream fluid communication with the fluid distribution system outlet, said secondary fluid flow line having a secondary fluid flow line cross sectional flow area associated with a secondary fluid flow rate, wherein said secondary fluid flow line cross sectional flow area is less than said primary fluid flow line cross sectional flow area such that said secondary fluid flow rate is less than said primary fluid flow rate, said secondary fluid flow line long axis being co-axial to said longitudinal axis, a flow sensor in fluid communication with said secondary fluid flow line, said flow sensor having a perceptible output, wherein said flow sensor has a flow sensing flow rate capacity that is less than said solenoid shutoff flow capacity, wherein operationally said flow sensor receives a portion of said solenoid shutoff valve flow capacity in priority over said primary fluid flow line receiving a remaining portion of said solenoid shutoff valve flow capacity, thus allowing said flow sensor to detect minimal flow rates, a check valve in fluid communication with said primary fluid flow line, wherein said check valve allows fluid flow from said solenoid shutoff valve to the fluid distribution system outlet and said check valve substantially preventing fluid flow from the fluid distribution system outlet to said solenoid shutoff valve, wherein operationally said check valve helps prevent fluid flow from said primary fluid line into said secondary fluid flow line, a selectable time delay device with a switch, said time delay device further includes a latching relay having an energized operational state and a de-energized operational state, wherein said latching relay is operational to reduce an electrical power load on said time delay device switch, said time delay device further includes a selectable reset circuit that has a normally open circuit operational state and a selectable momentary closed circuit operational state, wherein operationally said selectable reset circuit resets said latching relay from said energized operational state to said de-energized operational state, when said reset circuit is in said momentary closed circuit operational state, said selectable time delay device is in electrical communication with said flow sensor perceptible output and said solenoid shutoff valve, wherein operationally said selectable time delay device when continuously actuated by said flow sensor perceptible output via closing said switch causes said solenoid shutoff valve to stay in said open operational state for a selected time delay period, wherein said solenoid shutoff valve is activated into said closed operational state at a conclusion of said selected time delay period, and an electrical power supply that is in electrical communication with said flow sensor, said selectable time delay device, said latching relay, said selectable reset circuit, and said solenoid shutoff valve;
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- (b) setting said time delay period on said selectable time delay device based upon an allowable normal cumulative low fluid flow rate time period that is determined by fluid time period usage of the article, such that a fluid distribution system shutdown via an actuation of said solenoid shutoff valve only occurs when a fluid distribution system flow rate time period is greater than said allowable normal cumulative low fluid flow rate time period.