Water Leak Detectors are inexpensive and effective to reduce or mitigate water loss insurance claims

Recently, one of our carriers, the Andover Companies, posted a useful blog on the benefits of water leak detectors for buildings. Whether it is your home, office, rental property, storage facility, or vacation home, for less than $100, you can get real-time information on broken pipes, failed hot water heaters, or leaky basements.

Broken pipes, and faulty 2^nd floor plumbing are a leading cause of property damage. The cold of winter can exacerbate flaws in the plumbing, and lead to rupture. The heat of summer can cause gaskets to shrink and fail.

According to Andover, there are several considerations to make when choosing a water leak detector:

• Is the alarm loud enough that it will be heard anywhere in my home?
• Can the alarm be turned off in-app, or can that only be done by hitting a button on the device?
• Will it integrate with my smart home system?
• Does it come with a leak-sensing cable that will help detect water along its entire length?
• Will the size of the device limit where it can be placed?
• Does it enable monitoring of room temperature and humidity as well?

Where do we want to install this water leak detector? Frankly, anywhere near a source of water, or possible water collection point. According to Andover, the possible locations are:

• At the base of all toilets.
• Under sink plumbing.
• By the refrigerator.
• Near any water-use appliances, like the dishwasher or washing machine.
• Next to the boiler or water heater.
• At the top of the sump pump basin.
• In the basement and crawl spaces.

Many carriers will offer one level of credit for water leak detection, and a higher level of credit for an automatic water shut-off valve.  Costs of installation can vary depending on the size of the building and the age/condition of the plumbing. A typical single family home can have automatic water shut off for under $2,000. Greater peace of mind and control of water flow is essential, especially for far-away properties or vacation homes. As the author, I too have installed water leak detectors at my home. A three-pack of MOEN water leak smart detectors retailed for around $150. I had the system up and running within a half hour.