Smart Leak Detection Saves $$$ and Resources
What is Smart Leak Detection?
Water leaks in the home plumbing system can cost homeowners a pretty penny and be a real headache to deal with. Smart leak detection systems are designed to sense leaks and notify homeowners when they occur in their home plumbing system, before they can cause significant property damage or result in oversize water bills. Whether it’s a leaking pipe joint under the house, a failed washing machine connection, or a running toilet, finding leaks as quickly as possible is the best option for avoiding high water bills and property damage. Installation of a smart leak detection device is a smart investment to protect against unexpected high water bills and damage due to leaks.
Why Consider Smart Leak Detection:
The United States Environmental Protection Agency reports that 90% of high water bills are caused by leaks and that fully 10% of US homes have leaks that waste over 90 gallons of water a day. The chart below gives you an idea of how expensive a bill can be due to leaks. The estimated cost per month shown is the cost of a water leak above and beyond the average Sunrise Water Authority bill of around $50.00.
Small silent undiscovered leaks and catastrophic leaks can both be the cause of thousands of dollars of home repairs. Catastrophic leaks destroy floor coverings, furniture, drywall and insulation, with repair bills averaging around $10,000. Smaller, less visible leaks, can become an expensive prospect when they result in the growth of harmful molds that not only rack up repair bills, but can impact your family’s health.
Increasing population, falling groundwater levels, the effects of climate change, and competing demands between consumptive and environmental uses are all stressing water resources. Making sure that every drop is used wisely has never been more important.
Leaks and the resulting damage are not only costly, but can cause significant disruptions in daily life. Emergency plumbing services, the cost of repairs and a sizable water bill can be an unexpected hit to a family’s finances. Life is further disrupted while repairs are made and damaged personal items are disposed of. Selecting a smart leak detection device with an automatic or remote shut-off feature can minimize damage, disruption and cost caused by a leak. Systems with automatic or remote water shut-off features give you the power to address the leaks even when you aren’t able to get home.
Types of Devices
A wide variety of leak detection devices are available on the market at price points from around $20 for the most basic leak sensor to over $1,000 for an advanced smart home integrated system with automatic shut off and additional features.
There are two basic types of leak detection devices:
These devices are placed in locations where leaks are likely to occur and sound an audible alarm and may also send an alert message via an app when probes on the device come into contact with water. These devices are the lowest cost option for alerting homeowners to leaks at specific locations within the home. Leaks outside of the exact location where the sensor is located remain undetected. These devices generally do not offer automatic remote shut-off options.
Smart leak detection devices monitor water flow on the main line into the home, sensing variations in consumption from normal use patterns. Homeowners are notified of leaks via their smart home hub or an app. Most of these devices are also equipped with automatic or remote shutoff, or both. Since these devices track water flow into the home, the entire plumbing system is monitored for leaks.
Some additional features a homeowner may look for include:
- Temperature sensors to alert for possible freezing
- Humidity sensors to warn of conditions that promote mold growth
- Automatic shutoff
- Remote manual shutoff
- Diagnostics for low volume plumbing system leaks
- Low and high pressure monitoring
- Ability to control multiple devices at separate properties
- Integration with popular smart home systems
Note: By law, Sunrise Water Authority cannot endorse or promote any particular manufacturer or product. Images shown are for reference only to illustrate what devices may look like and their application in a home environment.
Things To Consider When Selecting A Smart Leak Detection Device
Every homeowner choosing to install a smart leak detection system has unique needs and desires for the system they select. Here are a few things to consider when selecting the smart leak detection system that is right for your home.
- Subscription fees – Some systems require a subscription to operate or to access advanced features. Subscription fees vary.
- Hub requirements – If connectivity requires a hub that is not included with the system that will be an additional cost.
- Connectivity – Some devices network with popular smart home systems like Alexa or Google Home Assistant, while others do not.
- Size – Assess the location where you intend to install the device to make sure your selection will fit.
- Power source – Systems vary between battery operated models and those that require access to an outlet.
- Additional sensors – Determine which sensors provide data that is important to you. Humidity, freeze, pressure, pressure decay testing are some of the options typically available.
- Installation requirements – Some devices strap on to plumbing lines while others require modifications to the plumbing system, requiring plumbing skills or hiring a plumber, which can add to the cost.
- Additional savings - Check with your insurance company for possible rebates or premium discounts.