Every year, plumbing leaks cause billions of dollars of property damage in the United States alone.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average water damage insurance claim is an astounding $11,650 (Weighted average, 2016-2020).
You must be aware that floods aren’t the only way water enters a home and causes damage to the foundation, the drywall, and your property. Water leaks can be the source of water problems and are a huge and common issue.
Water damage is also not limited to your basement. It can happen in a bathroom, laundry room, on the first floor, or on the second floor.
Fortunately, water damage is an avoidable calamity. Water leak detectors can be installed in-line on any home’s plumbing and can meticulously monitor the flow of water as it passes through the pipes, and will shut off the water to your home upon noticing any irregularity.
Installing fire detectors and security systems is standard practice for homeowners. So why aren’t water leak detection systems more common?
What Is a Water Leak Detection System?
Appliances or fixtures have the potential to develop blockages or spring leaks that can lead to serious flooding if left unchecked. These electronic leak detectors are designed specifically to alert you in case of a plumbing leak.
As the name suggests, a leak detection system monitors your water pipes for any leaks.
More specifically, a leak detection system monitors the flow of water through a pipeline. When flow is irregular or moisture is detected, the leak detector system closes a valve that cuts off the water flow to the entire household.
These detectors feature built-in sensors that monitor real-time water usage, identify leaks quickly, and send alerts to your smartphone when a problem occurs.
There are many types of water leak detectors on the market. Our experts at Intown Plumbing primarily recommend Flo by Moen.
Flo by Moen
Flo by Moen is a home water leak detector that is installed on your main water supply line, which provides a better opportunity for mitigation and monitoring since the water coming into your home flows directly through the device.
If a leak is detected, Flo automatically shuts the water off. Other features the homeowner can monitor are the water flow, temperature, pressure, and water consumption via the Flo app on their smartphone.
The Flo app keeps you in full control of your home’s water system. It alerts you to the presence of water where it shouldn’t be, almost instantly.
How Does a Water Leak Detector Work?
Leak detection systems work by monitoring water flow through either a mechanical turbine or ultrasonic wavelengths. Understanding how water leak detectors work helps homeowners see how flow monitoring, sensors, and automated shut-off valves work together to stop leaks before damage spreads.
Water leak detection systems differ from brand to brand, but there are usually three key components used in each: sensors, shut-off valves, and a centralized hub.
- Sensors use either ultrasonic wavelengths or mechanical turbines to measure the water passing through your pipes.
- Shut-off valves in some water leak detectors offer an integrated shut-off valve with a remote or automatic option to trigger the shut-off valve. Some water leak detection devices are set where you must shut off your water manually after you receive a leak alert.
- A centralized hub connects to your home’s Wi-Fi. Once you plug the hub into a wall outlet, the sensors relay information to the system’s app through it.
Why Install a Leak Detection System?
A leak detection system protects your home from one of the most common and costly damages to households.
Not only that, but detecting a water leak right away helps save you money from higher water bills because of the water leak and helps conserve water as well!
Finding and fixing common home water leaks, such as irrigation leaks, worn toilet flappers, and dripping faucets, saves a lot of water.
Also, think about the health and protection of your family. Whenever there’s water damage, your chances for mold increase. Even the smallest leaks under the counter can accumulate mold over time if left unchecked.
Exposure to mold poses serious health risks, including allergic reactions, skin rashes, and asthma attacks. Babies, infants and toddlers, elderly people, and those with pre-existing health conditions are all at elevated risk of illness associated with mold exposure.
A leak detection system can help stop mold growth before it starts, keeping you and your family safe. In addition to automated monitoring, knowing how to test a water line for leaks can help confirm whether rising water bills or unexplained moisture are caused by hidden plumbing issues.
Where Do I Install Water Leak Detectors?
Water leak detectors such as Flo by Moen are point-of-entry systems, which means you need to install them as close to where the water enters your house as possible.
Installing a Leak Detection System in Rockwall, TX
If you want to protect your home from a water leak catastrophe, installing a water leak detector is a great place to start. Leak detection systems are engineered to give you, the homeowner, peace of mind, as well as ensure your property is protected from damage and jaw-dropping repair bills. Pairing a whole-home monitoring device with advanced leak detection allows plumbing professionals to identify hidden issues quickly and prevent minor leaks from escalating into major water damage.
Affordable leak detection options that monitor your entire house are available. If you’re interested in water leak detection equipment, give Intown Plumbing a call. We will work with you and help you find your water leak detector system, perfect for your home.
