4 questions about water leak detectors
A hidden leak under your sink, your dishwasher breaking down or old water heater giving out... It doesn’t take much and, just like that, your floor turns into a kiddie pool.
In Quebec, more than $600 million is spent every year to repair water damage. These incidents account for nearly half of all home insurance claims.
In addition to simple measures you can take to prevent water damage, installing a water leak detector can be a game-changer. Here’s how.
Did you know?
- Water damage makes up 50% of home insurance claims.
- The average cost of a water damage claim is nearly $18,000 (This hyperlink will open in a new tab).
How does a water leak detector work?
This device uses sensors to detect water.
When a leak occurs, a signal is sent to the controller, which then alerts you.
What happens next depends on the type of detector you’re using: Some models automatically shut off the main water valve to minimize damage. Others require manual intervention to shut off the water.
For best results, you should place the sensors in areas that are at high risk of leaks such as under the dishwasher, near the toilet, beside the washing machine or water heater and under sinks. Makes sense, right?
How can you know there’s a leak?
When a leak is detected, an alert is triggered. The controller sends you a text message or email. In less than 3 minutes, you’ll know something is wrong.
After that, it varies based on your detector model. If it’s connected to the valve, the system shuts off the water automatically. If not, hop to it and turn off the valve manually!
Check the affected area, dry up the water, and fix the problem. As long as there’s water, the valve will remain closed.
Once everything is under control, you can restart the system. If the sensor is dry, the valve will automatically reopen, the alarm will stop and the blinking light will turn off.
What happens if there’s a power or internet outage?
No need to panic! Most systems are designed to function even during an outage. Some models have a backup battery, allowing them to operate without power for several hours. During this time, the system continues monitoring for leaks and you’ll still have access to running water.
If the outage lasts too long, the water valve will automatically close to prevent any risk of damage. Once power is restored, you’ll need to manually reopen the valve.
How to maintain your water leak detector?
It’s not rocket science! Once installed, it practically takes care of itself – almost. All you need to do is:
- Make sure it’s plugged in properly
- Replace the batteries when needed
- Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions
That’s it! Just check on it every now and then… and the system does the rest.
Exclusive discounts!
When you’re insured with Beneva, you get a $100 discount when you purchase a water leak detection system from HydroSolution. The cherry on top? When you install this type of system, you also get a discount on your home insurance.