Most homeowners invest in smoke detectors to protect their property from fire—and increasingly, they invest in home security technology to help ward off burglary. Such precautions are more than justified, as the consequences of a house fire or theft can be dire.

Yet, according to insurance claim data, there’s one risk that looms larger, and one for which far too few homeowners are adequately prepared. It’s the risk of water damage.

Even a relatively small leak, when left unaddressed, can result in significant property damage. A reliable way for homeowners to mitigate this risk is by equipping their property with smart leak detection technology. 

The product category is growing fast. Insurance companies are increasingly requiring leak detection as a condition of coverage, especially in higher risk properties—and insurers offer premium discounts for many policies that proactively install leak detection. Simultaneously, smart home device adoption is expanding, driven primarily by the desire to control property utilities and assure security (think smart thermostats and cameras). 

Leak detection is the one smart home device that delivers control and security, and can be the key to attaining optimal insurance. This provides an incredible opportunity for plumbing companies looking to meet today’s customer demands. At the same time, plumbers who are not offering leak detection sales and installations run the risk of not adequately supporting their customers’ needs.

Smart leak detection explained

First things first: What is smart leak detection, exactly?

Smart leak detection falls into two categories. There are point-of-leak sensors that detect water accumulation on a surface, and comprehensive flow-based leak detection that flags abnormal water flow—which is the lowest common denominator of any plumbing supply leak, no matter the leak’s location within a property. Insurers who require leak detection devices typically mandate flow-based devices because they offer more comprehensive protection. 

While leak detection devices are not new, advances in IoT technology have made these devices more robust and user-friendly than ever before. The best smart leak detection technology provides optimized monitoring based on the occupancy of a property, allowing it to more accurately detect abnormal flow indicating a leak—sending alerts to a smart phone and automatically shutting off the water supply as needed to prevent significant property damage.

Benefits for homeowners

As smart leak detection becomes more advanced and effective—and its benefits more widely known—more and more plumbing companies are adding it to their list of services. Plumbers who can’t speak to their customers about the advantages of this technology or offer expert installation, risk finding themselves at a competitive disadvantage.

For plumbers who promote smart leak detection, it’s important for contractors to fully understand the value of the product and service they’re offering their customer base.

In speaking to the benefits of installing a device, there are a few points to consider. Of course, the most obvious is the ability to detect and address leaks before they cause significant damage—but there are other advantages, too. 

For example, we’ve already mentioned that many insurance companies offer premium discounts for homeowners who install smart leak detection. Also, leak detection technology can minimize the risk of wasteful leaks causing surprise water bills, not to mention wasting a precious resource. In more ways than one, installing leak detection provides a financial benefit.

The most significant benefit device users express after installing smart leak detection is peace of mind. Simply knowing their property is protected from the leading risk of damage provides ongoing assurance, particularly to those who travel often. Leak detection can also provide assurances and oversight over second homes, vacation homes, and other properties that are not routinely occupied and thus are exposed to even greater risk.

Benefits for plumbers

Beyond these benefits to the end user, there is also considerable upside for plumbing companies that promote and install smart leak detection.

For one thing, providing homeowners with smart leak detection is an important way for plumbers to establish themselves as more than just repair and installation specialists; by offering leak detection technology, they can bolster their credentials as a trusted service provider, promoting a full suite of maintenance and system optimization options.

Something else for plumbers to consider is that—with the homeowner’s permission—they can access the water flow data provided by the IoT technology to more readily identify issues in the home. Some devices provide real time flow data that is more granular than what a standard water meter provides, which means it can allow plumbers to offer more proactive services, such as addressing malfunctioning toilets before the customer gets a high water bill, or before a hidden pinhole leak becomes a flood.

Guidelines for IoT

Installing leak detection requires only basic plumbing skills, as smart valves install like basic manual shutoff valves. But to provide the best solution technicians will benefit from training on how best to assess homeowners’ needs. Not all leak detection technology is created equal, and it’s important to offer tailored recommendations depending on the specifics of the home or property. 

A good rule of thumb: Some leak detection is always better than no leak detection at all. Even homeowners who wish to start with a more modest technology can still enjoy some real benefits. Having said that, there is truth in the old expression “you get what you pay for.” Premium technologies tend to offer more robust features, more extensive warranties, and longer lifespans.

Contractors should also note that larger properties with more complex plumbing architecture, along with homes that are not consistently occupied (such as vacation homes and rentals), may have unique needs. For such homes, devices that offer specific user settings, and can integrate with irrigation, water treatment and heating systems, can provide better oversight with less risk of nuisance auto shutoffs.

A final note for technicians: It’s important to choose a smart leak detection valve that’s appropriately sized to the property’s water supply valve. Some leak detection providers offer only one valve size, while premium providers tend to offer a wider range of options to accommodate a broader spectrum of properties.

The bottom line: Homeowners have ample reason to consider the merits of smart leak detection—and plumbing professionals should do likewise, positioning themselves to assist their clients in this critical component of today’s smart home.

Ian Greene is the marketing director at FloLogic, a manufacturer of flow-based leak detection and plumbing control devices since 1999. He has more than a two-decades of experience developing new product categories that involve professional services. FloLogic is a proud member of the Bradford White Corporation family of companies.