HOW DO HOME SERVICE COMPANIES DETERMINE THE BEST OPTION IN LEAK PREVENTION?
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COMMON SENSORS
Leak prevention systems often combine multiple sensors for accurate detection and response, the most important of which are flow meters, which function to monitor water flow through the pipe in real time.
Flow Meters
The sensitivity in any device is determined, to a large extent, by the flow metering technology. The most basic flow measurement methods are a simple turbine or paddlewheel, which offers moderate accuracy and reduced longevity. This is favored in many entry-level models where upfront cost matters most, but maintenance repairs related to the moving parts can add up over time. Another drawback here is generally a smaller inside diameter in the flow path, which can reduce pressure and restrict flow.
It may be best to look at more sophisticated models to offer your customers. Higher end systems employ ultrasonic technology to measure flow rate. This method requires at least two transducers capable of sending and receiving ultrasonic signals. Software monitoring the transducers is carefully calibrated to read the slightest shift in the signals caused by movement of the medium between the transducers, in this case, water flow. High-frequency sound waves travel through water, and the system measures the time it takes to travel; a longer time of flight makes for a more sensitive meter. The best systems use reflectors to create multiple passes through the pipe in order to maximize accuracy, with some models boasting accuracy down to just drops per minute.
Humidity and Moisture Sensors
These small devices detect the presence of water in areas where it shouldn’t be. Simple resistive sensors can be very useful and use two or more conductive probes to detect conductivity caused by water bridging the contacts. These are the little “pucks” that can be placed around the areas that are prone to leaks. Additional coverage is recommended in other areas like behind the washing machine, under a fridge with an ice maker or water dispenser, or under a sink, where water can potentially leak after what the flow meter would detect as “normal” water draws.
Better remote sensors include a relative humidity sensor, which can be triggered even if the probes are not in contact with pooling water. This acts as a defense barrier to the worst kind of leaks and indicates not only when there is a leak but also where the leak is occurring. Premium systems can alert users which bathroom sink or which appliance is failing. And that is especially critical because these slow leaks are responsible for the most catastrophic (and preventable) property damage.
Pressure Sensors
Perhaps the most important in preventing serious damage are pressure sensors. These sensors employ a diaphragm that deforms under pressure; this deformation is converted into an electrical signal indicating the pressure in the plumbing system. The most effective leak detection happens while your customer is in bed at night.
Many of the products on the market close the valve at a certain time of day and record the pressure; a drop in the PSI in the entire plumbing system over time, while the valve is closed, can call out even the smallest leak as it forms behind the wall. The best offers a user-defined option on when, exactly, this plumbing test occurs because 2 AM might not work for some customers. This is the test that uncovers leaks that may go undetected for a long period of time and often come with drywall damage and even mold, requiring remediation and restoration.
This process can also uncover slab leaks due to plumbing problems. Together these types of issues, which can be caught earlier with nightly pressure decay tests, are typically responsible for tens of thousands of gallons by the time they are detected and repaired. We owe it to our customers and our environment to minimize the impact of these events with simple precautionary measures, don’t we?
The final thought on water pressure is this: most residential and commercial valves, fixtures, and appliances were not designed to handle 80+ PSI. In cases where the plumbing system is subjected to abnormally high pressure, it is advantageous to install a PRV to eliminate the wear and tear in the plumbing system caused by extreme water pressures.
Temperature Sensors
These are a little less common but incredibly important since they detect the temperature of the water in the pipe and/or surrounding air. In freezing climates, winters often bring the prospect of frozen and bursting pipes, resulting in full-scale plumbing emergencies. The first step is to alert the customer of the possibility of freezing water temperatures and imminent danger. The next is to shut off the water should disaster strike, potentially saving homeowners big dollars and, maybe more importantly, big headaches.
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
This type of sensor is only available in the LeakSecure device at the time of this writing (www.leaksecure.com), which is only available to the trade through plumbing wholesalers. It provides water quality readings, which over time can indicate changes in water contents to indicate the presence of harmful substances or pollutants. The ability to monitor water quality can give insight into issues with water supply lines and municipal infrastructure at a micro scale. This knowledge can be leveraged by plumbers and water treatment companies to provide value-added services like water filtration, water softeners, and R.O. systems.
SIZING THE DEVICES AND WHERE TO INSTALL THEM
Leak prevention devices are typically installed on the main water line, so they must match common residential plumbing sizes. The most common size is 1”, but ¾” is typical for smaller (or older) homes, while larger homes or buildings might have 1¼”, 1½”, 2". Some brands are sold in multiple sizes with models sized for common supply line diameters. If you want to just have one device on the truck, take note: ideal devices are designed with adapters to fit various sizes already included.
In most cases, it’s best to install these systems inside, so they’re not exposed to the elements and extreme temperatures. Although some companies, like LeakSecure, offer NEMA enclosures as an option where outdoors is the only option. More importantly, all automatic shutoffs require power, meaning they should be within a reasonable range of an electrical outlet to power the sensors and the remote shutoff functions.
Additionally, these systems need to be connected wirelessly. A reliable connection is key to customer satisfaction, and it would be wise to steer clear of devices that must be connected in order to function at all.
Next month we’ll explore the apps and connectivity options available, because the device is only as good as the intelligence behind it. False alarms, shutting down the water in the middle of a water draw, is the cardinal sin in leak prevention. We’ll tell you what to look for in different apps, how they’re connected, and why you need to know what’s going on in your customers’ homes in order to provide the absolute best service possible.
We’ll also take a look at the insurance industry and property management companies. Both are making moves to reduce risk by installing these devices and increase the bottom line. With leak prevention devices, you might just increase your bottom line, too!
