Water Detection and Remote Shutoff Systems

For most insurance companies, the frequency of water damage claims is the leading claim type. The costs of these events can be staggering.

The level of disruption caused by the damage is often an additional source of claim dollars and lost time and revenue.

The Exposure

The exposure to a water damage claim is present in any building. From bathroom fixtures, kitchen appliances, laundry equipment, heating and cooling systems and host bibs in your home, any failure of these can cause significant loss and disruption to your life.

In a commercial setting you have all of the above water leak sources and you can add process water and fire protection systems to the leak sources present.

Technology

There is water damage prevention technology on the market that can control the amount of damage from a water leak. The systems come in two different operating modes.

Time and flow-based systems are installed on your main water supply line. They can either be programmed to suit your average and shut off water when the flow is outside of the norm you selected. Other systems have a software package that learns the pattern of water use in your home and turns off the water when abnormal flow is detected. These systems can deliver notification via a wireless network or be connected to an existing alarm system in the building. This is an active leak detection and control system, and it may qualify for an insurance premium discount.

The second technology is a point of use detection system that uses water detectors to report a water leak. These systems generally do not shut off the water but sound an alarm locally and can be configured to use your wireless network to send you an alert. This technology requires you to place sensors throughout your property at any location where a leak can occur. Since the ability of these systems is related to the placement of the sensor, most insurance companies offer either no premium credits or very modest credit.

How to Get Protection

The time and flow technology shuts off your water and therefore should be installed by a professional plumber. The location of this valve is dependent on the water supply arrangement in your property and needs professional placement. The plumbing firm can suggest the systems that they have installed and provide support for the system. Avoid the temptation to order something from the internet and then ask the plumber to install it. If they are not familiar with the system, you may not get the support needed to make the system properly function.

Before you install the system, get the product details from your plumber and share that information with your insurance agent. They can verify that the product your plumber suggests meets the needs for premium credit.

After installation forward the product details and a copy of the invoice to your insurance agent. Tey will use this as documentation to your insurance company that a water damage control system is in place.

Recommended Provider

Driehaus Insurance Group recommends Hofmeyer Plumbing as a trusted provider of leak detection systems and a professional installer of the systems. You can reach Hofmeyer Plumbing at 513-921-1133 or via their website, www.hofmeyerplumbing.com

The Driehaus Difference

We understand the need for a professionally installed waterdamage control system. We can help you use the installation of this technology to leverage the best coverage and pricing for your insurance program. We also recommend adding low building temperature monitoring for freeze prevention. Use our experience to make your insurance program be a best fit for what you value most.

Call us at 513-977-6860 or reach out via our website www.driehausins.com We want to be your insurance provider.