Should I Install a Water Leak Detection System?

Should I Install A Water Leak Detection System?

The short answer is: yes.

At Repipe Specialists, we focus on complete home repipes and do not install water leak detection systems ourselves. However, we often recommend that our customers consider installing one to help catch leaks early.

If you've had plumbing leaks from old pipes (e.g., old CPVC piping, polybutylene pipes, slab leaks, pinhole copper leaks, or failing galvanized plumbing), the permanent solution is a complete home repipe ( get a free quote — it may cost less than you think).

A sudden, catastrophic leak can cause major damage very quickly. Being able to shut off your water supply in minutes rather than hours could save you thousands of dollars in water damage.

Slow leaks can go undetected for long periods, causing significant damage (such as mold growth inside walls or foundation damage in the case of slab leaks) which can also run into tens of thousands of dollars.

Did you know that  water damage from a slow, ongoing leak may not be covered by homeowners insurance? Most policies exclude damage caused by leaks they determine resulted from poor maintenance (such as not replacing old pipes) or negligence (not taking reasonable steps to detect and stop leaks).

Key reasons to get a water leak detection system:

• Detect fast leaks and shut off water automatically: Some systems can detect a fast leak from a burst pipe and automatically shut off your water supply.
• Detect slow leaks: Some systems can detect slow leaks and notify you so you can locate and stop the source. Catching a slow leak early also reduces the likelihood of an insurance claim denial.
• Insurance discounts: Many insurance companies offer premium discounts for approved water leak detection systems.
• Reduce water waste: Undetected leaks ( especially in or under slabs) not only cause damage but also waste water and increase your utility bills.

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Common Types of Leak Detection Systems and Devices

There are two categories of leak detection systems and devices:

1. Devices that detect standing water on horizontal surfaces

These are the most basic and least expensive types of leak detection devices. Think of them like smoke detectors, except they detect puddles of water on your floor instead of smoke.

These battery-powered devices are typically placed on the floor near common sources of leaks that can cause standing water: around water heaters, washing machines, refrigerators with water dispensers, or dishwashers. When the device detects water, it sets off an audible alarm—again, much like a smoke detector.

Here are two examples of this type of water leak detector:

• Flood Buzz: basic devices with a 110-decibel alarm that sounds when water leaks are detected.
• Kidde Smart Detection: a "smart" device that sends water leak and freeze alerts directly to your phone.

It's important to note that these devices will not shut off your water supply when leaks are detected. They only detect standing water in their immediate area (the device must be in a puddle to activate). This means they won't detect leaks inside walls, under slabs, or in hidden plumbing lines.

2. Systems and devices that monitor water flow in your plumbing

This class of leak detection system provides a higher level of protection, but also costs more and usually requires installation by a plumber.

These devices are installed near your home's main shut-off valve and work by continuously monitoring your water flow. When the sensors detect unusually high usage (as would occur during a major leak), the system automatically shuts off your home's water supply. They can also detect ongoing slow leaks by identifying water flow when you're away or noticing that the flow never fully stops.

Most of these systems are also "smart", allowing you to easily monitor water usage, receive alerts, and customize settings. Advanced models offer multiple features, such as home/away modes and adjustable flow limits (so the system doesn't shut off the water when everyone showers at once).

The Flologic System is an example of a flow-monitoring and automatic shut-off system that claims to detect leaks as small as 0.5 ounces per minute.

Flume is another smart flow-monitoring device. It doesn't require plumber installation, as it straps directly to the outside of your water meter and "uses patented technology to read the magnetic field directly from your water meter and detect usage down to one-hundredth of a gallon" (quoted from Flume's documentation). The main downside is that it doesn't include an automatic shut-off valve.

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Insurance Discounts for Water Leak Detection Systems.

Most insurance companies offer homeowners insurance discounts if leak detection devices are installed in the home. You'll need to check with your insurance provider to see which specific types of leak detection systems qualify. Here are some examples:

• Amica Insurance offers premium discounts on several brands of leak detection devices.
• USAA's Connected Home Program provides discounts on both premiums and the select devices included in the program.
• Farmers Insurance offers premium discounts in some states, along with discounts on the Flume system mentioned above.
• Security First Insurance in Florida may offer credits on insurance premiums if a water leak detection device is installed in the home.

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Prevent Leaks with a Full Home Repipe

If your home has systemic plumbing issues, such as old, corroded pipes, recurring leaks, or frequent repairs, a standard leak detector alone may not be enough to protect your property. These underlying issues can continue to cause damage even if you are alerted quickly.

Pairing a leak detection system with a full home repipe addresses both prevention and monitoring. Our full home repipes replace all your old or failing pipes, eliminating the source of recurring leaks. When combined with a leak detection system, you can be sure that your home's fresh water lines are in safe hands.

Together, a full home repipe and a leak detection system offer both immediate protection and long-term peace of mind, safeguarding your home's plumbing system for years to come.

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Get a Quote On A Complete Home Repipe

At Repipe Specialists, we've fully replaced the plumbing in over 75,000 homes since 1991. If you're experiencing water leaks, combining a leak detection system with a complete home repipe to new PEX or copper pipes could be the solution. Our customers consistently share positive feedback, often noting that we exceed their expectations on:

• Speed: Our repipe crews typically complete a repipe in a day, returning on another day for wall patching.
• Convenience: Through our One-Stop Repipe™ Process, we handle everything from permits, to wall patching, to inspections.
• Cleanliness: Our crews are trained to protect your home while working (we cover all surfaces with protective sheeting), and to clean up fully at the end of each day.
• Peace of Mind: Repipe Specialists is a fully licensed plumber in every state we operate in, and we back all of our repipes with a lifetime warranty.
• Financing programs: To help take the sting out of unplanned repipe expenses, we offer several financing programs.
• Price: As a specialist that performs hundreds of repipes a week, we can deliver high quality repipes at a lower cost vs generalist plumbers. We have an article that covers repipe cost factors in detail. Our quotes typically range from $4,500 to $15,000 depending on the size and complexity of your project.

Schedule a free in-home consult, and one of our local repipe consultants will explain all your repipe options and provide you with a written, fixed-price quote.

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