Water leak detectors: Are they worth it?

Water damage is one of the most common types of home insurance claims in Canada. It can happen at any time of year, even in areas that are not prone to flooding. Anything from a leaking toilet, to a burst pipe, to a failing water heater have the potential to cause serious damage to your home and belongings. 

One of the best ways to protect your home against water damage is to be proactive. With new advancements in water detection technology, you can detect a small leak before it becomes a serious problem – saving yourself considerable time and money in the process. 

What is a water leak detector?

Just as smoke alarms are essential to alert you to the presence of smoke or fire in your home, water leak detectors can alert you to the presence of water in areas where it should not be.  

There are two main types of water leak detection technology available today:

1. A water leak detector device placed in a high-risk area of your home.

2. A whole-home water leak detection and automatic shut-off system.

A water leak detector is placed in areas of your home where leaks are common – such as the laundry room or water heater closet – and triggers an alarm if it detects the presence of water. Some smart water leak detectors can even connect to your home’s WiFi to send an instant notification directly to your connected device. Once you receive an alert, you will need to take immediate action to minimize the overall damage to your home and belongings. Most water leak detectors can be self-installed by following the manufacturer’s instructions, providing a convenient and affordable option to help protect your home from water damage. 

A whole-home water leak detection and automatic shut-off system provides a more holistic approach to water detection. The system is placed on your home’s main water supply and monitors for abnormal flow rates and unusual usage behaviour. Some advanced leak detection systems will monitor for changes in acoustics to determine the severity of a leak by the sound frequency it produces. If the system detects moisture, or irregular pressure or sound frequencies, it will shut off the water supply to prevent further damage. This type of water detection system typically requires professional installation. Contact a trusted plumbing professional to learn more or help you get started.   

Does having a water leak detector give me a discount on home insurance? 

As water leak detectors are still fairly new, most insurance providers do not offer a specific discount for having a water leak detection system installed in your home. However, protecting your home from serious water damage pays off in other ways. 

Many insurers will offer discounts for homeowners with an exemplary claim history. Avoiding the need to submit a claim thanks to effective water damage prevention will help to keep your premiums low. 

Water damage can be expensive and frustrating – it’s important to know you’re covered if a leak goes undetected. If you have questions about your current home insurance policy, call 1-888-494-0090. If you would like to get a quote for home insurance, connect with an OTIP broker today at 1-888-892-4935.

If you enjoyed reading this article, subscribe to OTIP’s e-communications and you will get more news like this delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you will be entered for a chance to win a $500 gift card!