In this series of articles, we are exploring leak prevention systems in detail to give you all the information you need to make an informed decision in building & water management. Our previous article explored the technology involved and the insurance benefits.

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Flow Management Devices

A Flow Management Device consists of an automatic flow monitoring sensor (e.g high resolution water meter) connected to a smart shut-off valve. When integrated into a leak prevention system complete with smartphone app, it becomes a comprehensive solution to automatically detect and prevent leaks.

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Installing a leak prevention system using flow management devices can provide numerous benefits to your building. Firstly, it can reduce your insurance deductibles and premiums, which can result in significant savings over time. Secondly, it can reduce water consumption, resulting in both environmental and financial benefits. Finally, it can help cut carbon emissions and contribute to a more sustainable future.

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During construction, a leak prevention system will help prevent damage to your building. The automatic flow monitoring detects leaks in real-time, and the smart shut-off valve will automatically stop the water flow to prevent further damage. Different stakeholders can opt-in to receive alerts when leaks are detected, allowing them to investigate immediately or override the valve using the app.

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Post-handover, a leak prevention system can provide multiple benefits for operational buildings. Again, leaks can be detected and prevented, reducing the risk of water damage, but there are other advantages too such as water bill savings and providing green credentials. Stakeholders, including concierge, insurers, owners, and tenants, can opt-in to receive leak alerts, providing them all with an opportunity to take proactive measures at different stages.

A decent leak prevention system will provide the following benefits during construction and post-handover (operational):

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Construction site benefits

1. Automatic water shut-off out-of-hours or when a leak (such as a burst pipe) is detected, reducing insurance claims from 63% to 11% on average.
2. Prevent delays on site by having easy access to update site schedules and over-ride shut-off valve remotely from anywhere in the world.
3. Multiple stakeholders can opt-in to get leak alerts meaning an alert doesn’t get missed.
4. Full accountability and control of your site by having an online record of all alerts and valve operations associated with individual users.
5. Complies with CIREG, BREEAM, and the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) which highlights the importance of water saving and stresses the need for active monitoring and management of usage.

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Operational benefits

1. Automatic water shut-off water when a leak is detected, reducing insurance claims and deductibles.
2. Multiple stakeholders can opt-in to get leak alerts e.g concierge, insurer, owner, and tenant.
3. Online access, with selective permissions to limit who can shut the valve off and view data.
4. Up to 60% cheaper bills by getting alerted to unnoticed leaks and wasted water going straight down the drain.

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Features to look for in a leak prevention system

An effective leak prevention system is one made up of multiple automatic flow monitoring and smart shut-off valves. The system must have the following features:

1. Sensors: Flow and water contact sensors should be placed at key points in the plumbing system to isolate high risk areas and detect any water egress.
2. Continuous Monitoring and Response: The system should continuously monitor the water flow in the pipes to detect any abnormalities or leaks. The system should be able to quickly respond to any detected leaks by shutting off the water supply to the affected area.
3. Software: The system should automatically learn the pattern of normal water usage, so that abnormalities can be detected for the specific area it is monitoring. There should be the option for scheduled shutoff to automatically turn the water off outside working hours and weekends.
4. Remote Monitoring: The system should provide remote monitoring and control capabilities, enabling users to monitor the system from anywhere, and can turn the water off remotely using a smartphone app and/or computer.  It should also allow real time monitoring on a smartphone app so that when an alert is received, the exact location of the leak can be found quickly.
5. Alarm Notifications: The system should provide instant alarm notifications to multiple appointed persons via app, SMS and/or email. Alerts should be sent if unusual water usage is detected and have the ability to turn the water off automatically and remotely.
6. Backup Power: The system should have backup power in case of power outages, providing at least 24 hours of operation in the event of the mains power failure, to ensure continuous monitoring and protection.
7. Compatibility: The system should be compatible with a wide range of plumbing systems and appliances. It should have the capability to connect to a central BMS if required and include a sprinkler override facility to force the valve open and prevent water shutoff during the event of a fire.
8. Easy Installation: The system should be easy to install and configure, with clear instructions and minimal disruption to the existing plumbing system. The system should remain fully operable until handover.

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What’s Next?

Once you have selected a supplier of leak detection technology you can proceed to the installation stage. This will be covered in our next article, coming very soon. In the meantime, if you want to discuss this further, reach out to our team at info@quensus.com for more information.