In the last decade, water damage claims in Quebec have nearly doubled: Water damage is also the leading cause of condo damage.
To prevent many headaches, there are water leak detectors that work right from the start.
I have tested some for you in several of my buildings and my conclusion is that it is a very good purchase.
Here are four relevant questions about it.
1) How does it work?
The detection system is installed in rooms where water leaks are likely to occur. You can put it near sinks, toilets, the dishwasher, the washing machine. As soon as water is seen in these spots (it can be as little as 0.4mm on the ground) the detector responds by shutting off the main water valve and texting the owner that there is a problem with a water leak.
2) Will condominium communities by their regulations require owners to install them to prevent water damage?
Many insurers are starting to require this to insure a condo building against these types of claims. This means that the homeowners’ association responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the building (Bill 16) can oblige their owners to install these devices in order to be able to secure the entire building at a reasonable cost.
3) Does using a water damage detector lower the price of home insurance?
Yes, for most insurers this gives access to more reasonable cost insurance premiums, deductibles or exclusions, which in many cases is a must.
4) Is it also suitable for a house or a chalet?
The answer is yes. Here are some situations where this system has saved me thousands of dollars in damage and water damage to my rental home:
- A cracked toilet slowly but surely let the water run in our absence;
- At 10 p.m. one evening, a hose from the washing machine began to leak;
- A toilet overflowed in the basement.
Without a detector, even on site, there would not have been an instant stop to the water flow and I would have experienced several major water damage events in a matter of moments. I estimate the three issues would have cost me about $15,000.
The cost of the system was $600 plus the plumber’s fee to connect the water valve to the main inlet.
It is therefore a great tool to adequately protect your property, your portfolio and above all to ensure safety: the detectors are reliable and react without delay.
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