Automated Leak Protectors Guard Against Potential Water Damage
Water leaks from burst pipes, plumbing failures and related problems can cause catastrophic damage to your home. Fortunately, there’s new technology – automatic leak detectors – that can help you avoid this damage.
Water damage that goes undetected while you’re on vacation, away for the weekend or even away for the day at work can easily run into the tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Leaks behind your walls may go undetected for weeks or months, having caused tremendous damage by the time you become aware of them. Most insurance companies won’t cover cover these types of leaks commonly referred to as ‘slow leaks’ or ‘undetected leaks’. This makes it even more important to discover leaks as soon as they start!
While sudden and accidental water damage is generally covered by homeowner insurance, the amount of damage can disrupt your ability to live in your home comfortably – if at all – for weeks or months. It can also mean a potentially big out of pocket deductible. It will also likely mean higher insurance rates in the future as most insurance companies view water claims as preventable, meaning they will surcharge you for the claim and you could lose your claims free discount.
Insurance claims for water damage can be complicated because of ancillary damage that may or not be covered. The most common ancillary damage we see that’s not covered by many insurance companies is the resulting mold from a water loss. Even if mold is covered, it oftentimes has a very low sublimit, such either $5,000 or $10,000.
Many homeowners legitimately worry about losses from fire or theft. They’re less likely to worry about water damage. But you’re more likely to suffer losses from water damage than from theft and fire combined.
Fortunately, there’s technology that offers a way a way to avoid this type of damage.
A Smart Water Leak Detector can detect leaks quickly, notify you of the problem and even shut off your water to prevent a large loss and potential ongoing water damage. These devices generally costs less than $1,000 for the equipment, the installation could be as low as $250. Many of these products come with apps that can be controlled by your smart phone and such devices as Alexa and Google Assistant.
An automated water leak detector can help you avoid costly water leaks and the headaches that go with insurance claims to have the damage fixed. Some insurance companies offer a discount for homeowner insurance if the owner has one of these systems installed and operating in their home. Many other insurance companies may even require you install a Flo by Moen system (or similar product), if you’ve had water claims in the past.
Want to know more? Give me a call at (303) 452-6662.
