Leak detection device
Water leaks can cause extensive damage to your home and potential health risks. In a matter of minutes, a burst pipe or hose can flood a room with several gallons of water. Slow and undetected leaks can also cause significant damage and oftentimes harmful mold and bacteria growth.
We hear regularly from folks who have had the unfortunate event of failed plumbing or hot water heaters. The process to demo, dry out, clean, and reconstruct a home as a result of water damage is messy, time consuming, and costly.
Ask any home insurance provider and they will tell you how expensive these kinds of home repairs can be. Unless it’s a sudden and unexpected occurrence, often homeowner’s insurance will not cover the cost of repairs. Slow leaks in hidden areas like crawl spaces, attics, and closets can go undetected for a long time.
Detecting a leak quickly is key to minimizing damages. One of the simplest and inexpensive ways to help avoid this kind of problem is to have a leak detection alarm. These inexpensive devises can be placed in many locations where a leak is likely to happen including under sinks and near hot water tanks and washing machines. It won’t help if the problem is somewhere in the walls or difficult to access, but many times damages are caused by a failed water line to the refrigerator, a burst washing machine hose, or leaking hot water tank.
After receiving an unusually high number of calls this fall from customers needing water damage related repairs, it really got me thinking about looking into something to help protect my own home. I live in an upper level condo. If I have a water leak I am not only responsible for my home, but if it causes damage to the unit below me, I am responsible for their repairs too. My hot water tank is hidden behind a panel in a closet in the spare bedroom and has always been a worry. If this fails, it could easily cause significant damage to my unit and the unit below.
Purchasing the Watchdog Water Alarm at Home Depot has got to be the best $10 I have spent in a long time and could potentially save thousands of dollars in home repairs. I decided to purchase two and placed one by the washing machine (also in another out of sight location) and the other in the pan where the hot water tank sits. It may not help if I’m not home or some other plumbing fixture or piping fails, but these two locations have the highest risk of failing in my home. I feel much better knowing I have increased my chances measurably of detecting a leak quickly and before it becomes an expensive home repair.
I wanted to share this with all of you too. Do yourself a favor and play it safe!
If you need the services of a contractor who specializes in water, smoke, and sewage damage, we can help. We have trusted emergency responders in our network who specialize in restoring your home from damage caused by water, fire, and sewage.