NYC Landlord’s Guide to Water Sensors and Leak Detection Technology
It’s every landlord’s nightmare: a leak, flood, burst pipe, or overflowing sink or appliance that goes undetected until major, expensive water damage occurs. Landlords and property owners are right to be nervous. In New York City, water damage in multi-family properties can easily incur a five-figure bill.
For smaller buildings that may not have a maintenance/repair person on-site 24/7, a flood or leak can cause expensive damage in the hours before it’s discovered. Luckily, water sensors and other leak detection technology are becoming more affordable. And the peace of mind and protection these devices provide can be priceless.
Understanding the Risks of Water Damage
Water damage can be caused by water that enters a building from the outside (e.g., floods, storms, etc.) or by internal sources, such as a burst or leaky pipe. Keeping up on seasonal maintenance is an excellent start to protecting your property. With storms and other severe weather events more common, however, the odds of experiencing water damage continue to increase.
For landlords, water damage can lead to the following hassles, in addition to the headache and expense of repair/restoration:
- Relocation of displaced tenants
- Lost rental income
- Ongoing water-related issues, such as mold and dampness
- Higher insurance premiums (or even loss of coverage) because of claims history
That’s why water sensors and leak detection technology can be so valuable.
How Do Water Sensors and Leak Detectors Work?
Water sensors detect the presence of water or changes in moisture levels. If placed in areas that should be dry, these devices can alert property owners to leaks. Water and leak detection technology can range from a complete, professionally installed system that can shut off the water supply to portable sensors that provide alerts about active leaks. Some leak detection sensors attach directly to the building water risers and alert owners to issues with water fixtures.
While the wide range of options and capabilities can be overwhelming, it also means that landlords can typically find technology that will fit their specific building(s) and situation. And, unlike even the most reliable maintenance people, these sensors work around the clock to spot leaks and water intrusion everywhere in a building.
Choosing the Right Water Detection Technology
Once a leak is detected, most sensors and systems provide a local alert, such as audible alarms or visual indicators. Many systems integrate with smart-home platforms (e.g., Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home), although some require buying a separate hub for Wi-Fi connectivity. Others only send email or mobile alerts. For landlords who don’t have an on-site maintenance person around the clock, remote monitoring is a necessity.
As mentioned above, more capable systems may also include the ability to automatically or remotely shut off water when a leak is detected.
Power is another consideration. Sensors may be hard-wired to a building’s electricity, hard-wired with a battery backup, or powered solely by battery. A single battery (or set of batteries) can typically last for months.
In some cases, the manufacturer or installer of a building’s security system may include leak detection technology as an add-on. Going this route will limit a landlord’s options but may make choosing (and installing) a system much simpler. A centrally monitored system can call, text or email the landlord or other authorities, like monitored fire and intrusion alarms.
Water Sensors: Installation and Maintenance
If a security company or manufacturer provides the water sensor hardware and software, the installer will likely include leak detection capabilities as part of a turnkey system. Otherwise, most portable systems offer plug-and-play simplicity, especially if the building has Wi-Fi. Security companies that manage installation and setup are numerous in New York for landlords who don’t want to go the DIY route.
Maintenance generally involves replacing batteries when they get low and occasionally testing or checking the sensors using an app or button on the sensor.
Landlord Benefits of Water Sensors and Leak Detection
Besides providing peace of mind, an early leak detection system is much cheaper than repairing extensive water damage. Even basic devices can help prevent a small, relatively inexpensive issue from becoming a big, expensive headache.
Water detection technology can also lower insurance premiums—or keep a policy in force if the insurer requires a system. Some insurance companies partner with manufacturers to offer hardware or installation discounts to policyholders.
City Building Owners Insurance can provide insight into how a leak detection system can benefit the owner of a specific property.
For a free insurance review or more information about insuring a commercial or residential building, please call City Building Owners Insurance at 877-576-5200.
