Household leaks waste nearly 900 billion gallons of water annually in the U.S. — for perspective, that’s enough water to meet the annual needs of almost 11 million homes! If that doesn’t grab your attention, maybe this will: by incorporating plumbing leak detection technology into your services, you can help home and business owners save up to $23,000 in repair costs.
In this post, we’ll explore how plumbing leak detection technology works, why it’s a game-changer for both contractors and customers, and how you can easily incorporate it into your offerings. Whether you’re new to water leak solutions or looking to expand your services, get ready to upgrade your approach to leak detection and bring your services to the next level.
Sewer leaks, slab leaks, swimming pool leaks — you name it, and there’s plumbing leak detection technology to prevent these types of leaks before they occur.
Leak detection systems are typically installed on the water main or in high-risk areas, monitoring the flow of water through pipes. Whether it’s a stuck toilet flapper, an overrun tub, or a burst fitting behind the wall, the system will immediately detect abnormal water usage. When this happens, it triggers an automatic shut-off valve, stopping the flow of water to the entire household.
The best part? Home and business owners will receive app-based notifications or push notifications directly on their phones, even if they’re away. This gives them peace of mind they can address a leak before it causes expensive damage. Water leak detection has become a hot topic at plumbing conferences this year, showing just how important it’s become in modern systems.
Wireless leak detection equipment offers a more efficient solution, especially for existing systems. By utilizing sensors and cloud technology, wireless smart water leak detectors provide access to real-time data, making them more accurate and less prone to error. They’re also more discreet than wired systems, detecting hidden water leaks without disrupting daily activities.
Wireless systems come in two options: radiofrequency (RF) or WiFi transmission.
RF plumbing leak detection systems can cover entire buildings, penetrating dense materials for accurate results, while WiFi-based systems may struggle to reach remote sensors due to range limitations. Nonetheless, many owners are already familiar with WiFi technology, making it a more accessible choice for residential and smaller commercial applications.
Plumbing leak detection technology is a true win-win for both contractors and customers. It helps contractors offer valuable, proactive services, all while customers benefit from peace of mind and significant savings. Let’s explore how both sides benefit from adopting this technology — and equip you with the necessary details to pitch and sell your customers on this service.
When customers are considering plumbing leak detection, it’s vital to compare the one-time, affordable price of the technology to the extreme potential savings that come with preventing water damage. For example, water damage restoration averages $3,814, but can range anywhere from $1,361 to as high as $16,000, depending on the source and severity of the damage.
Likewise, don’t forget that fungal growth can start as quickly as 24 to 48 hours after water exposure. Mold removal and remediation typically cost $2,365 on average, but can range between $375 and $7,000, depending on the infestation location and size. At the high end, water damage and mold expenses can add up to over $23,000, proving the value of early leak detection.
Not to mention, prolonged water exposure impacts the structural integrity of a home. Not only will the plumbing system itself incur the high costs of pipe bursting and replacement, but surrounding materials like wood, drywall, and flooring can warp, sag, or weaken. This combination of repairs drives up the costs, making plumbing leak detection an investment worth making.
Leaks account for more than 6% of a facility’s total water usage, making plumbing leak detection a crucial offering, especially when performing new system installations or servicing a new homeowner. Becoming a bonafide leak detection specialist is an easy and effective way to build additional value into your services, boost your sales skills, and grow your business.
When it comes to water leak detection, early warnings mean huge savings on consumer water bills. As it stands, the average family wastes 180 gallons per week from household leaks — that’s 9,400 gallons annually, which is enough water to wash more than 300 loads of laundry. For a better idea of how plumbing leak detection protects customer’s water supply, consider that:
Leaking toilets with small issues, like a worn flapper, waste up to 860 gallons of water monthly and cost up to $10 per month.
Leaking toilets with larger issues, like a stuck fill valve, waste up to 4,300 gallons of water daily and cost up to $1,400 per month.
Underground leaks, such as broken distribution lines, waste up to 648,000 gallons of water monthly and cost up to $7,200 per month.
Of course, when customers receive a leak detector alert, they’ll call you for repairs — and this opens the door to long-term plumbing service contracts. However, offering plumbing leak detection also sets a precedent that you’re looking out for the well-being of your customers’ homes, businesses, and finances, which establishes a relationship of trust and ensures a steady pipeline of business.
You should also stock some of these customer-favorite leak detection brands:
Flo by Moen Smart Water Shutoff: This advanced water leak detector monitors water usage, tests for leaks, and automatically shuts off water to prevent damage.
Orbit B-Hyve Smart Flood Sensor: This system will notify homeowners if there’s a water leak or near-freezing temperature, so they can also avoid frozen pipes.
Flume 2 Smart Home Water Monitor: This non-invasive leak detection device connects to smartphones and Amazon Alexa to track water usage and spot leaks.
Plumbing leak detection protects your customers while helping grow your business. Want to offer even more peace of mind? JB Warranties has you covered with extended warranty solutions that include parts and labor for water heaters, tankless water heaters, boilers, and tankless water systems — protecting both contractors and customers from costly repairs.
Contact JB Warranties today to learn more!