Can I Install Leak Detection Systems at Home?
Leaks can cause a tremendous amount of damage, especially if they happen while you’re on a multi-day vacation or otherwise away from home for a long period of time. However, even smaller leaks that occur when you are home can cause havoc, particularly if they aren’t easily noticed and build up over time.
Can leak detection systems be installed in your home to protect you against that? For the most part, absolutely. The main differences are related to the types of systems that work best in your house and how they can be installed.
What’s a Leak Detection System?
It’s important to understand just what this type of system is.
First, it does live up to its name. It detects leaks that have developed, whether from water, gas or otherwise. It may not detect all leaks, however, as that will depend on the system’s thoroughness.
Breaking it down further, there are passive and active ones. The former, despite it being called “passive,” is active in regards to detecting leaks. Where it’s passive is what it does about it as this kind of system will simply notify you of the leak and then leave it up to you to fix it. Conversely, an active version both notifies you of the leak and is active as far as fixing it for you goes.
Beyond that, there are point-of-use systems and whole house ones. The former focuses on one source, such as your kitchen sink’s drain, while the latter, as the name applies, monitors everything in your home, at least related to a specific substance.
How Does a Leak Detection System Work?
A system that specializes in leak detection can work in a variety of ways.
Water Leak Detection systems
For a water leak, that type of detection system will usually notice it after engaging in water pressure and flow monitoring. That’s because when either’s irregular, ice is detected or there’s otherwise more moisture than there should be, it’ll alert you to that.
Gas Leak Detection systems
Depending on the type of gas leak detection system that’s being used, it’ll usually alert you when there’s either an abnormal concentration of gas or the sound that a gas leak will sometimes produce has been made.
Smart Home Integration
In any case, smart home integration can be a part of this process. When this occurs, followed by a leak, a few things could happen. One is that you may receive an alert on your phone telling you that there is one, or you could even receive detailed information there about your water usage. In some cases, it can connect directly to your water or gas supply and shut it off, connect to your security system in relation to this or otherwise be of assistance.
Benefits of Installing a Leak Detection System in Your Home
The benefits of installing one of these systems are numerous, most of which are related to detecting leaks early, before the circumstances worsen and the situation gets much more serious.
Protection Against Water Damage
If it’s not detected early, water damage can become extensive, particularly if it results in flooding. But even minor water damage could ultimately cost quite a bit of money. In any case, all types of water damage have the potential to significantly lower your house’s value.
Monitoring Gas Leaks for Safety
When it comes to gas leaks, safety tends to be the focus as, depending on the gas and how much of it’s being leaked, your home could end up being a dangerous place to be. Also note that gases often have no odor.
Convenience and Peace of Mind
Of course, simply experiencing convenience and peace of mind are notable benefits. This is especially true if you’re going to be away from home for a while and concerned about what’s happening there, envisioning your basement getting flooded or carbon monoxide filling your home.
Reducing Utility Bills
When you have a long-term water or gas leak but don’t realize it, such as when the damage isn’t significant, you’ll likely experience increased utility bills.
Can Leak Detection Systems Be Installed in My Home?
One of these protective systems can definitely be installed in your home. That’s because even if your house is an older, run-down one, more basic systems can still provide you with some protection.
Retrofitting an Existing Home
If your house isn’t eligible for the type of system that you want to get installed, retrofitting your home is an option since modern water pipes are usually more compatible with smart systems, and newer gas lines tend to be made from materials that make it easier for those types of leaks to be detected.
Professional Installation vs. DIY
Many of these leak detection systems can be self-installed, but some do require that professionals handle their installation. For example, systems that shut off leaky water usually necessitate professional installation while some monitoring systems may require that as well. Meanwhile, many others can be DIY projects.
Types of Leak Detection Systems Available
The types of systems that you can get installed in your home include the previously mentioned active and passive ones and whole house and point-of-use options. Some of the more specific selections to consider include freeze sensors and smart leak monitors, detectors and shut-off valves. Learn about the types of methods we use to detect leaks.
Ongoing Maintenance and Monitoring
As you decide about getting one of these, keep in mind the maintenance and monitoring that will be needed for it. You’ll likely prefer one that requires minimal amounts of both.
Tips from Melbourne Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
Our experts at Melbourne Benjamin Franklin Plumbing stress that you should choose the right system for your needs, taking into account its effectiveness, the quality of your pipes, the amount of maintenance that will be required, how user-friendly it is, its price relative to your budget and other factors.
Also, you should consult with professionals since this is such an important decision. Then, once you get one installed, do get it maintained in the timeframes recommended.
Get Help From Melbourne Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
Melbourne Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is ready to assist you with this decision-making, purchasing and installation process. If you have any questions about leak detection systems, how they can protect you and which ones are best for your home, reach out. And always keep in mind that if you do decide to take advantage of our services and there’s any delay in us getting this installation completed for you, it’s YOU we pay.