Water is everywhere, and it is both essential to life and a threat to homes.

Even though water is more important to life than food, it also offers a big risk for homeowner insurance claims. The Insurance Information Institute says that about one in sixty people file a water damage claim each year. This is a big chunk of all home insurance claims, making up about 20%.

Damage from water affects more than just one person’s home. Solutions like devices that stop water leaks can be especially helpful for multi-family homes, rental properties, and new buildings. Think about living in a condo where a pipe bursts in a unit above you that is empty. All of a sudden, you, your friend downstairs, and the building management company are all caught up in a mess that no one planned.

In the same way, unoccupied rentals often have big water damage claims, which are usually caused by faucets or fixtures that were left on. Having a safe water supply line is worth every penny because it gives you peace of mind.

Putting an end to water leaks

The bright side is that water leaks can be stopped in 93% of cases. Installing water leak detectors in key places that are linked to a water shutoff switch can help stop water damage that could be very expensive to fix. Take Resideo’s new Braukmann L5 WiFi Water Leak Shutoff Valve as an example. By putting this device on your home’s water main, you can keep expensive damage from happening to your property and belongings.

The L5 WiFi Water Leak Shutoff Valve turns off the water supply to your home when its sensor cable finds water. You can also connect more than one Resideo Water Leak and Freeze Detector for full safety. With the L5, you’ll get updates on your phone when water is found. This lets you keep an eye on the water situation in your home even when you’re not there. The Resideo app can also be set up to be a control panel for finding water leaks, with alerts that are specific to your needs and cutoff points that you choose ahead of time. You can even send alerts to other people. This is helpful if you own more than one home or want your plumber to be notified automatically.

Here are some situations where a method for managing water or a device for finding leaks can be helpful:

1. Air handler in the attic: Putting water leak detection devices near a condensation pan can help find places where water damage could happen in areas that don’t have temperature control.
2. Dehumidifier in a crawl space: The average dehumidifier collects 30–70 pints of water every day, so a water leak monitor can give hidden units peace of mind.
3. Laundry on the second floor: If water damage comes from a higher floor, it can add up quickly and cause your insurance deductible to be exceeded. A water leak alarm can quickly let you know when this is happening.

Leaks are often not noticed until they have caused a lot of damage. By installing the Braukmann L5 WiFi Water Leak Shutoff Valve in your home, you can prevent damage to your property and belongings that could cost you a lot of money.