Home leak detection and shutoff
Water damage is something many homeowners don’t think about until it’s too late. It’s actually a much bigger problem than you might realize. Insurance claims for water damage are six times more likely than for fire and 10 times more likely than for theft1.
How to help prevent water damage with leak detection
Millions of homeowners experience water damage every year. Sudden leaks can destroy floors, ceilings, and furniture. Slow drips and leaks, especially those behind walls, can go unnoticed, causing mold and costly damage over time.
How water can damage your home
Common scenarios for water damage often start when you’re away from home, on a work trip or vacation. Or they can happen in the night, when you’re sleeping or even just distracted. Then, suddenly:
- A washing machine hose breaks
- A valve in the toilet gives way
- A pipe freezes and bursts inside a wall
- A bathtub left filling overflows across the floor
Water will flood your house until someone — or something — stops it. A major leak can ruin carpets and furniture, floors and walls. The longer the leak runs, the worse the damage.
Does homeowners insurance cover water damage?
Homeowners insurance may cover many types of water damage, but not all. For example, most policies typically cover repairing damage from sudden accidents, like a burst pipe. But it may not cover problems that happen slowly over time, like a leaky faucet. Those are usually considered maintenance issues. (It also generally doesn’t cover flooding that comes from outside the home.)
Leak monitoring and water flow shutoff devices like Moen’s Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff can be installed on your main water line. This system can monitor the flow of water through your home’s pipes. It learns the normal flow patterns in your home, so it’s able to detect even small, unusual increases and alert you that something is wrong.
If the water flow monitor detects a major leak, the system can automatically shut off the water in minutes, preventing more damage. As an added plus, Moen’s Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff also enables you to track your water usage which could help you conserve and save on your water bill.
Moen‘s Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff can also detect slow leaks, as slow as one drip a minute — and alert you to head off rot, mold and mildew before they cause you big repair and cleanup bills.
Installing a leak detection system might help you save money
Water flow detection and shutoff devices are so effective at stopping major damage that installing one may earn you a significant discount on your Farmers home insurance premiums. In some locations, they’re even required when Farmers insures homes with older plumbing.
Discounts and insurance eligibility requirements vary by state. Your local Farmers agent can help you find out whether a leak detection and shutoff system could save you money on your policy.
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