Leak detectors, water shut-off systems, landscape irrigation and insurance—what a combination! It’s a winning combination for landscape businesses that could help customers with water conservation, insurance premium savings and avoiding potential water damage to a home or business.

Most of you are probably already aware of master irrigation shut-off valves and new smart clock technology that can help monitor water and minimize unwanted water usage for landscape irrigation systems. But there are now a number of new leak detection systems that can detect undesirable water flow and leakage throughout an entire residence, whether the source is inside or outside. These systems have gained traction through various insurance carrier endorsements including Safeco, Liberty Mutual, Farmers, Chubb, Progressive and Travelers. Water damage in homes is one of the leading costs of insurance claims across the nation. A small leak can cause thousands of dollars of property damage if left unattended.

Insurance carriers were early backers of leak detection
Insurance carriers are starting to realize these new leak detection systems can be extremely beneficial to quickly catch water leaks in refrigerator ice-making machines, overflowing toilets, and broken water hoses for dishwashers and washing machines. They can shut off the water quickly, helping to minimize potential damages. It’s not a big stretch to consider that these systems could also potentially help with leaks in landscape irrigation systems.

Did you know that many homeowners’ insurance policies may exclude damage from subsurface water that leaks into your home from the exterior of your house? This could include slow and continuous water leakage from an exterior sprinkler system that may be seeping into your basement or foundation.

Water leak detection system manufacturers are exploring how to work closely with irrigation equipment manufacturers, plumbers and irrigation system installers to develop options for typical homeowners to get these leak detection systems installed more affordably.

Some water leak detection systems like ‘Flo by Moen’ will pay the property damage deductible on the homeowner’s insurance policy if the Flo system does not work and the homeowner has substantial water damage to their home.

Other systems like WaterHero are working to improve their technology so their software can identify when an irrigation sprinkler system is turned on and functioning normally versus when there may be a leak in the system. But resources from WaterHero indicate their technology is very close, and they anticipate that those improvements will be available in upcoming software updates.

Landscape companies can add more value with leak detection

Installation for most of these leak detections systems does typically require a nearby electrical outlet and wi-fi access for proper operation, and most systems requires a plumber to install because it is installed on the main water line. The cost for these types of systems for a typical household ranges from $300 to $700 depending on the type and quality, but is a very wise investment considering water damage is a leading source for residential insurance claims.

Landscape and irrigation installation companies should think about promoting and offering these water leak detection systems when installing new irrigation systems for a client’s landscape. It could be one more value-added service you offer to your customers that will benefit them in many ways while also providing them a great landscape! These systems can also supply valuable information about a homeowner’s daily water usage and help them develop better ways to continue to work on water conservation.

—Troy D. Sibelius, CIC, CRM, FASLA is executive vice president at The Buckner Company. He also has a Landscape Architecture degree from CSU and works extensively with landscape contractors and landscape architects on their risk management and commercial insurance programs.

This story originally appeared in the July-August 2019 issue of Colorado Green magazine.