Plumbing leaks can destroy homes. Extreme home insurance rates can force people out of their homes. Leak detectors mitigate both disasters.
Just a few years ago, there were only two manufacturers of note in the category of “leak detection.” Now, you have many alternatives to consider. That being said, I’d still contend that Phyn Plus and Flo by Moen are probably the most solid brands, because they’ve had years to work out the bugs in their products.
Nonetheless, let’s look more closely at what’s available, and how it ties in with the home insurance crisis.
Something I discovered when shopping overpriced home insurance in Florida recently, is that some insurers now offer a sizable discount for leak detection, nearly $500 annually. Every little bit helps, and if you combine a leak detector with a wind-mitigation upgrade (such as adding a third nail to hurricane straps), you can cut the total insurance on a home by 50 percent in some cases. If you’re a builder, that’s a perk you may be able to offer to clients, at minimal additional cost to your bottom line.
Let’s keep it simple. Here are 5 of the best leak-watching and leak-stopping products currently available. All of these products are accepted by at least some home insurance companies:
Veteran journalist Matt Power has reported on innovation and sustainability in housing for nearly three decades. An award-winning writer, editor, and filmmaker, he has a long history of asking hard questions and adding depth and context as he unfolds complex issues.
Leak Detection’s Second Best Selling Point
Plumbing leaks can destroy homes. Extreme home insurance rates can force people out of their homes. Leak detectors mitigate both disasters.
Just a few years ago, there were only two manufacturers of note in the category of “leak detection.” Now, you have many alternatives to consider. That being said, I’d still contend that Phyn Plus and Flo by Moen are probably the most solid brands, because they’ve had years to work out the bugs in their products.
Nonetheless, let’s look more closely at what’s available, and how it ties in with the home insurance crisis.
Something I discovered when shopping overpriced home insurance in Florida recently, is that some insurers now offer a sizable discount for leak detection, nearly $500 annually. Every little bit helps, and if you combine a leak detector with a wind-mitigation upgrade (such as adding a third nail to hurricane straps), you can cut the total insurance on a home by 50 percent in some cases. If you’re a builder, that’s a perk you may be able to offer to clients, at minimal additional cost to your bottom line.
Let’s keep it simple. Here are 5 of the best leak-watching and leak-stopping products currently available. All of these products are accepted by at least some home insurance companies:
1. Phyn Plus
Key Features:
Average Retail Price: $579; You can buy this through Amica insurance at a 15 percent discount at this writing.
2. StreamLabs
Key Features:
Average Retail Price: $389 (monitor only); $1189 (with shutoff)
3. Flume 2
Key Features:
Average Retail Price: $249 with wifi bridge
4. Guardian by Elexa
Key Features:
Average Retail Price $299 for kit with sensors and valve shutoff
5. Flo Smart Water Shutoff (by Moen)
Key Features:
Average Retail Price: $549
Publisher’s Note: Green Builder's 20th Anniversary celebration is sponsored by: Carrier and Trex.
By Matt Power, Editor-In-Chief
Veteran journalist Matt Power has reported on innovation and sustainability in housing for nearly three decades. An award-winning writer, editor, and filmmaker, he has a long history of asking hard questions and adding depth and context as he unfolds complex issues.Also Read