As a leading emergency water damage restoration company in West Vancouver, we often receive questions about how to prevent flood damage. One of the most frequently asked questions is whether water detectors are worth buying, and whether they can really prevent a flood from occurring. This is a somewhat complicated question, as there are several options when it comes to water detectors.

So, let’s take a look!

Flood Damage Repair Experts Look at The Value in Water Alarms

One of the big factors here is that there are several different types of water alarms, at many different price points.

At the low end of the market, you can get very simple devices for $20 or less, which simply stay in place and beep if they get wet – the equivalent of a smoke detector for water. Given their low cost, they can be extremely useful. A few installed in key leak-prone areas, such as next to your basement water heater or under your sink, could pay for themselves the first time they alert you to a problem you wouldn’t normally notice.

Of course, the chances of these devices preventing a flood are fairly low.  They’re more likely to simply save you money on water bills by alerting you to small leaks earlier.  Of course if you are not home, they are not effective at all.

Things are more interesting at the high end.  Some of the better-quality water alarms can be hooked up to your water main, and actually cut off the flow entirely if they detect a major leak.  That absolutely would stop a flood, If the alarm has sensors in place to detect the leak early.  The biggest problem with these units is actually false positives since they could just as easily mistake a leaky roof letting in rain for an in-house leak, and needlessly stop the water line.

Finally, many home alarm companies offer humidity detectors.  This is the most expensive option, but it’s also going to give you the most comprehensive protection.  With these, you’d have a live human responding when the humidity detector was tripped, potentially even sending emergency services to deal with the problem.  If you were away from home, this would be a lifesaver.

Overall, water alarms can be a good investment – if you understand their limitations.

Get Emergency Water Damage Restoration from Malkin Cleaners

Do you need flood damage repair in West Vancouver?  Contact Malkin Cleaners!