Get smart plumbing now. Installing a water valve at the main water line entry to your home triggers a home insurance discount (up to 15%!) not to mention peace of mind from floods and water leaks.
Water damage is the #1 home owner insurance claim. Is it preventable?
Billions of gallons of water are wasted each year from leaking water systems from minor to catastrophic leading to billions of dollars spent by insurance companies and homeowners on repairs. On average, homeowners spent $2700 to repair water leaks, according to homeadvisor.com.
A faulty toilet tank, a clogged sink drain, loose connection fitting on a water filter, pressurized water line, blockage in your floor drain can all lead to major problems with either a slow dripping leak or a major water event. Most of these problems are unbeknownst to the homeowner, and preventable!
Think of a home protection water valve like a fire alarm for your plumbing. From washers, dishwashers, showers, toilets, hot water heaters, water filters, infloor radiant heating, air conditioners, your home is a maze of plumbing. A smart water valve provides remote shutoff switch for your plumbing.
With annual maintenance checks, water damage can be prevented. Looking for loose fittings, rust or mineral deposits may indicate a slow leak. Also, seasonal preparations to check insulation around plumbing or potential areas for freezing. Repairing for roof damage or gutters and drain problems can hedge against future problems. Inspect sealant around windows and doors for waterproofing. Finally, installing smart water valve can perform annual leak detection review by pressurizing the system.
Follow these tips to get started...
Tip #1 - Get acquainted with your mechanical and plumbing system.
Where does the main line water enter your house from the municipal system or your well? A basement, crawl space, closet or mechanical room are all possibilities. Do you have water filtration equipment - when was it last serviced? Filters changed? Settings reviewed? Where is your well pump and cistern located? Have you performed your annual Coliform test? Where are your areas of risk - plumbing near an exterior wall can freeze, drains can get clogged, toilets can back up, washing machine leaks. Have you had your dryer vents cleaned?
Installation of a home protection valve requires electrical power and Wi-Fi connectivity. Do you have access to these where your main water supply line is?
Tip #2 - Now its time to engage a professional plumber, and a water specialist, a trusted professional. Also, reach out to your property manager or caretaker, if you have one.
Using the valve model that your water specialist, property manager or plumber is familiar with makes sense. If not, then you can pursue the market for models that have the features you want.
I recommend a US made product at the forefront of technology - DROP Connect Home Protection Valve. This product is easy to install and set up. The auto shut off is a quick toggle of a button, with home/ away modes, and preset monitoring criteria. DROP system incorporates associated leak monitors that can be placed in areas of concern to monitor the temperature and presence of water. Reach out to Caitlyn McKenzie with Pristine Living for more about this reliable product and how to integrate it into a home water management system.
"Proactively protect your home from anywhere." – DROP specialist
Tip #3 - Ask your home insurance provider on their home protection valve policy.
AIG, Chubbs, UPC and Amica do provide discounts and, with offers as high as 15%, you should probably inquire today so you can take advantage of this. DIY monitors can get as much as 5% off, while professionally installed systems through Pristine Living fetch the hefty 15% discount.
The proactive approach is appreciated by insurance companies revealing a lower risk profile for the policyholder.
Tip #4 - Education - what is a home protection value?
Smart plumbing for your security. Smart plumbing devices include a flow monitors, smart water valve at the main water supply line, and leak detectors that can be stationed around the house. Through a web browser or mobile app, you can see the water usage, flow, pressure and temperature. If the smart valve detects a problem or variation from the norm like high pressure, freezing temperature, excessive usage or a leak, you will be notified by the mobile application. In the case of catastrophic failure, say a water pipe bursts or water is left running, the smart valve automatically shuts off water flow to the home. You can control the flow of water with a simple toggle of a mobile button in the app.
Auxiliary benefit of these smart valves is the opportunity for water conservation. Municipal water systems charge your for every drop of water. Many water districts charge for water usage based on the time of day, offering a lower rate for off peak times. Understanding the gallons used per day, per hour, for different activities, can assist with altering behaviors to encourage better smarter water usage. By also detecting leaks, even slow faucet or toilet leaks, monitoring your home can prevent wasted water and save money. Alternatively, in the hot summer months or cycles of drought, limiting water flow can not just impact your bank balance, but also our fragile environment.
Tip #5 - Time to review the products on the market.
Not all home protection valves are created the same. Check for the following qualities:
Low voltage operation (high voltage and water do not mix!)
Integrated motor (add on motors are less reliable, and may not have the same strength to terminate water and may become faulty).
Flow restriction - the water valve should not restrict water flow when in open position
Manual override - while smart technology is the point of this device, situations require manual control
Battery back up in case of power outage
Long life and warranty - check out the total usage or gallons of water under the guarantee, as well as the time.
Communication - How does the system notify you of leaks?
Simplicity of operation and function.
Finally...
Save money today by adding a home protection water valve. Pristine Living is your reliable source in the Yampa Valley for water filtration. Let us help and protect you, your family and your property. Call today to design your integrated home protection water system.
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