Imagine the following situation: you’re on vacation, eyes closed, lying on a beautiful southern beach when you overhear a nearby couple. The woman asks her partner: “Did we turn off the main water valve?” Suddenly, you’re struck by the same doubt. Unfortunately, it’s already too late… Stay with us as we chat with Annie Beaudoin from HydroSolution about water leak detection systems!

Did you know that, according to the Canadian Institute of Actuaries, nearly half of all insurance claims are related to water leaks? Even more alarming, the American Insurance Association states that as much as 93% of water damage could have been prevented with a few precautions. These are numbers worth thinking about…

Why is water damage so common?

Water leaks can happen in many ways: a leaking water heater or pipe, an overflowing dishwasher, or an unexpected water infiltration. Let’s not forget leaks that occur by accident, like an overflowing bathtub or sink. Sadly, these incidents often go unnoticed until the damage is already extensive.

Beyond the cost of repairs, water damage can have serious consequences: mold, structural damage, loss of valuables, increased insurance premiums, and the loss of peace and quiet due to reconstruction noise.

Best practices to prevent water damage

Fortunately, there are solutions to minimize risks. Here are some good habits to adopt:

• Regularly inspect your appliances and plumbing.
• Replace appliance connector hoses every five years.
• Ensure your water heater is in good condition, of high quality, and shows no signs of rust. There are major differences in quality and durability between models and brands. For example, HydroSolution’s exclusive water heaters, made in Montreal, last longer thanks to an oversized anode and a downward water inlet.
• Never go on vacation without shutting off the main water valve.
• Install a water leak detection system for continuous monitoring.

Technology supporting prevention

Thanks to technological advances, it’s now possible to monitor and control water leaks remotely. Smart detection systems can detect leaks early and, in some cases, automatically shut off the water supply to limit damage.

Among these solutions, AKWA Technologies stands out with its proactive and automated approach. Unlike other systems that require human intervention, AKWA Technologies detects leaks, automatically shuts off the main water valve, and sends you real-time alerts.

With its combination of wireless sensors and low-cost centralized management—requiring no building structure modifications or equipment on each floor—it provides full protection, especially useful for buildings and condominiums. Moreover, if you live in a condo, the AKWA Concierge platform allows building managers to monitor and intervene remotely to prevent costly damage.

Considering that the Insurance Bureau of Canada estimates the average water damage insurance claim to cost nearly $15,000, prevention is clearly worth the effort compared to repair…