Protect Your Property: Effective Leak Detection Systems

Hello, Champions of Net Zero!

As we strive towards a sustainable future, it’s crucial to address the less glamorous yet equally significant issues that can undermine our efforts in achieving net-zero goals. One such issue is water damage in commercial properties, which can have severe financial implications and disrupt operations. Chris Potts, the Marketing Director at ANT Telecom, highlights the importance of promptly addressing leaks to prevent structural damage and financial loss. In this article, we delve into the consequences of neglecting water leaks and explore innovative solutions that can help businesses protect themselves, particularly during the notoriously wet months in the UK.

The Dangers of Water Leaks

The wettest months in the UK, typically at the beginning and end of the year, can see rainfall reaching as high as 213mm. This relentless downpour often exacerbates issues for business owners, leading to water leaks that can stem from a variety of sources. Whether it’s a faulty faucet, blocked drains, worn-out seals, or even malfunctioning appliances, the potential for water damage is significant. Alarmingly, small leaks can occur in hidden locations, leading to extensive damage before they are even detected.

Financial Toll of Water Damage

In the UK, it is estimated that businesses collectively spend more than £730 million annually to repair damage caused by water infiltration. This staggering figure underscores the necessity of having an early warning system in place to detect leaks as soon as they occur. By doing so, businesses can save money and mitigate the risk of major disruptions to their operations.

Proactive Measures to Combat Leaks

To effectively reduce the risk of water damage, businesses should adopt a proactive approach. Regular inspections of vulnerable areas—such as roofs, pipes, and appliances—are essential. Keeping drains and gutters clear can help prevent blockages that may lead to leaks. Furthermore, maintaining building infrastructure, installing water pressure regulators, and training staff to recognise early signs of leaks are all integral components of a comprehensive leak management strategy. However, these measures are not foolproof and can require significant time and financial investment from employees.

The Need for Advanced Leak Detection Systems

Given that many small leaks occur in concealed areas, relying solely on manual inspections can leave businesses vulnerable to unnoticed damage. This is where a leak detection system comes into play, providing a reliable and cost-effective solution that continuously monitors high-risk areas around the clock. These systems can instantly alert businesses to potential issues, allowing for swift action before damage escalates.

How Leak Detection Systems Operate

Leak detection systems employ wireless sensors equipped with conductive cables to monitor specific areas or equipment for leaks. When water comes into contact with the cable, the sensor detects it and updates an online monitoring portal. This portal immediately alerts the business’s response team via phone, SMS, or email, detailing which specific sensor triggered the alert and its location. In critical situations, the system can also automatically shut off water valves to prevent further damage while the response team investigates.

The conductive cables used in these systems can vary in form and length depending on the application. For instance, a wire mesh material can be deployed on the floor to cover areas directly beneath the roof to detect leaks, while cables running around the perimeter of a room can monitor for water near appliances or electrical risers.

Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness

One of the advantages of leak detection systems is their wireless nature, which simplifies installation and reduces costs associated with energy and network cabling. These low-powered sensors have an impressive battery life of approximately 2-3 years and can transmit data to an online portal using a 4G gateway. Their long-range capabilities enable monitoring of large areas with minimal gateways, even in locations without access to 4G or Wi-Fi.

Maximising Staff Efficiency

Effective management of alarms is a crucial component of any leak monitoring solution. By implementing a leak detection system, businesses can eliminate the need for employees to monitor screens constantly and distribute alerts manually. This process is automated, freeing up staff to focus on other important tasks throughout the day.

Moreover, businesses can customise their alarm notifications, deciding which team members should receive alerts and how. The system logs all alarm information, timestamping when alarms are acknowledged and resolved, allowing for a thorough review of alarm handling practices. To enhance the system’s capabilities, it is advisable to choose a provider that offers scalable solutions, enabling the integration of additional sensors for monitoring temperature, CO2 levels, energy usage, vibration, sound, light, and more—all accessible from a single application.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

As we enter a new year, businesses are encouraged to adopt a proactive stance against water damage that can disrupt operations and inflate costs. Teams that often find themselves checking for water damage or worrying about the effects of heavy rainfall can benefit significantly from a leak detection system. By implementing such a solution, companies can save time on manual monitoring and significantly reduce risks to their facilities and assets. Instant alerts provided by these systems empower businesses to act swiftly, ensuring that they remain resilient and focused on their journey towards net-zero goals.

This article originally appeared in the March 2025 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.