Plumbing Blog

Smart Water Shut Off Valve: Kelowna Homeowner’s Guide

Smart Water Shut Off 101

Are you nervous about leaving your water supply running while you’re away from home? Many property owners in Kelowna do choose to shut off their supply while they’re away so that they don’t have to worry about the consequences of an unexpected plumbing problem. A local plumbing company will probably tell you that it’s a good idea to do so. However, that’s not always the best choice—especially if a family member may need to use your water supply while you’re away, or you’re nervous about the potential for valve failures and pipe damage. Luckily, there’s another option available for homeowners in Kelowna: smart water shut off valves.

As experienced Kelowna plumbers, we know the last thing anybody wants to see is the damage caused by an unexpected—or unnoticed—water leak. Property owners that choose to install a smart water shut off valve in Kelowna won’t have to worry about that destructive flow of water causing damage while they’re away. With the recent water meter distributions in Kelowna, local homeowners are also more focused than ever on their own water usage. Preventing unnecessary waste caused by sudden emergencies is just another benefit that comes with installing a smart water valve in Kelowna.

Most Kelowna plumbing experts and property owners agree that preventing a plumbing repair problem is much better than having to fix the problem after it appears. Quick, effective responses are only possible if you spot the early warning signs of problems like a potential leak or burst pipe. So why not choose to install a piece of equipment that will keep a constant watch? It’s easy to get busy or distracted and fail to see serious warning signs. With a smart water shut off valve installed, your entire home plumbing system—and therefore your entire home—will be more safe and secure against sudden bursts, leaks, and other kinds of plumbing problems.

As your local plumbing experts, our team at 911 Plumbing Heating Drainage Ltd. is here to answer any questions you might have about installing or owning a smart water shut off valve. Kelowna property owners and residents can always rely on us for expert advice and guaranteed, lasting solutions to all their plumbing problems.

What is a Smart Water Shut Off Valve?

They are an advanced form of leak detection and protection system that are installed in your main water supply line to monitor your plumbing system and shut it off in the event of a plumbing emergency. In simpler terms, they’re an automatic water shut off device. You may also hear them referred to as an auto shut off valve or auto leak detection system.

They work by using a sensor that measures the pressure, temperature, and water flow rate inside your supply pipes. As they take measurements, these smart systems will create records that they use to establish a pattern of your routine usage. Any time they detect unusual activity—like the kind that could result in catastrophic water damage—they send you an alert and prepare to close, thereby shutting off your entire water supply and preventing serious damage.

A smart water valve relies on an electric motor that operates the mechanism and also connects to your property’s Wi-Fi. Most systems also have an app that you’ll need to install on your mobile device too. That app is where you can monitor your home’s pipes yourself and receive alerts about any unusual activity or emergencies.

Will it Work During a Power Outage?

Yes. Not all systems are the same, but many of them come with a built-in battery backup so that they will continue to monitor your supply line and activate their safety measures if a leak sensor detects an issue during a power outage. Although they do often use a nearby power outlet as their main source of electricity, that battery backup will activate in the case of a power outage. Be sure to carefully read the features of your chosen system and choose one with a battery backup for the maximum level of protection.

Is there a Monthly Fee?

That depends on the type of system that you choose to install. Some of them do require a monthly subscription, while others offer an optional subscription with additional features. Some of those features are relatively new—or still being developed—but they include special insights like an analysis of your average consumption measured for all your individual plumbing fixtures, which allows you to see exactly how you’re using water—and where.

Some subscriptions also include additional protection, such as a reimbursement of the deductible you pay to your insurance company in the event of water damage. It will cover a specific amount, provide extended warranty protection for the device and send customized letters to your insurance company to help you qualify for a reduction in insurance premiums—if that’s something your insurance provider offers.

Can You Install Your Own Smart Water Shut Off Valve in Kelowna?

As with most complicated types of plumbing repair and installation, it’s not recommended. It’s necessary to cut into your main supply line in order to install a smart water shut off valve. Kelowna plumbers are really the only people that should be engaged with that kind of work. Attempting to do it on your own could result in a more costly repair as a result of improper installation.

Another good reason to hire a professional plumber for installation in Kelowna is that you won’t have to worry about applying for proper permits. Plus, any insurance premium reduction you’re hoping to receive may require proof of professional installation completed by a licensed plumber.

How Else Can You Shut Off The Water Supply to Your Home?

For immediate emergency responses, your best option will always be a smart water shut off valve. Kelowna homeowners don’t need to rely on those systems though. It’s important to remember that this equipment is supplemental. It’s meant to add extra protection and provide deeper insight into the status of your existing plumbing system, but it doesn’t replace your home’s primary shut off valve or the services offered by your water provider.

Where Is the Main Shut Off Valve in Your Home?

If you’re not sure where the main water shut off valve is located in your property, now is a great time to find it. In an emergency, that primary water supply valve will shut off all the water to your entire home, just like a smart water shut off valve. The biggest difference is that it won’t work automatically—you must close it yourself.

In most Kelowna houses, the main shut off valve is located near the perimeter walls, on the opposite side of the wall from your water meter, or the area where your main supply line enters your home. That may be on ground level near the floor, in your basement at eye level or higher, or behind an access panel.

If you own a unit in an apartment building, condo, or townhouse that is part of a larger block of homes, you may not have access to the primary valve for your specific unit. In Kelowna properties like those, valves are sometimes located together in a single unit or a shared utility access area.

If you’re unable to locate your main valve but still need to shut off your water supply, you may also have the option of calling your utility provider to temporarily pause your service. However, finding your primary shut off valve and closing it yourself—or installing a smart water shut off valve—are much better options. Remember that in the case of a plumbing emergency, you should also call a professional plumber as soon as possible and follow any instructions that they provide.

Why Should You Install a Smart Water Shut Off Valve in Kelowna?

There are many benefits that come with choosing to install a system that allows you to remotely control and monitor your Kelowna property’s supply line, but the most important is peace of mind. A remote water shut off valve will ensure that you never have to worry about a plumbing disaster occurring while you’re away. Whether you’re away for the winter or just away for the day, your property will always be safe and secure against leaks and bursts when you have an automatic water shut off valve—even during a power failure.

Frozen Pipes:

Freezing is one of the greatest threats against pipes in Kelowna. Smart water shut off valves ensure that if your supply line freezes and bursts during a winter storm, you won’t have to worry about additional property damage caused by that frozen pipe.

As soon as the pressure reading indicates a change, it will close your valve, preventing damage. In some cases, that emergency response could even prevent serious water damage or flooding in your home.

Usage Monitoring Features:

Don’t forget that some smart water shut off valves provide access to extra analytics on your daily usage patterns. If you’re trying to reduce your utility costs by using less, this is a great option for getting the information you need about where you may be overusing.

Those usage insights could also alert you to other unnoticed repair issues, especially if you’re able to view patterns for all the plumbing fixtures in your property. For example, if you see that a particular toilet seems to be using an unusual amount of water, you may need repairs to fix a constant leak. Likewise, if you notice that a particular faucet has high numbers, you may have a constant drip that needs to be fixed.

Auto Leak Detection:

Sometimes, pipes inside Kelowna properties will simply wear down. Their joints may weaken, older piping material may start to deteriorate, or some other source of damage may increase your pressure beyond safe levels. When that happens, slow leaks start to form around joints, fittings, and other vulnerable areas. If those leaks go undetected, you may find your utility bills steadily increasing with no obvious cause.

The water monitors inside these systems will prevent that from happening by providing instant alerts as soon as they detect a change in your flow rate or pressure levels. With a smart home product constantly monitoring your plumbing system and completing automatic leak detection checks, you’ll have more peace of mind against all kinds of hidden leaks and undetected issues.

Quick, Effective Emergency Responses:

Nothing will respond more quickly to an emergency in your supply line than a smart water shut off valve. Kelowna property owners with these systems can sleep easy knowing that their permanent home or vacation property is well protected against potential emergencies—no matter where they are at the time.

With instant alerts about any changes or emergencies, you’ll always know what’s going on with your water supply, and you’ll be able to respond more quickly should the need arise. You may already be relying on someone else to periodically keep an eye on your property while you’re away. Still, they may not spot a problem right away, which means that the necessary response from a professional plumber could be delayed—and that’s only if you have someone coming in to check on your property at all. With the right smart home technology, you’ll never have to worry about a problem getting out of control.

Having a smart water shut off valve in Kelowna means that you can sleep easy every night. If something does go wrong with your property’s pipes, you’ll know immediately and can call a professional plumber for emergency plumbing services. You won’t have to worry about shutting your main supply valve.

Are You Interested in Getting Professional Installation for a Smart Water Shut Off Valve in Kelowna?

Our experts at 911 Plumbing Heating Drainage Ltd. can answer all your questions about smart water shut off valves in Kelowna, and provide installation services to ensure that your property is better protected against leaks and pipe damage. Whether you’re curious about what kind of effect this equipment will have on your water pressure or you’re curious about which type we recommend for property owners in Kelowna, we’re happy to help! We can even answer your questions about other types of additional plumbing fixtures or equipment, such as a backflow device or water softener.

911 Plumbing Heating Drainage Ltd. always provides guaranteed, lasting solutions, and our honest, skilled technicians always provide courteous customer service. Your comfort and satisfaction are our top priorities. Whether you want an appointment for emergency burst pipe repair or installation service for a smart water shut off valve in Kelowna, you can rely on our experienced, local, trustworthy plumbers.

Call 250-801-0911 to schedule an appointment with our team or learn more. We proudly serve Kelowna, West Kelowna and nearby areas like Lake country.