This past December, South Carolina experienced days of extraordinarily cold weather. Many homes in SC are not built or designed to keep pipes and plumbing systems above freezing during this type of extreme cold. Several of our clients experienced burst and frozen pipes during this time and their homes and businesses were damaged.

One client had a pipe burst from their HVAC system. Unfortunately, the HVAC system was in the attic! The wife was home and called her husband at work as she could see water coming through the ceiling on the 2^nd floor. Her husband told her to shut the water off, but she was unaware of where the water shutoff valve was located and wasn't sure that they even had a water key (https://amzn.to/3XxZj2x) to turn the shutoff valve off. The husband rushed home, but in the 15 mins it took him, the water had made it all the way down to the first floor and flooded their kitchen.

Luckily, they have great insurance and will be covered to fix the damage that was caused. With that said, now they must deal with the headache of moving out of the home, while the damage is being fixed, paying their deductible and having a water claim on their record, which could lead to higher renewal premiums.

Could this problem have been avoided?

Yes! There are products out there now that can automatically shut off the water in the event of a sudden burst.  

An automatic whole home water shut off system can provide peace of mind by automatically shutting off the main water supply to your home in the event of a leak or other emergency. This can help prevent significant water damage to your home and potentially save you money on water bills and repairs. Additionally, automatic shut off systems can be controlled and monitored remotely, so you can check on the status of your water supply even when you're away from home.

There are several different brands and models of automatic whole home water shut off systems on the market, and the "best" one for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. Some popular options include:

• Flo by Moen: This system uses a smart valve and water sensor to detect leaks and automatically shut off the main water supply. It can also be controlled and monitored using a smartphone app.
  
  
• Grohe Smart Water Controller: Detects pipe breaks, micro leaks, frost and unusual water flow. It can be controlled and monitored with your smartphone. 

Ultimately, it's important to research different options and read reviews from other users before making a decision to ensure that the system you choose will meet your needs and work well in your home.

Having an automatic whole home water shut off system installed in your home can potentially lower your home insurance rates too. This is because such a system can help prevent water damage caused by leaks or other emergencies, which is a common cause of property damage and insurance claims.

Insurance companies generally like to see that homeowners have taken steps to protect their property from potential damage. Installing an automatic whole home water shut off system can be seen as a proactive measure that demonstrates a commitment to protecting your home.

It's best to contact your insurance company to inquire about potential discounts or credits for installing an automatic whole home water shut off system. They would be able to guide you through the process and tell you about any discounts you are eligible for.

It is generally recommended that a plumbing professional install a whole home automatic water shutoff system. If not installed properly, the system may not function as intended, leaving your home at risk of water damage.

A plumbing professional will have the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to properly install the system, ensuring that it is connected to the main water supply correctly and configured correctly. They will also be able to troubleshoot any issues that may arise and make any necessary repairs. They will also be able to advise you on the best location to install the control valve or shut off system. While it may be possible to install an automatic water shut off system yourself, it's recommended to have a plumbing professional handle the installation to ensure the system is installed correctly and that your home is protected from water damage.

Having an automatic water shut off system installed in your home is a good step to prevent water damage and is a good investment in the long run.

This Article was Written by  Andrew Harmon, Personal & Small Business Insurance Advisor at Advisors Insurance Agency