5 minute read
Timothy Yee
Smart Plumbing Is Getting Smarter
TIMOTHY YEE
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With the continued expansion of the Internet of things, manufacturers are creating systems that manage water flow, recognize leaks and provide real-time analytics and alerts
It is interesting how plumbing is finally catching up to the innovations available to the industry. In previous articles, I have written about innovations in water heating as well as plumbing fixtures that are “smart.” I have also spoken on plumbing fixtures that conserve water without sacrificing performance. These are great innovations that provide a more robust experience and/or help to preserve our precious resources and in turn reduce operating expenses.
In this article, I would like to bring attention to one of the hottest trends in the industry: leak detection and flow analytics.
With the continual expansion of IOT (Internet of things), many manufacturers have been able to create systems that can manage water flow, recognize leaks, mitigate situations and provide real-time analytics and alerts via the Internet.
Basically, these systems are made up of a brain, a solenoid, sensors and flow meters. The solenoid valve and flow meter (not all systems have flow meters) are installed at the main water line of a unit, the sensors are installed at any area where a leak may occur, and the brain monitors and analyzes the performance of the system. Long story short, if a sensor detects a leak, the brain will shut off the solenoid valve and alert the user. Units with the flow meter can provide additional analytics on flow as well as usage by time, days, months, peak usage.
The systems are relatively inexpensive and can be as simple as a basic shut-off system or provide full analytics. Of course, you should hire a licensed plumber to install the system, and Internet connectivity is necessary for analytics and alert features. I know, dollar signs are flowing through your head, but there are several important benefits to a system that are extremely attractive to the building, facilities and property management community.
The first and obvious benefit is the mitigation of water intrusion caused by leaking fixtures or user error. Stopping a single major flood could pay for all the systems in a building.
Furthermore, many insurance companies are willing to provide a premium discount if these units are installed.
Imagine getting an alert that the toilet sensor in the hallway bathroom of unit 909 detected a leak—amazing, right? Take it a step further. The alert said that the solenoid valve was turned off and the water flow has been stopped. What is that worth to you? Not only do you know there was a leak, but it was mitigated and now you can finish up what you are doing and head over to assess the situation.
The second and often overlooked value of the system is the flowmeter. Many of our properties are built with a single water meter and/or a central water heating system. With a system installed at each unit, you can now assess usage by unit. The real-time analytics can tell you exactly which unit is using water, how much, how long, when, and the list goes on. What a tremendous benefit beyond leak detection for your ownership or AOAO.
The last benefit I will bring up, even though there are more, is the remote management ability. If your property has part-time residences or periodic gaps between occupants, you can remotely turn off the water system. How many times have your tenants left the unit and didn’t report a leak or even left something running. With the remote management, you can turn the system off until you can do formal inspection. How cool is that?
There are multiple companies making smart systems today: LeakSmart, Honeywell Home, Sense Guard by Grohe, Flo by Moen. There are different methods that the brains use to calculate a leak, sensors, algorithms or a combination of both, so be sure to take your time in choosing the correct system for your needs.
On the subject of IOT, plumbing and analytics, I want to also mention several companies who have incorporated similar technology into commercial faucets and flush valves. With the Internet, a small brain, a small flow meter and a small solenoid, faucets and flush valves can be connected to an operating system. The brain will allow ownership to recognize leaking fixtures from afar and through alerts. For properties with dozens of public restrooms, it is a task to monitor all of the faucets and flush valves for functionality. Imagine if they started telling you they aren’t working, possibly telling you what is wrong? Furthermore, when you get the analytics, you will see which bathrooms are heaviest or least used, even which stalls or urinals are heaviest or least. You can then manage your maintenance and cleaning plans around true usage. We are even seeing large properties redesign their layouts, traffic patterns and bathroom spacing for future projects. ❖
Timothy Yee is area manager for Ferguson Enterprises, Hawaii. He has 25 years of experience in plumbing, appliance, lighting, cabinets, water works, fire sprinkler and industrial wholesale distribution. He is active in traditional specification, design-build and design-assist process for residential and commercial projects. Reach him at 832-7441 or Tim.Yee@Ferguson.com.
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