Smart Home Plumbing Technology Is Revolutionizing How Illinois Homeowners Protect Their Most Valuable Investment

Water damage is one of the most common and costly disasters facing Illinois homeowners today. Water damage claims are the second most common type of property damage claim, with 1.61 claims per 100 house years in the 2016-2020 period. In 2018, nearly one in four home insurance claims was the result of water damage. From 2014-2016, the number of water damage claims in the U.S. actually outpaced the number of losses caused by fires and hurricanes. Water damage can result in repair bills between $1,000 to $5,000 or higher, depending on the circumstances. For Illinois residents, where the National Flood Insurance Program estimates that only two inches of water in a home could cause $7,800 in damage, the financial stakes couldn’t be higher.

Fortunately, cutting-edge smart home plumbing technology is changing the game. Internet of Things (IoT) leak detection systems are now providing Illinois homeowners with unprecedented protection against water damage, potentially saving thousands of dollars in repairs while offering insurance premium discounts.

The Power of IoT Leak Detection Technology

The advantages of IoT-based water leak detection systems lie in their real-time monitoring capabilities that offer instant alerts to users. This swift notification system enables timely responses to prevent harm and minimize damages. These sophisticated systems use cutting-edge sensors integrate with data analysis and seamless connectivity to spot leaks with impressive precision. Picture sensors scattered throughout water networks, keeping a vigilant eye on flow rates, pressure levels, and environmental conditions. They send this real-time data to a central hub using wireless technology.

Modern IoT leak detection systems offer several key advantages:

Early Detection: The StreamLabs® smart water monitor keeps an eye on what’s happening with the plumbing behind your walls, and water leak alerts within the app notify you in real-time when water problems arise – before they turn into disasters.
Automatic Shutoff: Phyn Plus smart water assistant and shutoff uses water pressure to detects leaks from pipes in your home and can shut off your water automatically. Phyn Plus will even turn the water off automatically, stopping the water flow.
Usage Monitoring: Phyn uses Ph.D.-level AI to monitor your water usage, providing you with detailed knowledge about your plumbing system and your daily water usage. With each water event, it learns your plumbing and fixtures’ unique signatures to provide you with accurate notifications and learn when new water events occur.

Real-World Results from Illinois Homeowners

The effectiveness of these systems is proven by real user experiences. Within 30 days of installation, 70% of Flume users receive a leak notification. Flume alerts you of abnormal (or accidental) water usage to give you peace of mind whether you’re at home or away. One satisfied user shared: “Within a week, I had a major leak in my sprinkler system at 11 pm. Flume notified me and I turned the valve off until it was repaired. Yesterday I was notified of a possible minor leak and found a toilet valve that needed replacing.”

On average Flume customers reduce their usage by 15%, demonstrating both cost savings and environmental benefits. The technology is particularly valuable for Illinois homeowners who may be away from their properties during harsh winter months when frozen pipes pose the greatest risk.

Insurance Savings and Smart Home Discounts

Beyond preventing costly repairs, IoT leak detection systems can significantly reduce homeowners insurance premiums. Water damage can lead to costly repairs, but smart leak detectors can prevent minor issues from turning into major disasters. Devices like Flo by Moen, Honeywell Lyric, and Phyn detect leaks early and can automatically shut off your water supply to prevent flooding. Some insurers offer additional savings for systems that integrate with your plumbing to provide real-time water usage monitoring.

In our research, we found companies advertising homeowners insurance discounts up to 20%, depending on the device and where you live. Among the companies we surveyed, we saw discounts for a wide variety of devices, including: Water leak sensors. Several major insurers operating in Illinois offer substantial discounts:

If you take advantage of this program you can save up to 10% on a Nationwide home insurance policy. That could amount to a savings of $275 per year, on average.
Have you equipped your home with the latest technology like smart thermostats, theft systems, water leak detectors or smart fire/smoke detectors? If so and they’re connected by broadband, wireless, or cellular technology to alert you when something goes wrong, you could qualify for our Smart Home Discount.
Insurance companies love Phyn because we help insurance companies save on non-weather water claims, and they pass along the savings to you. Ask your agent how you can reduce your insurance premiums with Phyn.

Professional Installation and Local Expertise

While some IoT leak detection systems can be self-installed, Those that have shutoff controls typically cost upward of $400 and require a plumber to install, but could be worth the investment, as they’ll not only help reduce catastrophic damage, but can also help lower your monthly insurance bill. For Illinois homeowners seeking professional installation and ongoing support, working with experienced local professionals ensures optimal system performance.

Flotek Plumbing, based in St. Charles, Illinois, exemplifies the type of trusted local expertise homeowners need. Flotek Plumbing is a five-star rated, full-service plumbing contractor servicing St. Charles, IL, and the Chicago Suburbs. Our team of licensed, bonded, and insured plumbers have extensive experience in residential and commercial plumbing installation, maintenance, and repair. At Flotek Plumbing, our most important mission is to provide professional and reliable service at an honest price. Repeat business and high reviews provide the most transparent and authentic representation of our reputation.

As a family-owned business, “As a family-owned business, they understand the importance of building lasting relationships with their customers. ‘We consider our customers as part of our extended family,’ said Gabriel Cetina, Owner of Flotek Plumbing. ‘Our local presence allows us to provide personalized plumbing services, tailored to the unique needs of our community.'” Their comprehensive plumbing services include water heater installation, pipe repairs, and emergency plumbing support throughout the greater Chicagoland area.

The Future of Home Protection

Smart home plumbing technology represents a fundamental shift from reactive to proactive home protection. Additionally, advanced analytics and predictive maintenance help make informed decisions and implement preventive measures to safeguard properties effectively. Embracing tech safeguards properties, ensures sustainable water management, and mitigates water-related risks for businesses and homeowners.

For Illinois homeowners, the combination of harsh winters, aging infrastructure, and rising water damage costs makes IoT leak detection systems not just a luxury, but a necessity. Phyn technology is engineered to save you thousands of dollars and the headache of undetected leaks. With potential insurance savings, reduced water bills, and protection against catastrophic damage, these systems offer compelling returns on investment.