This informal CPD article, ‘Water Leaks in Modern Construction’, was provided by Quensus, an organization with a mission to provide a more sustainable future for our clean water supply. They bring user-friendly, professional water management solutions to customers in enterprise corporations, small businesses, and the public sector.
While not always a primary concern, water leak detection is rapidly climbing the list of priorities for property developers, managers, and even insurers. In the modern era where technological advancement marries environmental concern, we see the emergence of systems like automatic flow surveillance and intelligent water control devices. Referred to colloquially as leak prevention systems, they play an increasingly significant role in contemporary construction and property management. Here’s why.
Deciphering the Real Cost of Water Damage
The repercussions of water damage extend far beyond the apparent physical damage. It's a lurking menace, statistically proving to overshadow the risks of fires and thefts. In general, nearly two-thirds of construction sites can experience some form of water damage. The financial aftermath, in the absence of proactive measures, can be staggering.
Imagine the scenario: without a leak prevention, the damages might cost a site its insurance deductible, which typically floats between £50k to £250k. When you consider the potential damages across a portfolio of properties, even using a conservative average deductible of £150k, we’re staring at an overall average potential added cost of £100k per property!
But the monetary implications are just the tip of the iceberg. Delays due to water damage can have cascading effects, potentially escalating costs tenfold. The tangible loss paired with the potential loss of reputation makes water damage a formidable adversary.
However, the introduction of a leak prevention system can dramatically shift this narrative. With this system in place, damages are limited to a mere 11% of projects. And while the upfront cost of installation might hover around £30k for each project, the long-term savings speak for themselves. A reduction of £55k per project, when averaged, is an undeniable boon. And that’s without factoring in the ripple effect of minimised insurance claims and a smoother construction trajectory, unhindered by water-related delays.
Demystifying the Leak Prevention System
So, what comprises this seemingly miraculous system? At its heart, automatic flow monitoring utilises an advanced electronic component. This unit continually monitors and records water flow data. This data, which is relayed to a sophisticated cloud-based system, is the lifeblood of the system. The intelligent valve feeds off this data, studying and understanding water consumption patterns. By doing so, it’s primed to detect deviations, flagging potential leaks, and, in critical scenarios, halt water flow. This pre-emptive action is pivotal in preventing potential water damage, insurance claims, and project disruptions.
For maximum efficacy, contemporary leak prevention systems harness software to manage and relay alerts, ensuring transparency and actionable insights for all stakeholders. In the bustling environment of a construction site, key personnel are instantly notified. In operational buildings, alerts funnel through managerial channels or dedicated personnel, fostering collaborative, and informed decision-making.
Beyond Money Savings: The Environmental Footprint
A factor not to be dismissed is the environmental implication. Leak prevention systems do more than safeguard against monetary loss. They pave the way for optimised water usage, fostering both economic and ecological savings. Furthermore, as the world grows increasingly eco-conscious, the role of such systems in conserving energy and reducing carbon footprints cannot be overstated.
Conclusion
Water damage, if unchecked, poses both a tangible and intangible threat. In the rapidly evolving landscape of construction and property management, leak prevention systems aren’t a luxury but a necessity. An investment in such systems is a testament to foresight, marrying financial prudence with environmental responsibility.
We hope this article was helpful. For more information from Quensus, please visit their CPD Member Directory page. Alternatively, you can go to the CPD Industry Hubs for more articles, courses and events relevant to your Continuing Professional Development requirements.
