Your clients trust you to protect their homes from a wide range of potential disasters, and water damage is among the biggest. A small, undetected leak can quickly escalate into a catastrophic flood, causing thousands of dollars in damage and untold stress for homeowners. That’s why being proactive is key.
One of the best ways you can help your clients protect their property is by installing a whole-house water leak detection device. These smart systems are a game-changer, offering an early warning system that can shut off the water supply before a minor drip becomes a major problem. But to be effective, they have to be installed correctly. That’s where your expertise comes in.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about installing a whole-house water leak detection device, with a special focus on our go-to product: the LeakSecure. We’ll cover where it should be installed, the factors you need to consider, and provide a step-by-step guide to ensure a perfect installation every time. By the end, you’ll be able to confidently add this valuable service to your offerings, giving your clients an unparalleled level of protection.
What is a Whole House Water Leak Detector?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of installation, let’s quickly cover what these devices are and why they’re so crucial for modern homes. Unlike spot detectors that only monitor a single area, like a water heater or washing machine, a whole-house water leak detector is a comprehensive system designed to protect the entire plumbing network.
These systems are installed directly on the main water line as it enters the home. They use advanced sensors—often flow meters or ultrasonic technology—to continuously monitor the water moving through the pipes. The device “learns” a home’s typical water usage patterns. If it detects abnormal flow that could indicate a leak (like water running continuously for an extended period when no one is home), it triggers an alert.
The best systems, like the LeakSecure, don’t just send a notification to the homeowner’s smartphone. They take immediate action by automatically shutting off the main water supply via an integrated valve. This feature is what transforms the device from a simple monitor into a powerful, active protection system. For your clients, this means that even if they are on vacation or asleep, their home is protected from catastrophic water damage. Offering this kind of security is a powerful way to demonstrate your value as a professional plumber.
Key Factors for Device Placement
Choosing the right spot to install a whole-house water leak detection device is the most critical step for ensuring it works effectively. It’s not a one-size-fits-all situation; you’ll need to assess each home individually. Here are the main factors to consider when deciding where to install a device like the LeakSecure.
1. The Main Water Line Entry Point
This is the golden rule. The device must be installed on the main water line, just after the home’s main shut-off valve and water meter (if it’s inside). This placement ensures that the detector is monitoring every drop of water that enters the home’s plumbing system. Placing it anywhere else “downstream” would mean any leaks occurring before the device would go completely undetected.
- Locating the Main: In most homes, the main water line enters through the basement, crawl space, or a utility closet on the ground floor. In warmer climates like Arizona or Texas, where we have many of our Van Marcke branches, it’s often found in the garage or an exterior utility box. You’ll need to trace the line from where it enters the property to find the optimal installation point.
2. Accessibility for Installation and Maintenance
While you need to be at the main water line, you also need to think about practicality. The chosen location must have enough physical space for you to comfortably cut the pipe, fit the device, and secure the connections. Remember, these devices aren’t huge, but you’ll need elbow room to work with your tools.
Beyond the initial installation, consider future maintenance. The homeowner might need to access the device to check its status lights, and you might need to service or replace it down the line. Installing it in a cramped, hard-to-reach corner of a crawl space might seem possible, but it’s a headache waiting to happen. Always choose a spot that’s reasonably accessible.
3. Proximity to a Power Source
Most advanced whole-house leak detectors, including the LeakSecure, require a standard electrical outlet to power the unit and its smart features. When scouting for a location, make sure a power outlet is nearby.
- Best Practice: Avoid using extension cords, as they can be a safety hazard and are often not up to code for permanent installations. If there isn’t an outlet within a few feet, you may need to coordinate with an electrician to have one installed. This is an important part of the job to discuss with the homeowner upfront.
4. Wi-Fi Signal Strength
Smart leak detectors connect to the home’s Wi-Fi network to send alerts and allow for remote control via a smartphone app. Basements, garages, and utility closets are notoriously bad spots for Wi-Fi signals. Before you start cutting pipes, it’s a good idea to check the Wi-Fi strength in the proposed installation area using a smartphone.
- Troubleshooting: If the signal is weak or non-existent, you might need to recommend a Wi-Fi extender or mesh network system to the homeowner. A reliable connection is non-negotiable for the smart features to work as intended. A leak detector that can’t send an alert isn’t much better than no detector at all.
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing LeakSecure
Alright, now let’s get our hands dirty. This guide is designed for professional plumbers installing the LeakSecure, which we proudly stock at Van Marcke Plumbing Supply. While the general steps are similar for other devices, always consult the manufacturer’s specific instructions.
Tools & Materials You’ll Need:
- LeakSecure Whole House Water Leak Detection Device
- Pipe cutter
- Deburring tool
- Tape measure
- Permanent marker
- Two pipe wrenches
- Appropriate fittings for the pipe type (e.g., compression fittings, ProPress fittings)
- Teflon tape or pipe dope (if using threaded fittings)
- Bucket and towels (for catching residual water)
- Safety glasses
Step 1: Pre-Installation Checklist & Safety
- Confirm with the Homeowner: Walk the homeowner through the installation plan. Confirm the chosen location, the need for power, and the Wi-Fi check.
- Safety First: Put on your safety glasses. Even a simple job can have unexpected risks.
- Shut Off the Main Water Supply: Locate the home’s main shut-off valve (usually just before the water meter) and close it completely.
- Drain the System: Open a faucet on the lowest level of the house (like a basement sink) and another on the highest level (like a second-floor bathroom). This will relieve the pressure and drain most of the water from the pipes, minimizing mess.
Step 2: Measure and Cut the Pipe
- Position the Device: Hold the LeakSecure device up to the section of the main water line where you plan to install it. Ensure the flow arrow on the device is pointing in the direction of the water flow (away from the main shut-off valve and towards the house).
- Mark for Cutting: Use a permanent marker to mark the pipe on both sides of where the device will sit. Take into account the length of the device itself plus the fittings you will use. Accuracy here is key to a good fit.
- Make the Cut: Place a bucket under the pipe. Use your pipe cutter to make a clean, straight cut on your marks. Be prepared for some residual water to spill out.
Step 3: Prepare the Pipe Ends
- Deburr the Edges: Use a deburring tool to smooth the inside and outside edges of the cut pipe. This is a crucial step that many amateurs skip. Burrs can damage the O-rings in your fittings and cause a slow leak over time.
- Clean the Pipe: Wipe the pipe ends clean to ensure a good seal with the fittings.
Step 4: Install the LeakSecure Device
- Attach Fittings: Attach the appropriate adapter fittings to the ends of the LeakSecure device. If you’re using threaded fittings, apply Teflon tape or pipe dope. For a faster and more reliable connection, we highly recommend using ProPress fittings if you have the tool. It saves time and creates a consistently excellent seal.
- Fit the Device: Carefully slide the device with its attached fittings into the gap you created in the pipe. Ensure it’s oriented correctly with the flow arrow pointing in the right direction.
- Tighten Connections: Use your pipe wrenches to tighten the fittings. Use one wrench to hold the device or the fitting steady and the other to tighten the nut, preventing stress on the device’s housing. Tighten until snug, but be careful not to overtighten, which can crack the fittings or damage the device.
Step 5: Power Up and Test for Leaks
- Turn the Water Back On: Slowly open the main shut-off valve. Listen for the sound of water filling the pipes and watch your new connections like a hawk.
- Inspect for Leaks: Carefully inspect all your connections for any drips or moisture. Run your finger around each joint. Even the smallest bead of water indicates a problem that needs to be addressed.
- Plug It In: Once you’re confident the installation is leak-free, plug the LeakSecure device into the nearby power outlet. The device will power on, and status lights should indicate it’s operational.
Step 6: Connect to Wi-Fi and Configure the App
- Guide the Homeowner: This final step is usually best done with the homeowner. Have them download the LeakSecure app on their smartphone.
- Follow App Instructions: The app will provide on-screen instructions for connecting the device to their home Wi-Fi network. This typically involves selecting the device’s network from the phone’s Wi-Fi list and then entering the home Wi-Fi credentials.
- Final Touches: Walk the homeowner through the app’s features, showing them how to monitor usage, set alerts, and manually shut off the water. This is your chance to shine as a full-service expert.
Why Choose LeakSecure from Van Marcke?
As professional plumbers, you have options when it comes to the products you recommend. At Van Marcke Plumbing Supply, we stand behind LeakSecure because it’s a product designed with both the plumber and the homeowner in mind. It’s reliable, easy to install (especially with ProPress fittings), and offers the top-tier features that clients are looking for, like automatic shut-off and a user-friendly app.
When you source your LeakSecure devices from us, you’re not just getting a quality product. You’re getting a partner. We have the stock you need in our locations across Arizona, Nevada, and Texas, and our team understands the demands of your job. We’re here to make sure you have the reliable supplies and support to get the job done right, efficiently, and profitably.
Elevate Your Service with Expert Installation
Properly installing a whole-house water leak detection device is a powerful way to enhance your service offerings and provide genuine value to your clients. It shifts the conversation from reactive repairs to proactive protection, positioning you as a trusted advisor for the modern homeowner. By understanding where to install the device and following a precise installation process, you ensure the system will perform flawlessly when it’s needed most.
Ready to start offering this essential service to your clients? Stop by your local store or visit us on PlumbersOnly.com to pick up the LeakSecure. We have everything you need to protect your clients’ homes and grow your business.