Water leakage continues to pose a significant challenge for both residential and commercial properties across the UK. The financial, environmental and operational consequences are considerable, with rising water bills, and increasing insurance claims for water damage underscoring the urgency of developing better leak detection and management solutions.
The challenge of water leakage
Over one trillion litres of water were reportedly lost across the UK last year due to leaks, with the average person in England and Wales wasting 51 litres of water daily, as reported by Ofwat. A large proportion of this loss stems from outdated infrastructure. Corroded pipes, damage from adverse weather, and gradual structural shifts often lead to undetected leaks, which not only incur substantial repair costs but also waste valuable resources.
Detecting leaks before they cause serious damage proves to be a difficult task. This is especially the case in older properties where leaks may remain hidden under floors or within walls. Traditional leak detection methods such as visual inspections or waiting for visible signs of water damage tend to be reactive and often prove too late. By the time leaks are identified, issues like dampness, weakened structures, and severe water damage have often already set in, requiring costly repairs.
Given that many UK properties are decades old, this problem is only compounded by the vulnerability of aging infrastructure. For property managers and local councils responsible for managing large estates of older buildings, the need for more effective and accurate leak detection has become increasingly urgent.
A technological solution
Rather than relying on sporadic manual inspections or waiting for a pipe to burst, IoT technology paired with sub-gigahertz connectivity offers a promising solution. By deploying sensors that can monitor moisture levels, water flow, and pipe integrity, leaks can be detected in their earliest stages - long before they become visible to the naked eye. These sensors are versatile and can be installed in new and existing properties, making them applicable to residential, commercial and public sector buildings.
Low Power Wide-Area Network (LPWAN) connectivity, which operates in the sub-1GHz range, provides distinct advantages over conventional cellular and Wi-Fi networks in this context. Sub-gigahertz technologies support long-range communication, allowing signals to penetrate tough materials like steel and concrete, and ensure reliable data transmission even from underground sensors. Additionally, these devices have lower power consumption compared to alternatives, which means they can remain operational for longer periods.
These systems don’t just stop at early detection. They also offer automated responses. For example, when a leak is detected, the sensors can trigger an electro-mechanical valve to instantly shut off the water supply, preventing further damage. This can be done remotely through an app, giving users precise control over the water flow within their properties. By integrating IoT and LPWAN technologies, these systems offer a proactive, hands-off solution to a problem traditionally managed through reactive approaches.
Advantages for property managers and insurers
The transition from manual inspections to automated monitoring offers substantial benefits for property managers and insurers. IoT sensors can continuously monitor water systems, providing real time alerts that allow swift action before minor issues turn into major ones. This reduces the need for routine inspections and enables facilities teams to manage multiple properties remotely, which boosts operational efficiency.
For insurers, these advanced leak detection systems are increasingly being recognised for their potential to reduce claims and prevent water damage. In the UK, insurers currently pay out an estimated £1.8m daily on water related claims. By incorporating leak detection technology into commercial and residential properties, insurers can reduce the frequency and severity of claims, leading to lower premiums for property owners.
Environmental and conservation benefits
Beyond the financial and operational benefits, IoT and sub-gigahertz connectivity play an important role in addressing the growing concern of water wastage. Water conservation is a pressing issue in the UK, especially considering climate change. Projections indicate that by 2050, the UK will require an additional five billion litres per day to meet demand. As a result, the Environment Agency has already identified smart meters as a key element of future water management strategies to help ensure long-term sustainability.
Take, for example, a historic building in London. Due to its age, the plumbing system in the building has developed a slow, undetected leak in a pipe beneath the floorboards of a tenant’s flat. Without IoT-enabled sensors, this leak would likely remain hidden for months, only becoming noticeable when substantial water damage had occurred, endangering the building’s structural integrity. At that point, repair costs and insurance claims would be considerable, and a significant amount of water would have been wasted.
With IoT sensors installed, the system detects abnormal moisture levels in real time, triggering an alert that allows property managers to address the issue immediately. By taking swift action, the leak is resolved before it becomes a serious problem, ultimately saving water and mitigating potential damage. In densely populated urban areas, where infrastructure is complex, these technologies enable pinpoint accuracy in locating issues - whether in a centuries old building in London or a modern development elsewhere.
Conclusion
IoT and sub-gigahertz connectivity offers a forward-thinking solution to water leakage challenges in the UK. By adopting these innovations, property managers and insurers can not only reduce costs and prevent damage, but also contribute to the critical conservation of water resources. As the country's water infrastructure continues to age and throw up problems, these technologies will play a key role in shaping the future of efficient, sustainable water management and enhancing the resilience of buildings nationwide.
Gareth Mitchell, UK Partner Manager, Heliot Europe, and Andy Welch, Business Development Manager, LeakSafe
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