As more and more business owners look for ways to avoid the issues that come with plumbing emergencies, the commercial and multifamily markets have seen massive technological advances in detecting and shutting down water lines. We have worked with countless properties around Ann Arbor, MI to install these sensors and valves, and they are great whether you have a tenant in place or are between rentals. Let’s dive in and see what is on the market for smart leak detection specifically designed for the commercial plumbing market, as well as some suitable cost-effective upgrades that might help prevent a flood in the first place!
Flow Meters
Flow meters are designed to measure total water volume and pressure abnormalities in your water pipes. If you have a burst pipe, low flow, or a fixture running, the sensor will detect the issue and automatically alert you. There are a few main types of flow meters in the commercial space, each with their own specific features and perks.
Ultrasonic
Ultrasonic flow meters use acoustic waves to measure water flow in a pipe and deliver highly accurate readings without cutting into your existing plumbing. These flow meters can be used on hot and cold water systems and are a great fit for a broader commercial building automation network or in a zone approach.
Electromagnetic
Using Faraday’s law of induction, electromagnetic flow meters work great in multiple settings, including greywater and particulate-heavy water systems. As they have no pressure drop, they are accurate and dependable and will not affect the overall plumbing system during operation.
Mechanical Variable
Also called spring-and-piston flow meters, these durable and economical flow meters provide local mechanical readings on essential pipes. With their ease of installation and ability to be mounted on any pipe in any orientation, mechanical variable flow meters are the traditional choice for a reason.
Spot and Rope Sensors
Known as the frontline of leak defence in commercial buildings, spot and rope sensors are deployed as part of a broader effort to identify and track flooding in any space. Spot sensors are generally positioned above the floor service and trigger an alarm when water bridges the gap between its metal prongs. These sensors are often used in pan liners and in areas prone to flooding, as well as near plumbing equipment such as hot water tanks, pumps, chillers, sump pumps, and backflow preventors. In comparison, rope or cable sensors are specialized conductive-polymer cables laid on the floor around a room or piece of equipment that automatically detect water. These sensors are typically installed beneath raised floors in manufacturing settings or on the underside of pipe galleries. For the majority of commercial and multifamily clients, both types of sensors are connected to a building automation system that can detect the leak and take action remotely before a commercial plumber is called in to fix the problem for good.
Automatic Shut Off Valves
Sensors and flow meters can detect an issue, but it will continue unless you can stop the water flow at the source. Automatic shut-off valves are a great option for those looking for greater control over their building’s water systems, allowing you to prevent catastrophic damage from a burst pipe, loose fitting, or other issue. In commercial buildings, automatic shut-off valves are designed specifically for the lines they serve and can handle everything from 1.5-inch to 6-inch heavy-duty lines. As many plumbing systems are already zoned, automatic valves can also be zoned for individual units, floors or buildings. Finally, since many commercial and multifamily buildings are already configured as connected systems with automation and alerts, your shutoff valve will seamlessly integrate into your existing network via wired relays and cellular backups.
Commercial buildings have complex, often interconnected water systems that require smart investments to monitor and respond to issues. From emergencies like burst or frozen pipes to routine drain leaks, a commercial building equipped with sensors and shut-off valves will help reduce the risk of a catastrophic flood and the associated water damage. So, if you are interested in chatting about your commercial plumbing smart monitoring options in Ann Arbour, MI, then let’s chat and see how Fry can set your building up for success from day one with connected smart sensors and automated shut-off valves.
