How a GCB Client Avoided Disaster by Installing an Affordable Water Sensor

By Lauren Dallas, Personal Lines Manager

It might be said that, as independent insurance agents, we are in the “better safe than sorry” business. Well, never has that been more true than when the Johnsons (using an assumed name to honor their anonymity) avoided a possible catastrophe in their home recently.

And all it took was a simple device that you can purchase online for around $50 or less.

The Story of the Water Sensor That Saved the Day

Mr. Johnson was working the night shift when he received an alert on his smartphone. “Water leak detected in basement,” read the notification. 

Just weeks prior, Mr. Johnson had purchased a water sensor device that connects to the home’s wifi and is managed by a smartphone app. Just as it was designed to do, the sensor detected water in the home’s basement and immediately sent the notification to Mr. Johnson’s phone.

From work, Mr. Johnson called home to alert his wife that he had received the notification. Mrs. Johnson went into the basement to discover that, sure enough, water was leaking from the home’s water heater. With the help of her father, she was able to find the main water line and turn off the water going to the house.

Further investigation would later reveal a crack in the water heater, which, if left unattended to, would have likely resulted in a complete bursting of the water heater. The damage done could have been catastrophic, with the basement flooding, treasured possessions being destroyed, and likely a costly insurance claim.

Instead, the issue was discovered and remedied before disaster could strike. A new water heater was installed, and the story had a happy ending. All because of one key foresight and a small investment in being “better safe than sorry.”

Get Your Water Sensor Today!

Avoiding disaster is just one of many reasons that we recommend all homeowners have a water sensor installed. In fact, we make it a standard practice to inquire about the existence of water sensors in the homes when we quote insurance policies. Many carriers will offer a premium discount if a homeowner has installed a water sensor, usually covering the cost of the device, making a smart decision that pays for itself!

Even bigger discounts are available for homeowners who install an automatic-shutoff water sensor, which will not only detect leaks throughout the entire home, but will turn off the water going to the house if a leak is detected. This is especially important for homeowners who travel a lot or who split the year between homes and vacation properties. They are more expensive items to purchase, but the discounts offered are greater, and they offer additional peace of mind for people who spend long periods of time away from a property they own.

We feel so strongly about the value of having water sensors in the home, we are giving one away monthly! We have included a monthly water sensor giveaway as part of our popular Referral Rewards program. 

Simply refer a family member or friend to us and you will be automatically entered into the monthly drawing. You will also both receive a Starbucks gift card, and you will be eligible for our $250 cash drawing at the end of the year!