A wa­ter sensor can pre­vent ma­jor dam­age.

Arriving at your property to find it flooded is a life experience we would wish on no one. A leak that is not stopped in time can cause enormous damage — ruined flooring, water-saturated fixtures, and walls. Water damage in summer cottages is all too common, and at Vörður Insurance, such incidents number in the dozens each year. Given the weather conditions we experience in this country, circumstances that lead to water damage can easily arise. Fortunately, however, it is possible to prevent such damage, or at least limit it, through simple precautionary measures. In autumn, when visits to the cottage become less frequent for most people, it is important that summer cottage owners familiarise themselves with all available means of trying to prevent serious damage.

Getting an alert immediately makes a difference

The difference between minor water damage and major water damage depends on how quickly a leak is discovered. When people receive a leak alert, they can respond immediately — shutting off the water or sending someone to the property. The damage can then be contained to a single room or a limited area, rather than spreading to affect the entire property. This is precisely the main reason why water sensors have grown in popularity in recent years. Unfortunately, there have been quite a few cases in recent years where water has been leaking for days without anyone intervening. In some of these homes, total loss occurred.

How does a water sensor work?

A water sensor is a small, battery-powered device — much like a smoke detector — but it is also connected to the internet and sends a notification to an app on your phone if it detects a leak. The sensor registers moisture immediately and is quick to send an alert to your phone. Many electronics and security companies sell water sensors, and they cost in the range of 3,000–10,000 króna. They can be purchased individually or as part of a larger security package, depending on what suits your needs. It is best to position the water sensor at the base of a drain or on the floor. It is common to place water sensors near sink cabinets, dishwashers, washing machines, and plumbing manifolds — especially where water has no escape route if it begins to leak. Having this small water sensor on watch while the cottage is unoccupied can therefore more than pay for itself.

Other winter precautions for summer cottage owners

During winter, it is important to shut off the hot and cold water inlets and drain connected appliances when the summer cottage is left unoccupied. This is especially important if severe frost is forecast. If the house is heated with radiators, the safest option is to have a closed circulation system with antifreeze and a pre-heater. If the cottage is used by many people, it is important to have clear instructions for closing up the property, along with labelling of pipes and the plumbing manifold. It cannot be taken for granted that everyone knows what to do or is familiar with the cottage's plumbing system. Antifreeze in toilets and sinks can save a great deal if water remains in the traps or if the system cannot be fully drained. A water sensor in the summer cottage is an ideal safety device if wireless internet connectivity is available there.

Now, at the beginning of October, there is no reason to wait. Make sure your summer cottage is properly secured for winter and look into what monitoring and security solutions are available. The water sensor is inexpensive and unobtrusive, yet it can prevent significant damage.