Water damage in residential houses is, no doubt, a devastating event for a family. However, water damage in heavy industry facilities is catastrophic because it affects not only the belongings of one family, but the livelihoods of hundreds of people, forcing the halt of production and, in the long run, might even affect a local economy. That is why smart water-leak detectors have a crucial role in discovering a water leak before it turns into a disastrous flooding in any heavy industry, from oil and gas extraction to manufacturing facilities and heavy civil engineering.
How do smart water leak detectors work?
By using a combination of specialized sensor technologies, automated response systems, and data analytics, smart water detectors are designed to monitor water distribution in complex industrial networks and prevent severe damage.
Those systems often utilize cellular networks or industrial protocols like Modbus and BACnet that ensure uninterrupted monitoring even during power outages. Because industrial water systems are robust and scalable, water leak detection ought to address even minor issues quickly and prevent operational disruptions.
An industrial water leak detection system is designed with three main parts: a control module, sensors, and a response system.
- The control module is a unit that processes data collected by the sensors. Then the control module runs it through intelligent algorithms to detect water leaks or reduce false alarms.
- Sensors are typically placed in designated areas such as pipelines, data centers, and specific machinery to collect data.
- The response system triggers local alarms, including sirens and visual indicators, as soon as a leak is detected, and sends notifications to facility management (via text or designated app). Several alert systems also feature automatic water shut-off.
How to choose smart water leak detectors?
- Detection technology:
There are several factors and differences in detection technology you would want to consider when choosing the best smart water leak detector for heavy industry.
- For instance, cable or linear sensors are ideal for covering pipelines, installed under raised floors, or covering large areas.
- Within the same detection technology, flow or pressure monitoring systems are designed to analyze water usage throughout the entire network to determine any anomalies. Those monitoring systems are especially effective for complex plumbing systems.
- Point sensors, on the other hand, are best for high-risk confined areas such as near machinery or drip pans, because they can quickly detect leaks in targeted areas.
- Acoustic and ultrasonic detectors within detection technology are useful for identifying leaks in inaccessible pipes by catching specific sounds that indicate escaping water.
- Resilience and durability:
When it comes to industrial-grade materials for smart water leak systems, consider rugged components and high IP ratings that could withstand high humidity, chemical exposure, dust, and other industrial elements.
Additionally, choose devices with long-life batteries or fail-safe mechanisms that ensure an uninterrupted power supply.
- Connectivity and integration:
A reliable network is indispensable for industrial settings, especially during power outages. That is where cellular-connected sensors are more suitable than Wi-Fi-powered ones, because they use an independent network.
At the same time, you would want to ensure that the water leak detecting system is compatible with existing building management systems (BMS) via platforms for centralized monitoring and control like BACnet, Modbus, or IoT.
Remote monitoring is another vital part of connectivity and integration. Typically, the water leak detection system should offer a variety of notifications through emails, phone texts, and app prompts to alert designated personnel about water leaks.
- Usability and configuration:
There is almost no industry left that was not affected by AI (mostly in a beneficial way), and water leak detection systems are not an exception. AI-Powered analytics mitigate false positives and help to analyze water use patterns, thereby distinguishing between actual leaks and expected operational use.
To tie this factor to the previous one (connectivity and integration), configurable alerts are a useful feature to have if you are supervising a large team of employees, and several people will need to have access to system notifications. In that case, configurable alerts will allow customization of alerts, for example, who might receive them based on staff roles and schedules.
Of course, you would also want the water leak detection system to be easily manageable. While most systems that cater to heavy industries will be installed by a professional, opt for systems that are also easy to test and maintain.
- Automation and expandability:
Lastly, we recommend choosing a smart water leak detecting system that offers integration with automatic shut-off valves. Those systems shut off water flow immediately upon leak detection, which might be most consequential in preventing water damage in industrial facilities.
Besides the auto-shut-off feature, the water leak detecting system should be easily expandable. Depending on the size of a building, it should cover an entire facility (or several buildings) and expand, if necessary, by adding more sensors without requiring a completely new system installation.
Best Industrial and Commercial Building Water Monitoring
Gems Sensors & Controls
Features
As one of the major suppliers of sensing and controlling solutions, Gems Sensors (with facilities in North America, Europe, and Asia) offers an expansive portfolio of flow and pressure sensors, proximity switches and integrated fluid management solutions, and more. Their water leak detection system is widely used by various industries, from agriculture to medical devices.
Such reliance on Gems Sensors’ monitoring solutions is self-evident: for instance, their RotorFlow flow sensors and turbine flow sensors are known for corrosion-resistant materials and high quality, which makes them an ideal choice for use in tough environments. Of course, customers also appreciate the high accuracy of flow rates in liquid monitoring and the vast compatibility with other monitoring systems.
ULS-200 Solid-State Point-Level Sensor
One of Gems Sensors’ new products is a modern and durable solution designed to sense liquid levels. It is widely used by data center cooling systems, HVAC, and industrial tanks, or any other sector where durability and precision of leak detection are paramount to production.
The ULS-200 Solid-State Point-Level Sensor is a solid-state technology that increases service life and reliability and makes it most suitable for commercial operations.
Pros
- Most suitable for large facilities like data centers (the system is designed to work reliably in harsh conditions, including high process pressures (up to 300 PSIG), wide temperature ranges, and environments with high humidity or condensation).
- Durable and resistant to build-up (capacitive technology is designed to resist coating, film, and mineral deposits).
- Solid-state technology (The sensor uses electronic switching instead of mechanical floats or optical prisms).
Cons
- Calibrated to monitor a specific liquid (for example, if a new chemical is added to water, the sensor’s accuracy might be affected).
- Struggles with highly conductive liquids (extreme conductivity, like concentrated acids, can disturb the electrical field the sensor relies on).
- Level sensing (based on a sensor’s location, the system can only tell if the liquid level is at the specific point).
Model 3100 & 3200 Series Pressure Sensors
Features
Another water monitoring solution by Gems Sensors is the Model 3100 & 3200 Series Pressure Sensors. Known for their reliable performance, the 3100 and 3200 series sensors are designed to monitor liquid pressure within a system. The sensors are widely used for pumps, compressors, and industrial hydraulics, ensuring the accuracy of monitoring.
The 3100 and 3200 series of pressure sensors use sputtered thin film technology that provides top-tier performance and is easily integrated into existing monitoring systems.
Pros
- Known for the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) applications (due to their exceptional ruggedness and consistent performance).
- Superior durability and robust construction (all wetted parts, meaning components that come in close contact with the liquid, are built to survive harsh industrial elements).
- High Shock and vibration tolerance (crucial for mobile equipment, hydraulic systems, and heavy-duty machinery).
- Engineered to withstand high proof pressures.
Cons
- Limited media compatibility (although wetted parts offer impressive resistance for hydraulics, oil, and water; the sensors are not universally compatible with highly aggressive or corrosive chemicals).
- Do not offer differential pressure measurements.
Watts Water Technologies
Features
The story of Watts Water Technologies traces back to 1874, when it started as a machine shop and has grown into today’s worldwide known water solution technology company. Although Watts Water Technologies offers solutions for drainage, HVAC, plumbing, and rainwater harvesting, its primary focus has been on advanced monitoring technology within its Nexa Intelligent Water Management Platform.
Instead of a single sensor, the Nexa platform is an integrated ecosystem of sensing technologies. It was engineered for large commercial and industrial buildings to maximize water system efficiency and prevent costly damage. The Nexa’s best sensor is the leak detection sensor, which targets real-time visibility and focuses on water safety and efficiency. The platform also consists of flow sensors and meters (to monitor consumption patterns and identify anomalies), and point-of-use leak detectors (sensors like the SentryPlus and Alert Discharge Sensor are used with pressure relief valves).
Just like any other advanced water leak detecting platform, Nexa Intelligent Water Management integrates those sensors with software that offers alerts when a leak is detected and controlled, such as automatic shut-off.
Pros
- The automatic system shuts off the moment a leak or a burst pipe is detected.
- 24/7 Remote monitoring (provides constant supervision and instant notifications via text, email, or a mobile app as soon as pipe temperature drops or a leak is detected).
- Micro-leak monitoring (tracks unusual flow patterns and can identify low-volume consumption that signifies a slow leak).
- Freeze detection (the system sends alerts if water temperature drops low enough to cause pipe freezing).
Cons
- Requires an ecosystem that is compatible with Nexa equipment (to get maximum benefit, including remote control and diagnostic data, you would need to integrate compatible products from Watts brands).
- Data overload and maintenance requirements (facilities that do not have dedicated digital infrastructure staff might find collected data overwhelming). Additionally, the software requires constant monitoring and regular maintenance to keep it proactive.
Sinopé Technologies (Sedna Mesh)
Features
As Canada’s largest manufacturer in designing smart home devices, Sinope Technologies features ecosystems that include smart thermostats, lighting controls, water monitoring, and other control devices that focus on energy optimization and remote control.
Amongst those systems, Sedna Mesh is one of the prominent names on the market. The system uses Sinope’s remote-control solutions for water damage protection, which is highly effective for multi-unit buildings.
By utilizing Wi-Fi mesh technology, Sedna features a smart water valve that communicates with multiple water leak detectors across the whole building.
Because of the mesh technology, the detectors easily sense water leak and frost risks and instantly communicate the signal to the main Senda valve and trigger an automatic shut-off of the water supply.
Pros
- The Senda Smart Protection System monitors water leaks, freezing leaks, and low battery levels.
- Automatic shut-off is a key feature: upon detecting a leak, it shuts off the water supply even without internet or power.
- Senda, named after the Inuit sea goddess (symbolizes a protector of water), also provides a thematic connection that prevents water-related disasters in homes and commercial buildings.
Cons
- Requires professional installation: as a significant initial investment, Sedna Mesh’s installation cost might seem expensive. Besides professional plumbing services required to install Senda Mesh (it has to be installed directly into a primary water line), the central shut-off valve hardware is also expensive.
- Mandatory hub and Z-Wave reliance: to be able to remote control the system via the Neviweb app, you would have to purchase and set up the Sinopé GT130 gateway (hub) or integrate it into an existing Z-Wave controller (like SmartThings).
Honeywell
Features
Honeywell is another widely known company with a wide range of products and software that monitors and manages water systems in commercial buildings and industrial processes. Overall, Honeywell’s industrial automation focuses on managing water quality and usage within water treatment, power generation, and heavy industries.
Honeywell offers solutions that include continuous water quality monitoring (crucial for process optimization and safety), integrated control systems, and utility management (to help companies comply with environmental standards).
Building Automation by Honeywell is specifically engineered for commercial and large facilities. This segment is designed to manage utility consumption, prevent damage to commercial buildings, and protect critical equipment.
By offering large-scale water leak detection systems, Honeywell has several products for commercial environments. One of those products is the Series WD3 Water Leak Detector. This leak detector is designed to protect equipment by detecting water in areas like air handler drip pans, around sump pumps, and under raised data center floors.
Additionally, Honeywell’s leak detection system features sensing cables that provide water alarm sensors with sensing cables. Those sensors detect leaks along the length of the cable, which is why establishments with large perimeters or critical pipelines often choose it.
Within water leak detection systems by Honeywell, Building Management Integration is another vital part. The monitoring devices, such as valves, sensors, and meters, are integrated into the overall building management system and allow facility managers and teams to centralize water control and shut-off water supplies upon leak detection.
Pros
- Simple, flexible, and scalable leak detection (the Series WD3 focuses on immediate, localized leak detection, making it highly accessible for homeowners and small business owners).
- Foundational sensors and sophisticated software, including temperature monitoring and humidity tracking.
- Immediate Multi-Alert System with remote notification.
Cons
- Depending on the water leak detection system you choose, some of them (for instance, the Residio system L1/WD3 sensors paired with the L5 shutoff valve) do not provide diagnostic data, primarily focusing on monitoring quality, temperature, humidity, and leak identification.
Luna Innovations
Features
With a specialty in fiber-optic-based sensing and measurement systems, Luna Innovations provides continuous water monitoring, including wastewater for industrial infrastructure and pipelines.
Luna Innovations’ water management system consists of Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing (DFOS) technologies, which allow for converting a standard optical fiber cable into a comprehensive sensor.
When it comes to pipelene and leak detection, Luna’s systems (often under the OptaSense and LIOS brands), provide continuous monitoring even for long-distance pipelines. By using Distributed Sensing technologies, primarily Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) and Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS).
The Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) technology is designed to use fiber optic cables as a continuous microphone, able to detect a distinct sound that fluid makes (whether vibration or noise) in a pipe. The system detects the noise and pinpoints the location of the leak along the fiber.
The Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS), on the other hand, focuses on temperature changes. When the leaking water is warmer or cooler, and changes along the fiber, the DTS system detects the anomaly and defines its precise location.
Additionally, Luna’s two most comprehensive water monitoring systems are E. coREADi™ and Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) Biosensors. The E. coREADi™ is a portable analysis system that assists in detecting possible fecal coliforms (E. coli). Compared to conventional laboratory methods of assay that offer results within a few days, E. coREADi™ works faster and delivers results within a few hours.
The second water quality monitoring system by Luna (BOD) consists of advanced sensors designed for near-real-time analysis of Biological Oxygen Demand, and defines the total organic concentration and pollution level in water samples.
Overall, since Luna Innovations caters to heavy industries, it provides services and systems beyond basic leak detection, that deliver precise data on the condition and content of water conditions from pipelines to groundwater and wastewater sources.
Pros
- Continuous, real-time monitoring over the entire pipe length.
- High resolution and pinpoint location accuracy.
- Inherently safe and durable in harsh environments.
Cons
- High upfront capital and installation cost.
- Sensitivity to false alarms and signal interpretation.
- Performance is highly dependent on the environment (physical damage risk).
Intuitive Water Systems Inc.
Features
Intuitive Water Systems Inc. (IWS) cover a large scope of commercial and wastewater applications across Canada. Their services include designing, installing, managing and controlling water in commercial, institutional, and high-end residential buildings, as well as providing water purification and management support.
By combining flow monitoring sensors and smart software, IWS leak detection systems specialize in preventing property damage caused by a pipe rupture.
Their detection method focuses on detecting two types of leaks: slow and continuous, and a sudden massive flow increase. While with the former one, it helps to prevent waste by catching a dripping pipe; the latter one immediately reacts to a broken pipe or appliance hose that could cause catastrophic flooding.
IWS’s H2OnAlert (designed to work with the Hallett UV Water Disinfection System), is a remote monitoring system that provides real-time alerts via text or email whenever a leak is detected.
Additionally, it offers continuous supervision of system performance and potential failures, along with key parameters available for download.
Unlike Luna Innovations, we mentioned earlier, which helps to manage water use in vast infrastructures, Intuitive Water Systems is specifically designed to help property owners and facility managers stop a flood and prevent irreversible damage to homes or commercial goods.
Pros
- 24/7 Monitoring and remote notifications
- Weather-resistant and ideal for both indoor and outdoor installations
- Easy to set up
- System compatibility with Hallett UV systems
Cons
- False alarm risk if the device is not perfectly calibrated
- Flow threshold limitation (if a pipe has a small, steady pinhole leak that is below the flow rate “leak detection,” the system may not send a notification about it, categorizing the leak as normal flow).
Orca Water
Features
Another company that helps commercial, multi-family, and residential building owners gain better control over water usage and mitigate damage is Orca Water.
The company focuses on understanding water patterns and providing predictive measures for leak detection. Orca Water’s primary focus is on an advanced technological system that will detect water leaks and monitor water use while providing insights and water analysis.
Although Orca Water is not suitable for heavy industry usage, smaller commercial establishments trust this company for monitoring abnormal water events in real-time to mitigate damaging floods and costly insurance claims.
Orca Water leak detection system is a data-driven monitoring system that not only pinpoints the location of leaks and floods but also provides a sustainable overview of water usage in a building. Access to after-use data allows for improving decisions around the property’s use of water.
In addition to expected standard water monitoring, leak detection, and advanced software (with deep analytics of the water use patterns), Orca Water promises an immediate notification upon leak detection.
Pros
- Ongoing water monitoring and real-time notifications
- Cost savings, whether by mitigating water damage or insurance reduction
- Accurate pinpointing of leaks and floods
- Convenient dashboard
- Water analytics and data
Cons
- Not suitable for heavy industry establishments
- Lack of an automatic water shutoff feature
- Limited fixture-level monitoring depth
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