Prevent costly water leaks
on your construction sites
According to a study conducted by CIREG ( Construction Insurance Risk Engineers Group), Massive losses due to water leaks on construction sites are now more likely to occur than fire-related events. Higher costs, higher deductibles, and loss of coverage are all becoming more frequent for unprotected sites( with no system installed for water leak detection and 24×7 water monitoring )
As expenses and delays soar, construction projects need to reduce the potential risk of water leakage. Water leaks from building services on a construction site can have disastrous results, causing significant property damage both on and off-site as well as significant delays.
However, following best practices and greater use of real-time water monitoring technologies could substantially lessen the impact.
Water leaks on construction sites
Water leaks on construction sites/projects and commercial premises can be expensive. It can lead to loss of revenue, health and safety issues and reputational damage. One of the most common reasons for losses during construction projects is water damage. A substantial percentage of Construction All Risk (CAR) claims involve water damage. Water damage can halt a whole construction project, regardless of how big or little the project is
- It can ruin interiors, enhance mould growth, and damage electrical equipment.
- Construction delays could occur as affected areas dry out and damaged materials are dumped and replaced.
- Clean-up and replacement times can minimize profit and add significant delays to completion schedules.
- The contractor will pay at least some of the expenses out of pocket, such as deductibles, debris removal costs that exceed insurance coverage, and lost income due to delays, even if insurance covers the loss.
Water leaks on construction site can occur for a variety of reasons, including –
- From the design phase through operation, there is a lack of awareness and inadequate risk management for utilities.
- Improper on-site supervision and responsibility delegation
- Water leaks are treated less seriously by contractors than fire or other safety risks due to the lack of permit systems and real-time water monitoring systems.
- The deployment of untrained or inexperienced workers and subpar craftsmanship
- Emergency preparedness and insufficient remedies slow down the response to protect assets.
- Lack of a proper "Water Management Plan", which outlines the roles, processes, and precise actions needed to manage and reduce risks when water loss/damage occurs.
The construction work should be phased to minimize the extent of the damage if water leakage occurs.
- Early commissioning of real-time water management devices, and monitoring systems with remote shut-off capability. Any alert system should be checked on a regular basis and monitored 24x7.
What do designers, developers, and contractors need to know
about CIREG's water escape guidance?
The guidelines include a strong and straightforward case for incorporating water leak detection technologies on building sites from the very beginning of a project to minimize the chance of water leaks on construction sites
CIREG requests that designers In every construction project always include the following:
- Technology for detecting that water is flowing when it should not be
- A technology for rapidly turning off the system when such water flow is noticed
- Savings in water, energy, and money.
The Construction Insurance Risk Engineers Group (CIREG) urges designers to specify water monitoring systems in a building after the hand-over period as well, even if the best practice guidance is focused on reducing the risk of water leaks on construction sites.
It emphasizes that:
“The incorporation of permanent water management devices could improve the availability of insurance and may have a favourable influence on price and the conditions imposed. Selection of water management devices at the earliest design stages can also reduce the installation costs associated with retrofitting devices. There can be additional environmental benefits and cost savings.”s
We are here to assist you in implementing CIREG Best Practice
- Management- Appoint a Responsible Person who will be under the Principal Contractor's supervision.
- Design Considerations - The installation of water flow monitoring and automatic shutoff devices in the operational building is expected to enhance insurance availability.
- Response to Emergencies- describing step-by-step instructions for isolating the water supply and removing the threat.
- Mitigation - by installing real-time water monitoring devices with remote shut-off capabilities such as SMART FLOW.
SMART FLOW provides AI flow-based water leak detection/water monitoring systems that assist
customers in meeting the requirements of the CIREG best practice guidance throughout the property’s life cycle.
Why is BREEAM and water leak detection important?
Builders and architects can demonstrate the environmental credentials of their buildings to authorities and clients using BREEAM, which covers a wide range of environmental and sustainability aspects. It:
- Uses a clear, understandable scoring system that is supported by research that is based on evidence.
- Has a favourable impact on building design, construction, and management
- Establishes and sustains a demanding technical standard with strict quality assurance and accreditation
A leak detection system that can find water leaks on the utility water supply inside the buildings, and between the buildings and the utility water supply, to find any water leaks between the utility supply and the buildings under assessment, is a requirement for BREEAM certification.
Four criteria in the BREEAM assessment are particularly related to water.
The following is a list of these requirements, along with the credits that may be earned if they are met:
- BREEAM WAT 01 water consumption
Up to five credits -' The assessed building's water consumption (litres/person/day) is compared to baseline performance.' - BREEAM WAT02 water monitoring
One credit – 'A leak detection system capable of detecting a major water leak on construction sites - BREEAM WAT 03 automatic flow control
One credit – 'detecting a significant water leak on the building's mains water supply and between the building and the utilities water meter'
One credit – 'A flow control device is installed in each WC area/facility to ensure that water is only supplied when necessary.' - BREEAM WAT 04 water efficient equipment
One credit – 'detecting a significant water leak on the building's mains water supply and between the building and the utilities water meter'
One credit – 'A flow control device is installed in each WC area/facility to ensure that water is only supplied when necessary.'
How can SMART FLOW help you meet BREEAM criteria?
SMART FLOW is playing a key role in improving the BREEAM leak detection standards. As a result, we have a thorough understanding of how the technology can assist customers in attaining BREEAM compliance standards.
SMART FLOW provides a BREEAM-compliant water monitoring system is a 4-in-1 solution that provides-
- Property protection from water leaks
- ESG and Sustainability, Improving your BREEAM score.
- Water usage/ cost reduction
- Water bill validation
Ready to take the first step towards water leaks on your construction sites? Contact us at smartflow@mysmartflow.uk
SMART FLOW is a real-time intelligent water monitoring company, that utilises AI and algorithms with the assistance of human intervention.
- +44 203 3688131 (UK)
- +353 16855220 (IRL)
- smartflow@mysmartflow.uk
- 86-90 Paul Street, London EC2A 4NE.
- Unit 4F, Fingal Bay Business Park, Balbriggan, CO Dublin