Alarm.com enhances Smart Solution to protect homes from water damage

VIENNA, Va.—Alarm.com has expanded its Smart Home Security solutions with a Water solution. A combination of sensors, devices and Alarm.com cloud services will detect water leaks, alert homeowners and proactively respond to minimize damage.

Powered by Alarm.com's cloud platform, the Water solution protects homeowners from dangers and challenges that traditional security systems cannot address, according to a prepared statement from the company.

The solution is integrated into Alarm.com's Smart Home Security offering, which gives homeowners control of the home through a smartphone app.

In the event of a leak, a connected water sensor signals the Alarm.com platform through a dedicated cellular connection that operates during power outages and avoids reliability issues with broadband connections and home networking, the company said. The homeowner is immediately alerted through text or push notifications so they can take action to limit damage. With an automated water shut off valve—a new addition to Alarm.com's ecosystem of connected devices—the home's water supply is shut off automatically, immediately stopping the spread of water whether the homeowner is on-site or not.

"Alarm.com is focused on applying Smart Home technology to real challenges, making the home safer and smarter," Jay Kenny, SVP of marketing at Alarm.com, said in the statement. "In addition to intrusion detection, automation and mobile app control, Smart Home Security gives homeowners real solutions for a wide range of potential threats, including fire, carbon monoxide and costly water damage caused by leaks.”

Water damage is a significant cause of damage and property loss for residential homes. According to ACE Private Risk Services, leaks account for 23 percent of homeowner property loss annually, and they are a major factor in unexpected home repair costs. Flood damage from frozen pipes, water heaters and appliances is common, and cleanup costs can be high.