Background
Sandhurst Plumbing & Maintenance Ltd was engaged by the client following a requirement issued by their buildings insurer: a flow-based leak detection system had to be fitted to the property as a condition of continued cover. Without a compliant system in place, the client risked a gap in their insurance and exposure to uninsured water damage claims.
The client needed a solution that could be installed with minimal disruption, integrated cleanly with the existing mains water and filtration pipework, and met the specific technical standard requested by the insurer.
Survey & System Selection
Our engineers carried out a full site survey of the property’s mains water intake, which already incorporated water filtration, softening and metering equipment. Based on the pipework configuration, the incoming supply size, and the insurer’s flow-based detection requirement, we specified the Waterguard Flow 7 system as the most suitable solution.
The Waterguard Flow 7 monitors water flow through the property in real time and automatically shuts off the supply via a motorised valve if it detects a leak signature — such as continuous low-level flow indicative of a running toilet, burst pipe or dripping fixture. This directly satisfied the insurer’s stipulation for automatic, flow-based leak detection rather than passive water sensors alone.
The Installation
- Isolated the incoming mains supply and identified the optimal point to fit the Waterguard motorised control valve and flow sensor, downstream of the meter and upstream of the filtration and softening plant.
- Fitted the Waterguard actuated valve and Cyble flow sensor in line with the existing copper pipework, integrating with the property’s water meter for accurate flow monitoring.
- Installed and configured the Waterguard Flow 7 control panel, setting guard timers and flow thresholds appropriate to the property’s normal usage patterns to avoid false shut-offs.
- Tested the automatic shut-off function against simulated leak conditions to confirm correct operation before handover.
- Labelled the system with its unique Waterguard system reference and installation date, and provided the client with technical support details for future servicing.
The full installation, including survey findings, was completed within a single day, with no disruption to the client’s water supply outside of planned isolation windows.
Result
The property is now fitted with a fully operational, insurer-specified flow-based leak detection system. Automatic shut-off is confirmed and tested, and the client’s Waterguard system reference and installation date are logged and available to the insurer as evidence of compliance.
The client’s policy requirement has been satisfied in full, removing any risk to their cover and providing ongoing protection against undetected leaks and the water damage they can cause.
About Sandhurst Plumbing & Maintenance Ltd
Sandhurst Plumbing & Maintenance Ltd is a commercial and residential plumbing, heating, drainage and maintenance contractor operating across London, with a strong presence in East London. We work with residential clients, managing agents and commercial property managers to deliver compliant, high-quality installations — from insurer-mandated leak detection systems to full mechanical service agreements.
