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Protecting Your Home from Flooding: A Comparison of Smart Water Valves and Detectors

A water leak is one of every property owner’s worst nightmares. The damage it can cause is often measured not in thousands, but in tens or even hundreds of thousands of Czech crowns. And it does not have to be a dramatic situation where a burst washing machine supply hose floods several floors below you within a matter of minutes.

Far more insidious are so-called micro-leaks. A running toilet, a leaking valve, or a small crack in pipework inside a wall. These problems often remain hidden for a long time, but you will certainly notice them when your annual water and sewerage bill arrives.

From regular checks to smart automation
Fortunately, the days when the only defence against flooding was checking the “main shut-off valve” before going on holiday are gone. Modern technology now makes it possible to monitor water consumption and the condition of the water supply system in real time.

Smart flood protection systems work for you around the clock. If they detect an anomaly – whether it is a sudden sharp increase in flow or a continuous small draw-off – they can respond immediately. Most commonly by automatically shutting off the water supply and sending an alert to your mobile phone.

Author: Bc. Jaromír Bittner

There are several approaches on the market for protecting a home, holiday cottage, or commercial property. To make your decision easier, we have selected three industry leaders, each offering a slightly different protection philosophy:

  • Peveko: A Czech classic that relies on robust mechanical design and highly reliable shut-off valves. 

  • Resideo (Honeywell Home/Braukmann): A global player in home automation. Their systems stand out for easy smart home integration and an intuitive user interface.

  • Quandify: Innovative Swedish technology representing the cutting edge in non-invasive measurement. Their sensors can detect even the smallest leaks (dripping) without the need to cut into the pipework.

1. Peveko SKPB: Independent even during a power cut

The Peveko smart valve is a remotely controlled stainless steel ball valve that stands out for its reliability and independence. It receives information about a water leak from wireless flood sensors (placed, for example, under a washing machine or sink), and as soon as a leak occurs, it immediately shuts off the main water supply.

  • Detection method: Via external wireless flood sensors (responding to direct contact with water).
  • Main advantage: Integrated backup battery. Even if the power fails during a severe storm, the valve will continue operating for up to 12 hours (or even longer with a power bank).
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi or, optionally, a GSM module (SMS communication), which is invaluable for holiday properties without permanent internet access.
  • Who it is ideal for: Owners of cottages and country houses, and people in areas with more frequent power or internet outages.

2. Resideo / Braukmann L5: Flexible protection for hard-to-reach areas

The Resideo L5 shut-off valve comes from a renowned manufacturer and is built around a strong ecosystem. Alongside the motorised valve fitted to the pipework, it is supplied with a special detector featuring a 1.5-metre detection cable. This cable acts as one large sensor along its entire length. The cable length can be extended up to 150 m by purchasing an additional cable leak sensor.

  • Detection method: Moisture detection cable (extendable up to 150 metres) or connection to additional Resideo L1/W1 Wi-Fi water leak detectors.
  • Main advantage: Extensive area detection. The cable can be wrapped directly around vulnerable pipework, run along the base of a kitchen unit, or placed beneath an entire washing machine.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi and the intuitive Resideo mobile app.
  • Who it is ideal for: Households wanting to cover a large area of high-risk locations (for example, in a utility room with a hot water cylinder, washing machine and tumble dryer) with the assurance of an immediate response.

3. Quandify CubicSecure: High-tech protection without external sensors

The Swedish Quandify CubicSecure is a true revolution. While the previous two solutions wait until water reaches the floor and touches a sensor, CubicSecure detects a leak directly inside the pipework before any moisture even leaves the wall. It is installed directly on the main water supply, where it continuously analyses flow using ultrasound and pressure measurement.

  • Detection method: Integrated ultrasonic flow measurement and pressure sensors. It detects micro-leaks (such as a dripping tap) by means of a daily overnight pressure test, and of course also major pipe ruptures. No floor sensors are required.
  • Main advantage: Detection of hidden micro-leaks and freeze protection. It also measures water temperature and warns of approaching frost. In the event of an incident, it shuts off the water completely autonomously, even if the internet happens to go down.
  • Connectivity: Secure Wi-Fi connection and a sophisticated app.
  • Who it is ideal for: Owners of new-build properties, flats and houses who want premium “invisible” protection for the entire water system without having to place sensor boxes around the home.

4. Quandify WaterGrip: A quick solution without a plumber (New)

We will soon be adding another Quandify product to our range – the WaterGrip model. Unlike the previous three solutions, this is not a shut-off valve but a smart flow meter and detector. Its greatest strength is installation, which you can do yourself in two minutes without tools or cutting pipes.

  • Detection method: Ultrasonic sensors. The device simply clips onto the outside of an existing water pipe (copper, plastic, PEX, multilayer).
  • Main advantage: DIY installation. No plumber required. It continuously measures your water consumption and, in the event of unusual flow (such as a burst pipe), immediately sends an alarm to your phone. It also measures temperature, including in connection with preventing Legionella bacteria growth (in hot water systems).
  • Power supply and connectivity: Battery life of up to 3 years (or USB-C power supply), with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
  • Who it is ideal for: Tenants or anyone who wants smart insight into water consumption and early leak alerts, but cannot or does not want to interfere with the existing pipework.

Brief summary: What should you take away from this, and how do you choose?

  • If you have a holiday property and need a solution with battery backup and reliable shut-off even without mains power, choose Peveko.
  • If covering large floor areas around hot water cylinders and washing machines matters most to you, the Resideo L5 cable sensor is spot on.
  • If you are looking for the absolute top of the range, capable of detecting leaks before water comes through the ceiling and measuring every litre of water saved in the pipework, Quandify CubicSecure is unmatched.
  • And if you are wary of cutting into pipes or live in rented accommodation and simply need to know about a leak immediately, wait for the new Quandify WaterGrip.

Quick comparison: Which solution should you choose?

Solution Detection method Main advantage Installation difficulty
Peveko SKPB Wireless floor sensors Backup battery and GSM Requires a plumber
Resideo L5 Sensor cable (moisture) Area detection (cable up to 150 m) Requires a plumber
CubicSecure Ultrasound + Pressure Detects even hidden micro-leaks without sensors Requires a plumber
WaterGrip Ultrasound DIY installation without cutting pipes Self-installation (DIY)

Frequently asked questions

For the Peveko, Resideo L5 and Quandify CubicSecure solutions, intervention in the pipework is necessary, so we recommend professional installation. By contrast, the new Quandify WaterGrip is simply fitted onto the outside of the pipe, so you can install it yourself in just a few minutes.

All of the systems listed are designed to operate autonomously. If a sensor (or the internal sensor in the case of CubicSecure) detects a leak, the valve will close even without a working Wi-Fi connection. You only need internet access for sending notifications to your phone and for remote control.

This is where the CubicSecure system excels. It regularly performs a pressure test on the pipework (usually at night). If the pressure drops by even a negligible amount, the system recognises that a micro-leak is occurring somewhere in the house and alerts you before you see it on your water bill.

Yes, most systems support integration. Resideo works with its own app and broader ecosystems, Peveko uses the SUPLA app, and Quandify offers a modern interface with the possibility of future integration into building management systems.

For wireless sensors (Peveko, Resideo), battery life ranges from 2 to 5 years depending on the sensor type and communication frequency. The systems will always alert you in good time via the mobile app when the battery level is low.

Cable sensors and flood detectors are calibrated to respond to direct contact with water (flooding), not to normal airborne humidity after showering. False alarms are minimal with these professional solutions.

Your insurer may pay for the damage, but it will not solve the stress associated with renovation work, destroyed documents or antiques. In addition, many insurers offer a discount on premiums if you can prove that an active flood protection system is installed in the property. Speak to your insurance specialist to find out whether a smart valve could qualify you for a premium discount.