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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
| 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) |
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.