Leak Detection & Smart Water Monitoring

Intelligent leak detection systems that identify abnormal water use and prevent damage before it occurs. Reduce insurance risk, avoid repeat leaks, and protect buildings with automated monitoring.

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Prevent Damage

Peace of mind that your property and valuables are safe from water damage with automated leak detection.
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Gain Insight

Understand when and where water is used, diagnose problems and make your operations more efficient.
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Save Money

Automatic bill checking and water shutoff means no nasty surprises when the water bill arrives!

Leak Detection Systems That Stop Leaks Before Damage Occurs

Water leaks are one of the most costly and disruptive risks facing residential and commercial buildings. From burst pipes and failed appliances to slow, hidden leaks, even minor incidents can escalate quickly, leading to structural damage, tenant disruption, operational downtime, and increased insurance exposure. Reports that escape of water is the number one insurance claim type in UK households, costing insurers £2.5 million every single day. (InsurerTimes)

In many buildings, leak detection is introduced only after water damage has already occurred. While this can help identify the source of a problem, it does little to reduce the risk of future incidents or limit long-term exposure.

Quensus helps building owners, operators, insurers, and developers move beyond reactive leak detection and into intelligent, automated leak prevention. Our systems are designed to identify abnormal water behaviour early and intervene before a leak becomes a claim, a repair, or a business interruption.

What is Leak Detection?

Leak detection is the process of identifying the presence and location of water leaks within a building’s plumbing system, whether the leak is visible or concealed behind walls, floors, or infrastructure.

Traditionally, leak detection has been used as a reactive measure. It is typically introduced after a problem has already been noticed, such as visible water damage, unexplained pressure loss, damp patches, or a sudden increase in water usage.

Conventional leak detection methods often include:

While these methods can help locate a leak once a problem is already suspected, they depend on a failure being present first. In many cases, water has been escaping for some time before investigation begins, which increases repair costs, disruption, and insurance exposure.

Some leaks are also difficult to spot early, especially in risers, voids, plant areas, and unoccupied spaces. We have produced a whitepaper on Signs of a Hidden Leak and What To Do to help you recognise the warning signs sooner and respond with more confidence.

Traditional leak detection:

As buildings become more complex and insurance requirements more stringent, relying solely on reactive leak detection is increasingly insufficient. Identifying a leak after damage has occurred does not address the underlying risk of further incidents.

This has driven the evolution of leak detection from a one-off, manual process into continuous, intelligent monitoring that identifies abnormal water behaviour before a leak escalates into damage.

The Shift From Leak Detection to Leak Prevention

Quensus provides solutions for any property where water damage is a risk, including:

Commercial Properties

Protect Offices & Warehouses

  • Thousands in repair costs are prevented per leak
  • Reduced operational disruption
  • Lower insurance exposure & protected asset value

Hotels & Hospitality

Maintain Guest Experience

  • Prevents guest disruption from leaks
  • Instant alerts & automated water shut-off
  • Reduces emergency repair costs

Residential & Build-to-Rent

Protect Homes & Tenants

  • Detects hidden leaks before damage occurs
  • Continuous monitoring with LeakNet
  • Reduces insurance claims and disruptions

Retail & Leisure

Minimise Business Interruption

  • Real-time alerts for leaks during business hours
  • Smart prevention to reduce repair costs
  • Protects reputation and operations

Education & Public Buildings

Safeguard Schools & Offices

  • Prevents structural & damp damage from hidden leaks
  • AI-powered monitoring across buildings
  • Improves sustainability profile & lowers maintenance costs

Modern buildings require a different approach. Instead of waiting for leaks to occur, intelligent systems can continuously monitor water flow, identify abnormal patterns, and intervene before damage happens.

This is where leak detection evolves into leak prevention.

Quensus systems monitor water usage in real time, analysing flow behaviour across individual zones, buildings, or entire portfolios. When abnormal activity is detected, such as continuous flow, unexpected spikes, or usage outside defined thresholds, the system alerts stakeholders immediately and can automatically isolate the water supply if required.

Traditional Leak Detection vs Smart Leak Detection

Clear differences in monitoring, automation, and outcomes.

Traditional leak detection
Smart leak detection (LeakNet)
Coverage
Point-in-time investigation
Whole supply monitored continuously
Reactive vs continuous
Reactive after symptoms appear
24/7 anomaly detection
Alerts
Depends on human discovery
Automatic alerts via app, email, or BMS
Automation
Manual response process
Optional automatic shut-off
Repeat incidents
Finds a fault, doesn’t manage ongoing risk
Reduces recurrence through prevention controls
Reporting and evidence
Limited ongoing data trail
Logged events and usage history for reporting
Remote control
On-site action required
Remote visibility and valve control where configured
Outcome
Confirms and locates an issue
Prevents escalation and limits damage exposure

You can learn more about Smart Leak Detection vs Traditional Methods here.

What Smart Leak Detection Actually Means

Smart leak detection is not designed as an emergency response service or an on-site leak finding solution. Traditional leak detection typically focuses on locating and repairing a problem after damage has already occurred, often requiring urgent attendance and reactive investigation.

Quensus takes a different approach. Rather than responding once a leak has happened, our systems are built to continuously monitor water behaviour, identify abnormal patterns early, and intervene before an incident escalates into damage or disruption.

As a result, Quensus does not provide emergency leak repair or reactive call-out services. Instead, our focus is on intelligent monitoring, automated prevention, and long-term water risk management that helps reduce the likelihood of leaks occurring in the first place.

Instead, smart leak detection means:

By identifying risk conditions rather than visible damage, intelligent systems remove reliance on reactive intervention and significantly reduce the likelihood of major leak events.

How Quensus Leak Prevention Units Work

LeakNet is powered with an intelligent water monitoring and leak prevention platform called FlowReporter. It is designed to replace reactive leak detection with proactive risk control.

LeakNet continuously analyses water flow data to understand what normal usage looks like for each building. When anomalies are detected, the system responds in real time.

LeakNet can:

Rather than reacting after damage occurs, LeakNet helps eliminate repeat incidents and reduce long-term exposure.

Insurance and Risk Reduction

Escape of water remains one of the most frequent and costly insurance claims across the built environment. Claims often result in increased premiums, higher excesses, and tighter underwriting conditions.

Insurers increasingly favour buildings that demonstrate proactive risk management rather than reactive response.

By preventing leaks before they escalate, LeakNet helps:

That is why Quensus works in partnership with Aviva, aligning prevention-led technology with the way leading insurers assess and manage risk.

For many organisations, the real value of prevention lies beyond repair savings, in avoided claims and long-term insurance stability. If that sounds attractive, get an instant quote today.

Who This Is Designed For

LeakNet is used across environments where water damage presents a material risk, including:

Each system is configured to reflect the building’s layout, usage patterns, and compliance requirements.

Why Prevention Pays for Itself

A single serious leak can result in repair costs, tenant displacement, business interruption, reputational damage, and long-term insurance impact.

LeakNet addresses the root cause rather than the aftermath.

Clients typically see value through:

In many cases, preventing one major incident offsets the cost of implementation.

From Detection to Prevention

If you are searching for leak detection, it is likely because water risk is already a concern.

The real question is not how quickly a leak can be found after it occurs, but how reliably it can be prevented from happening again.

Quensus helps organisations move beyond reactive detection and into intelligent, automated leak prevention.

Request a Quote today to get an instant price.

Dropdown

BREEAM WAT 01  – Water Monitoring

  • Up to 7 credits for reducing water usage per person per day compared against a baseline performance. For example, use water-saving WCs, tap aerators, low-flow showers, waterless urinals, and greywater/rainwater for recycling non-potable water.


Quensus Advantage

  • Our expertise in smart water metering and data analytics allows us to monitor and analyse water consumption patterns, providing valuable insights to identify water-saving opportunities and track progress towards reduction targets.

  • Installing our device on the main meter earns you 4 points.

  • Sub-metering building areas consuming 10% or more of the building's total water demand, or metering multi-tenant buildings per tenanted area, achieves an additional 2 credits.

BREEAM WAT02 - WAT06: Water-Efficient Equipment

  • Up to 4 credits (each) are available based on the water efficiency of the following assets to reduce overall water consumption in the building:

  • WAT02 - Water-efficient equipment: toilets

  • WAT03 - Water-efficient equipment: urinals

  • WAT04 - Water-efficient equipment: hand washing basins

  • WAT05 - Water-efficient equipment: showers

  • WAT06 - Water-efficient equipment: white goods


Quensus Advantage

  • Our experience in specifying and installing water-efficient fixtures can help building owners select and implement the most appropriate solutions to achieve significant water savings.

BREEAM WAT 07 – Leak Detection System

  • Up to 4 credits for installing a robust leak detection system, which plays a vital role in conserving water resources. By promptly identifying and addressing leaks, buildings can significantly reduce water wastage, contributing to a more sustainable water footprint. 1 credit has traditionally been given for a leak detection system that can detect a major water leak on the mains water supply within the building and/or between the building and the utilities water meter.


Quensus Advantage

  • Our advanced leak detection technology, including smart metering and real-time monitoring, can quickly identify and locate leaks, enabling prompt repairs and minimising water wastage, potentially enabling you to achieve the full 4 credits after a complete calendar year.

BREEAM WAT 08 – Leak Prevention

  • Up to 4 credits for proactive measures to prevent leaks. Proper installation and maintenance of flow control devices, whether in sanitary fittings or larger residential complexes, are essential for minimising water loss and ensuring the longevity of plumbing systems.


Quensus Advantage

  • Our LeakNet system goes beyond traditional leak prevention methods. With AI-powered monitoring, real-time alerts, and automatic shut-off capabilities, LeakNet actively identifies and stops leaks before they cause significant damage or water wastage. This proactive approach aligns perfectly with the BREEAM focus on minimising water loss and ensuring the longevity of plumbing systems.

BREEAM WAT 09 – Isolation Valves

  • Up to 4 credits can be awarded depending on the extent and effectiveness of the isolation valve strategy within the building's water supply system, which allows controlled shut-off of specific sections of the water supply, enabling targeted maintenance or repairs without disrupting the entire system. 1 credit has traditionally been given for installing a flow control device to each WC area/facility so that water is only supplied when needed.


Quensus Advantage

  • Our smart shut-off valves seamlessly integrate into any plumbing system, providing the isolation capabilities necessary for targeted maintenance and repairs.

  • This not only meets the traditional BREEAM requirement for isolation valves but also enhances it with intelligent control and automation.

  • By enabling quick and precise shut-off of specific sections, LeakNet minimises disruption and water wastage during maintenance activities, maximizing the potential for achieving up to 4 credits.

  • The automatic shut-off functionality also serves as an innovative flow control device, securing an additional credit for controlling water supply to WC areas.

BREEAM WAT 10 – Reduce Utility-Supplied Water Consumption

  • Up to 4 credits for using alternative water sources and efficient water-using technologies. Rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, and the use of water-efficient fixtures are examples of strategies that can substantially decrease reliance on mains water supply.


Quensus Advantage

  • While we don't directly address alternative water sources, LeakNet's ability to dramatically reduce water wastage through automatic shutoff and leak prevention contributes to lowering mains water consumption.

  • By minimising unnecessary water loss, LeakNet supports the overarching goal of WAT10, contributing to achieving the maximum credits available.

BREEAM WAT 11 – Water Consumption

  • Up to 4 credits for accurate monitoring and reporting of water consumption data, which is fundamental to effective water management. By tracking consumption patterns, building owners and operators can identify areas for improvement and implement targeted water-saving measures. This will include internal sub-meters to monitor the impacts of inefficiencies and leakage and encourage more effective water management.


Quensus Advantage

  • Our smart metering and data analytics capabilities can provide detailed insights into water consumption patterns, facilitating the identification of inefficiencies and enabling targeted water-saving interventions.

BREEAM WAT 12 – Water Recycling

  • Up to 4 credits for re-using water for non-potable purposes, such as irrigation or toilet flushing, reduces the demand on treated water supplies. This credit promotes innovative solutions for sustainable water sourcing.


Quensus Advantage

  • Our experience in monitoring water recycling systems, such as greywater and rainwater harvesting solutions, can help track inefficiencies in these systems and maximise the reuse of water to reduce environmental impact.

BREEAM WAT 13 – Water Consumption Reporting

  • Up to 4 credits for standardised reporting of water consumption, benchmarking, and comparison across different buildings and portfolios. This transparency encourages continuous improvement in water efficiency and supports informed decision-making.


Quensus Advantage

  • Obtain 2 credits by using our data management and reporting tools to automate the collection, analysis, and reporting of water consumption data, providing clear and actionable insights to support decision-making.

  • Earn 1 extra credit when you report on it internally, and another credit if you publish this information in an annual report.

BREEAM WAT 14 – Water Strategy

  • A comprehensive water strategy goes beyond individual measures by establishing a holistic approach to water management. It includes regular maintenance of water systems, water efficiency, water reuse, and leak detection. The strategy should also include a plan for monitoring and reporting water consumption ensuring optimal performance and longevity, as well as promoting awareness and behavioral changes among building occupants to foster a water-conscious culture.

  • Up to 8 credits are available depending on the comprehensiveness of the water strategy and the inclusion of specific elements such as:

  • A proactive maintenance policy for installed water systems

  • Targets for reducing water consumption

  • A plan for monitoring and reporting water consumption

  • A plan for engaging building occupants in water conservation efforts


Quensus Advantage

  • Our holistic approach to water management and expertise in water efficiency, reuse, and leak detection can help building owners develop and implement comprehensive water strategies that achieve long-term sustainability and cost savings.

What Level of Protection do you need?

Every building’s risk profile and budget differ. Unlike one-size-fits-all systems, Quensus engineers a bespoke leak-detection solution around your insurer’s requirements and cost constraints - saving you thousands in wasted water and premiums. There is unlimited number of options, but we have simplified leak prevention into our four main tiers:

Quensus Platinum Solution v2
5 Yellow Stars

Quensus Platinum

A combination of bronze, silver and gold will provide the most effective leak prevention system available.

Automatic Flow Monitoring
Smart Shutoff Valves
Protection Per Unit
Protection Per Floor
Protection On Mains

Available Addons

Quensus Gold Solution v2
5 Yellow Stars

Quensus Gold

Automatic Flow Monitoring with Smart Shutoff Valves on the boosted supply to each unit/apartment. The most effective solution post-handover over the lifetime of the building.

Automatic Flow Monitoring
Smart Shutoff Valves
Protection Per Unit

Available Addons

Quensus Silver Solution v2
3 Yellow Stars

Quensus Silver

Automatic Flow Monitoring with Smart Shutoff Valves on the boosted supply to each floor (or each riser if plumbing is vertically fed). Ideal during construction because each floor can be isolated individually.

Automatic Flow Monitoring
Smart Shutoff Valves
Protection Per Floor

Available Addons

Quensus Bronze Solution v2
A single yellow star

Quensus Bronze

The absolute minimum you should be looking for is Automatic Flow Monitoring on the Mains Cold Water System and Boosted Cold Water System for the whole building. This is covered in the BREEAM WAT03 standard.

Automatic Flow Monitoring
Protection On Mains

Available Addons

Who is this solution suitable for?

Frequently
asked questions.

Got questions? Ask us!

We’re your H2O Heroes! Choosing the right water management solution can be tricky, but our friendly team is here to help.

We’ve compiled the top FAQs for quick answers - Read FAQ.

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What are the signs of a hidden water leak in a property?

Hidden water leaks often present as unusual water usage, unexplained increases in bills, continuous water flow when no outlets are in use, or recurring damp and mould issues. Intelligent monitoring systems can identify these patterns early, often before visible damage occurs.

How do electronic leak detection systems work?

Electronic leak detection systems monitor water flow and usage patterns in real time. Rather than locating leaks after damage occurs, intelligent systems analyse behaviour across the supply to identify abnormal conditions that indicate developing leaks or failures, allowing early intervention.

Are there reliable water leak alarms for buildings?

Yes. Modern water leak alarms form part of intelligent monitoring systems that provide continuous oversight of water usage. Unlike basic point sensors, advanced systems monitor the entire supply, generate real-time alerts, and can automatically isolate water to prevent escalation.

What are the best devices for water leak detection?

The most effective devices are not standalone detectors, but integrated systems that combine flow monitoring, analytics, and automated response. These systems provide early warning, prevent repeat incidents, and are increasingly favoured by insurers and facilities teams over reactive detection tools.

What is non-destructive leak detection?

Non-destructive leak detection refers to methods that identify water loss without invasive investigation. Intelligent monitoring systems achieve this by analysing water behaviour rather than physically locating leaks, reducing disruption and avoiding unnecessary damage to buildings.

Do you offer professional leak detection services near me?

No. Quensus does not provide on-site leak detection, emergency call-outs, or repair services. Our focus is on preventing leaks through intelligent monitoring and automated risk control, reducing the likelihood that reactive detection is required.

How much does professional leak detection typically cost?

Costs vary depending on the building, location, and method used. However, reactive leak detection costs are often only a small part of the total financial impact. The majority of losses come from damage, disruption, and insurance exposure, which is why prevention-focused systems deliver significantly greater long-term value.

Are DIY leak detection kits effective?

DIY leak detection kits can be useful for providing basic alerts in specific locations, such as under appliances or sinks. However, most DIY solutions are standalone sensors and are not integrated into the plumbing system. This means they cannot monitor overall water flow or automatically shut off the water supply when an issue is detected.

LeakNet can be installed in residential properties as well as commercial buildings. Unlike most DIY kits, it is installed directly into the plumbing system, enabling continuous monitoring of water usage, early detection of abnormal behaviour, and optional automatic shut-off to prevent leaks from escalating into damage.

Is this the same as gas leak detection?

No. Gas leak detection is a separate discipline with different regulations and technologies. Quensus systems are designed specifically for water monitoring, leak prevention, and water risk management.

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