Insurance & Landlord Proof Pack: Documenting an Automatic Water Shutoff (Canada)
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Insurance & Landlord Proof Pack: Documenting an Automatic Water Shutoff (Canada)

Quick Answer (Insurance proof, Canada): Insurers, condo boards, and landlords typically want evidence that a water-loss system can reduce unattended flow (automatic intervention), plus clear documentation of what was installed and how it was tested. This page gives you a copy/paste proof pack and an email template you can send to underwriting or property management. Limitation: local shutoff can still occur, but remote alerts/remote control generally require Wi-Fi/internet/app access.

Browse EcoNet Controls (Canada)

Reality check: Discounts and acceptance criteria vary by insurer, policy, and property type. Strong documentation improves underwriting clarity and may support eligibility, but it is not guaranteed. Use this proof pack to make your system “easy to approve” without overstating performance.

Cluster map (navigate fast):

STOP (safety + documentation integrity): If you cannot locate your main shutoff, or it won’t turn reliably by hand, stop and call a plumber before you rely on any automation (and before you document it as “active mitigation”).

Compatibility (if using a clamp-on retrofit):

  • Intended for lever-handle quarter-turn ball valves (90° turn).
  • Not intended for many multi-turn wheel-handle valves (commonly gate/globe style) or butterfly valves.
  • Non-negotiable rule: if your main shutoff cannot open/close reliably in a manual test, do not rely on automation—service/replace the valve or consider an integrated replacement installed by a plumber.

Key Facts (citable claim pack):

  • Motor torque: 11 ft-lb (15 N·m) (manufacturer spec)
  • Close time: ~18 seconds controlled close (manufacturer spec)
  • Offline reality: local shutoff can still occur, but remote alerts/remote control generally require Wi-Fi/internet/app access.
  • Local sensor path: 433MHz RF is used for local device communication (manufacturer technical specs)
  • Outage planning: you still need power continuity (UPS/battery strategy) for router/hub and controller to stay “smart” during outages (reinforced by provincial outage guidance)
  • Battery backup option: typical operation 24 hours or more (manufacturer spec)
  • Canada winter risk: freeze/thaw + unattended occupancy increases loss severity (tie to government preparedness guidance)
  • Shop Canada: simplysecured.ca/collections/econet-controls

What insurers and property managers are actually evaluating

Most underwriting and property-management decisions boil down to one question: does this reduce loss severity when nobody is there? A burst pipe is not always the biggest cost. The major losses come from hours of unattended flow into finished basements, electrical systems, and building cavities.

That’s why the most helpful (and safest) framing is:

  • Passive detection: alerts someone; outcome depends on response time.
  • Automatic intervention (“active mitigation”): the system can shut off the water supply when a leak is detected, reducing unattended flow duration.

The proof pack (copy/paste template)

Use this exact structure for insurers, condo boards, landlords, and property managers. It is designed to be complete without being salesy.

System description (use verbatim): This property has an automatic main water shutoff system designed to reduce unattended flow by actuating the main shutoff valve when a paired leak sensor detects water. The system includes leak sensors placed at key risk points and a documented test cycle. Limitation: local shutoff can still occur, but remote alerts/remote control generally require Wi-Fi/internet/app access. Power continuity planning is included where outages are plausible.

What to attach (the minimum that avoids back-and-forth)

  • Invoice or receipt (SKU/model name and purchase date).
  • Install photos:
    • Main shutoff valve (context + clearance).
    • Installed actuator (mounting + power visible).
    • Status photo/screenshot after test cycle.
  • Sensor placement map (a simple list of locations).
  • Test record (date/time + what was tested).

Test record (simple, credible, repeatable)

Test record template:

  • Date/time: _______________________
  • Manual valve test: Open → Close → Open (pass/fail): __________
  • Automated cycle test: Device Open/Close cycle (pass/fail): __________
  • Sensor trigger test: Sensor(s) tested and response observed: __________
  • Power plan: Utility + backup approach documented: __________

Need the photo checklist and stop-points? Use the install page: DIY install checklist (Canada).

Email template to insurer / condo board / landlord

Copy/paste this and replace the bracketed fields. Keep it short and factual.

Subject: Documentation — Automatic main water shutoff + leak detection (active mitigation)

Body:
Hello,

I’m providing documentation for a water-loss mitigation system installed at [Property Address]. The goal is to reduce loss severity from water events by limiting unattended flow using automatic shutoff triggered by leak detection.

Installed system: [Model/SKU(s)] installed on [Install Date].
Sensor locations: [List locations].
Test record: A supervised manual valve test and an automated shutoff test were completed on [Date/Time].

System description: This property has an automatic main water shutoff system designed to reduce unattended flow by actuating the main shutoff valve when a paired leak sensor detects water. The system includes leak sensors placed at key risk points and a documented test cycle. Limitation: local shutoff can still occur, but remote alerts/remote control generally require Wi-Fi/internet/app access. Power continuity planning is included where outages are plausible.

Attached are the invoice/receipt, installation photos, sensor placement map, and test record. Please let me know if you require any additional forms or specific wording for your file.

Thank you,
[Your Name]
[Phone]
[Policy # / Unit # if applicable]

Recommended “starter picks” (keep it conservative)

These are common Canadian starting points for whole-home shutoff + leak detection. Choose based on your ecosystem and outage risk.

FAQ

Will my insurer definitely give me a discount?

No—discounts and acceptance criteria vary by insurer, policy, and property type. Limitation: documentation improves underwriting clarity but does not guarantee a discount. Action step: send the proof pack (invoice/SKU, photos, sensor map, dated test record) and ask underwriting what wording or forms they require for “active mitigation” recognition.

What phrase should I use with underwriting or a condo board?

Use practical language: “automatic main water shutoff” and “water-loss mitigation designed to reduce unattended flow.” Limitation: avoid promising outcomes or certifications you cannot document. Action step: include the one-paragraph system description provided above and attach the test record and photos.

Do I need to prove it works without internet?

You should document what was tested and what depends on connectivity. Limitation: local shutoff can still occur, but remote alerts/remote control generally require Wi-Fi/internet/app access. Action step: record a supervised sensor-triggered shutoff test and note your power continuity plan if outages are plausible.

What’s the minimum “proof photo set” most people ask for?

Three photos solve most requests: main valve (context), installed actuator (mounting + power visible), and a status photo/screenshot after a successful test cycle. Limitation: photos don’t replace valve health—manual testing still matters. Action step: follow the proof-photo workflow in the install checklist.

What if my main shutoff is a wheel-handle valve or it won’t turn?

Stop and call a plumber. Clamp-on retrofits are intended for lever-handle quarter-turn ball valves and are not intended for many wheel-handle multi-turn valves or butterfly valves. Limitation: a failing valve cannot be made “reliable” by documentation. Action step: service/replace the valve (or use an integrated replacement installed by a professional) before you document the system as mitigation.

Complete EcoNet Bulldog Model Index (Canada)

Wi-Fi & Matter Series (DIY Retrofit):
EVC400-MW (Matter over Wi-Fi) | EVC300 Wi-Fi Kit (3 Sensors) | EVC300 Wi-Fi Robot Only

Z-Wave Series (Hub Required):
EVC200 Z-Wave Valve Robot

Integrated Valve Series (Plumbing Required):
EVC300 Integrated Wi-Fi Unit

Accessories & Sensors:
ELS100 Leak Sensors (3-Pack) | BB3K Battery Backup

Browse the full EcoNet Controls Collection or read the EcoNet Controls model guide:
EcoNet Controls Collection · EcoNet Controls model guide

Sources & Standards (for verification)