A New Wave in Leak Detection:
Alert. React. Mitigate.
Water leaks remain one of the most persistent and costly risks facing purpose-built student accommodation and other multi-occupancy residential assets. Beyond the immediate disruption, undetected leaks can materially erode building value, increase insurance exposure and undermine long-term investment performance. As portfolios grow in scale and complexity, proactive leak management is becoming a core component of asset protection strategies.
Prefect Controls’ latest extension to its Irus ecosystem, LeakDetect+Optimiser, reflects a new approach: alert, react, mitigate. Fully integrated with the Irus Portal, the system combines intelligent leak detection, instant notifications and automatic water isolation to prevent minor issues escalating into major incidents.
Using existing Irus infrastructure, LeakDetect identifies moisture or water ingress via discreet sensors or detection tape connected through the central control unit. When abnormal conditions are detected, alerts are immediately issued to designated teams via SMS and email. Crucially, Automatic Shut-Off Valves will remotely activate to isolate the affected area, limiting damage at room, flat, floor or block level. ‘Optimiser’ is the bespoke software tool that analyses data from the ecosystem and provides guidance, that when acted on, ensures Irus performs optimally.
For investors and owners, the implications are significant. Water damage is one of the leading causes of insurance claims in the UK, frequently resulting in premium increases, higher excesses, or restricted cover. Repeated incidents can directly impact net operating income and asset valuation. Intelligent leak detection helps demonstrate risk mitigation to insurers and lenders, supporting more favourable terms and protecting long-term asset value.
Asset managers benefit from improved visibility and control across entire estates. Real-time monitoring through the Irus Portal allows teams to identify issues early, coordinate responses efficiently and reduce the lifecycle cost of building maintenance. By avoiding large-scale repairs, unplanned capital expenditure is minimised, and asset condition is preserved.
Operators and facilities managers see equally tangible advantages. In high-density environments such as PBSA, even a small leak can affect multiple rooms and residents. Early detection reduces disruption, limits re-housing requirements and protects the resident experience. Not mention the operators long-term reputation. The system also identifies slow, persistent issues such as leaking cisterns or dripping taps, preventing water waste and supporting sustainability objectives.
As the sector faces rising construction costs, tighter insurance markets and increasing scrutiny of operational resilience, leak detection technology is no longer a ‘nice to have’. It is a value-protecting investment that aligns the interests of investors, owners, asset managers and operators alike.
Irus – Control. Visibility. Intelligence.
