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If you’ve ever had a water leak at home, you know just how stressful it can be. The impact is amplified even further in a commercial property, causing massive disruption to operations that can have long-lasting negative effects on your business. The costs are huge too, with the Association of British Insurers (ABI) stating that insurers pay out in the region of £2.5m per day for escape of water claims, almost a billion pounds a year.

That’s why most insurers strongly recommend a commercial property has its own regularly maintained Leak Detection alarm system in place and it can affect the cost of your insurance premiums.

One of the reasons why the impact is so huge is that offices usually have more water features than residential properties. These include large heating systems and plant rooms, air conditioning, multiple washroom facilities, shared kitchen and recreation spaces.

The building’s architecture can also affect the loss from any water leak damage. The location of facilities, toilets for example, is often the same from floor to floor and the stacking design can mean that multiple floors are affected by any escapes of water.

Nearly one in five claims made on buildings and contents insurance is for damage caused by leaks and there’s a noticeable spike in winter months due to burst pipes. Incidents are also caused by unnoticed leaks created from a slow build-up of both water and damage, often occurring within voids.

Paul Davis, Senior Estimator & Project Manager said, “There’s no doubt that companies that have an effective water Leak Detection system in situ are better placed to avoid large-scale loss from a water leak as they’ll be alerted straight away to any traces of a water leak.

Leak monitoring solutions are also very popular in residential properties, particularly apartments in large cities like London, as they may be left unoccupied for long periods. They will also have similar concerns to commercial office blocks as many individually owned homes will be within the same building, leaving property managers at risk of damage claims.

Our services extend to the installation, commissioning and ongoing maintenance of systems that can be installed at the time of renovation work taking place eg. a new heating system, or retrospectively as a stand-alone improvement to the building environment. We also have wireless solutions that provide reliable leak tracing alerts. This is particularly beneficial in buildings where a traditional installation isn’t viable, such as heritage buildings, or properties that have undergone renovation and a leak detection system requirement has been identified, at a late stage.”

Water leak alarms are an effective leak monitoring solution as they’re used with Leak Detection sensing tape or probes to trigger an alarm when even the smallest amount of liquid is detected. This means you can get to the source of any water leak quickly, avoiding the detrimental affects of major water damage. It will also alert you to the location of the alarm, making the fixing of water leaks a much simpler process. Take a look at the products and manufacturers we use to ensure the quality of your long-lasting solution.

A large office complex called on the expertise of Diamond Controls to supply, install, and commission Trace Heating for their refurbished water tank room.

The facility had recently renovated their pipework and wanted to protect the premises from the risks associated with frozen and burst pipes during cold weather. The first port of call for the Diamond Controls engineers was to undertake a site survey and assess existing systems in place. Following this review, the team were able to specify the appropriate equipment and arrange the installation and commissioning.

Our fully trained Trace Heating engineers specified nVent Raychem FSA protection cable to complete the project. The Wintergard FS-A-2X frost protection cable was securely fitted to the new pipework to provide a self-regulating heating solution. This cabling recognises changes in temperature and adjusts its heat output accordingly to ensure the temperature of the CWS pipework is maintained at +5 °C and carries no risk of freezing.

As a market leading manufacturer of Trace Heating, the nVent Raychem cabling is made from robust, high-quality materials including a modified Polyolefin outer jacket & Protective tinned copper braid to ensure long lasting and reliable results.

It’s been specifically designed for both interior and exterior applications and is a low maintenance solution for maintaining temperature levels in water systems and pipes.

Commenting on the project, Marcus Fry, Estimator & Technical Support said, “For facilities managers and maintenance teams, trace heating is a real live saver. It’s energy efficient so is economical to run and protects essential services from costly damage and disruption.”

Find out more about our Trace Heating Products and available options including supply, installation and commissioning.

Utilising the experience of our fully trained in-house engineers, we are delighted to announce we’ve extended our range of services to include Leak Detection System commissioning.

There are several instances we’ve found our commissioning service to be invaluable to clients.

Ensure accurate installation
For example, an installation may be carried out by an inexperienced crew as part of a construction project and, consequently, have inadequacies that could prevent the system from being fully operational. This may result in a system not triggering a leak alarm meaning your commercial premises are put at unnecessary risk.

Prevent false alarms
On occasion, incorrectly installed sensors or probes may also trigger false alarms that can cause disruption and end up in facilities teams losing faith in the system. In extreme cases, this may lead to the system being completely switched off and offering no protection against early warning of a leak.

Maintain insurance
It can also have a negative implication on your insurance as a non-certified Leak Detection System may affect premiums and compensation in the event of a claim.

Certify system & provide reference manuals
We’ve also found that new tenants moving into premises are sometimes not provided with any operations and maintenance manuals, or certification as to the Leak Detection control services installed, and so do not have confidence in their installed system.

Thorough testing
Lastly, it may be viable for in-house electrical crews to install our recommended systems but for reassurance and back-up that the system fully meets its requirements, clients are using our experience to thoroughly check and fully test the system and provide a final sign-off.

Our Solution

Our commissioning service includes a visual check of the entire system, including where sensing cable or probes are installed, and a comprehensive review of all its functionality. This involves testing all functions, ensuring they are wired correctly and react when a leak is identified. Our commissioning engineers match all aspects of the system to the design so that clients are reassured the correct sensing technology is used in all locations it has been specified.

Finally, on satisfactory completion of the testing and inspection, the system is ready for sign-off. Our certificate is witnessed by our client and comes with the backing of a full report with our findings and any recommendations.

Paul Davis, Senior Estimator & Project Manager said,

“We’re continually adapting our offering so we are able to use our expertise to service all of our clients’ needs. We recognise that in some construction projects the leak detection system installation is not completed by experienced engineers and that can cause catastrophic failures and long-term damage.

The systems installed may also not be fit for purpose as careful considerations need to be made when specifying products. Our engineers offer a full commissioning of installed systems that includes a thorough check of all functions. Clients have peace of mind that their leak alerts will activate reliably and prevent damage and disruption to business operations. This is backed up by a commissioning certificate and a full report of our findings.”

The commissioning service is just one part of the extended range of services available from Diamond Controls. A service and maintenance package offers annual servicing, fault-finding visits, technical support, and discounted remedial works. System training is also offered and there’s also an option for clients to use Diamond Controls for retrospective drawings and manuals that can prove invaluable when modifying systems or undertaking building works.

Diamond Controls holds two ISO accreditations, 14001 and 9001, and a raft of certifications including Safe Contractor, ECA, NICEIC, SMAS, and Constructionline. Find out more about us.

As we reach the end of 2020 we would like to reflect on a year that has definitely been unusual, to say the least. Despite the difficulties faced by the global pandemic and the concern over Covid-19, at Diamond Controls we have been able to continue to deliver a comprehensive service, including the specification, installation, and maintenance of Leak Detection and Trace Heating systems throughout 2020.

Here are just some of our monthly highlights.

1. In January we visited a renowned national financial business on a Leak Detection service visit and our engineers had a shocking discovery. They found this trace heating system that looked like it had gone down with the Titanic. Trace heating is low maintenance but still needs to be regularly checked which was, of course, the recommendation we made to the client on the discovery of this.

2. February 2020…before lockdown and the craziness that has happened this year! We had a really fun day in the office with a photographer, preparing shots for the website. This was by far the most amusing image and brought a smile to everyone’s face. So this was definitely a highlight of ours! 😀🤣 Alfie and Cyril giving kisses to their Dad, Iain!

3. March’s highlight brings us to the launch of our new website. We put together a brand-new site with more plans in the future to demonstrate our customer focus and expertise in Leak Detection Systems and Trace Heating products.

4. Our 4th memory highlight for this year, April 2020, is all about recognising the dedication and tenacity of our team during this turbulent time. Like many businesses, we worked hard to maintain the smooth running of our operations during the lockdown, and established a covid secure environment, adhering to strict construction industry health and safety guidelines. The team was instrumental in this so that we could continue to exceed client expectations. 👏 🙏 👊 Meet our team.

5. Number 5 of our 12 highlights of 2020 features May and our support of Water Saving Week. This is an issue very close to our hearts as we have seen first-hand how effective our leak detection systems can be. Research has shown that a leak of just 1m3 of water an hour could cost your business: £73 a day, £516 a week! We put together a few handy tips on how businesses can improve their water efficiency.

6. June’s highlight was a new product. We’re always looking out for suitable additions to our range and this one was just perfect, especially with many business premises unoccupied during the lockdown. In June we gave it a full series of tests and a thorough review to ensure it would be up to the job and it passed with flying colours. Welcome to our Leak Detection accessories range, the Diamond Controls Speech Dialler. It offers remote 24/7 monitoring with automatic SMS and email alerts for any alarm triggers of your leak detection system. Take a look at all the benefits of the Speech Dialler.

7. Our highlight for July was an easy choice as it brought a big smile to all of our engineer’s faces. New van graphics for our fleet!
Here are Richard and Joe, standing proudly with their new van livery.

8. Normally, August would be a relatively quiet month but, with many workplaces returning to normal and holidays not as prevalent, this year we were definitely working at full speed! We’re continually looking to improve and this month’s highlight is some new additions we made to our website. We added some of our more common products to our Leak Detection, Gas Detection, Trace Heating, and Servicing & Maintenance pages to help our clients understand more about the wide range of choices available from us and our strong emphasis on product quality.

9. September is the 9th highlight of 2020 and in this month we had a big first for us, launching brand-new servicing and maintenance packages for Leak Detection Systems. It’s something that often gets forgotten about but so essential to keeping a system in tip-top condition so it can detect even the smallest of leaks. We listened to our clients and put together two really great packages that include a promotional first-year rate, service visit, fault-finding visits, and preferential rates on materials. What’s more, we have added in our Speech Dialler to Diamond packages free of charge until the end of January. Find out more about the servicing and maintenance offer

10. As we reach the 10th month and October we are particularly proud of this highlight. Last year we achieved not one, but two ISO accreditations! So when it came around to renewal time again in October we were delighted to have passed the mark again to achieve this high standard. We’ve invested a lot of time and resource into our systems and processes to become one of the leaders in our industry and this is just two reasons why.

11. For our November highlight, we didn’t have to look very far as they have brightened our days in the office! Our new fish bring a sense of calm and tranquillity to our busy office. 🐟🐟🐡🐡🐠🐠

12. Despite all of the challenges 2020 has brought, as a business we are really proud of what we have achieved this year. It’s been a real team effort. From the engineers out at client sites working safely in a covid-secure environment to our project managers, estimators, technical and support team back at HQ, keeping the business operations running smoothly. One thing that has kept us going throughout the year has been all the positive feedback from our clients. So, it felt fitting that our customers are the highlight of December 2020!

So, that concludes our look back at what has happened in 2020. After a short Christmas break we will return refreshed and ready to push forward in 2021.

We have got some really exciting developments planned for 2021 so please follow our LinkedIn page for the latest updates.

Damage and disruption caused by adverse weather conditions can hinder your business operations. That is why it is so important to prepare your commercial and industrial premises for winter. Our clients have found that the installation of trace heating for frost protection and snow and ice melting systems for roofs, gutters, and critical access areas really makes a difference.

In the UK we often have several bouts of extreme weather per year and having the right tools and procedures in place will ensure you can maintain your operations. Here are our top tips for winter building maintenance.

1. Protect essential utilities against frost, snow, and ice

In freezing conditions, your water pipes are in danger of becoming frozen and when they unfreeze, are likely to damage and cause leaks. Lagging your pipes can help but the most reliable frost protection for your water supply is a trace heating system. Insulated electrical heating cables are fitted to your pipework and control the temperature of the liquid within, ensuring it does not reach freezing point. Trace Heating can be used internally or externally making it a perfect solution for commercial and industrial premises including public sector buildings, healthcare and education, warehousing and manufacturing, heritage and historical properties, offices, and residential apartments.

2. Check your roof, guttering, building exterior, and regularly maintain

Annual maintenance checks of your building’s exterior are necessary as any ongoing deterioration will be more prevalent in the colder winter months. Cleaning your guttering and drains can help prevent build-up or overflow from water. Brickwork, roofing materials, and areas such as fascias all require ongoing upkeep to avoid frost ingress and damp damage.

A self-monitoring de-icing system installed on your commercial roof offers peace of mind and regulates the heat of the roof and guttering so that any snowfall or ice build-up is heated sufficiently to melt and escape easily. This preventative measure makes sure there is no heavy load that could potentially cause roofing damage and ultimately serious building repair.

3. Monitor for leaks

Many water leaks can be unseen for some time, causing damage that can be extremely costly, not to mention time consuming. The best way to identify even the smallest of liquid leaks is through a leak detection system. Liquid sensing cables and probes can be fitted along pipework and in areas where water may escape and, once linked with an alarm panel, provide an immediate alert to a water leak that could save your business time, resource, and cost when rectifying. Systems are even available that offer automatic shut-off of mains via solenoid valves once a leak has been detected. If the building is unoccupied, remote speech and SMS diallers or email diallers can alert off site personnel to take action.

4. Plan your adverse weather policy

Difficult weather conditions can often lead to delays in movement and goods and health and safety concerns. By planning an adverse weather policy, you can effectively communicate with all stakeholders and set-out procedures to limit the impact on your business. You will be able to manage expectations and have operational measures in place to combat the difficulties you may face.

5. Keep access areas accessible

If your operation needs to be accessible in all weather conditions you may need to consider a snow and ice melting system. An ideal solution for all-year-round safety access for ramps, steps, and critical access areas such as delivery or entrance points. Heating cables that come complete with smart technology for energy efficiency and accurate monitoring can be fitted within the concrete or asphalt layer of your premises’ exterior providing a reliable and low maintenance thawing of snow and ice.

What are the major benefits of Trace Heating Systems?

• Self-regulating or adjustable thermostatic temperature control for flexible application
• An energy efficient solution due to its low wattage and regulated temperature control
• Hardy insulated cabling with long expected lifetime
• Low maintenance components
• Expandable to accommodate new additional areas

Why choose Diamond Controls?

Diamond Controls is an authorised partner installer of nVent Raychem, one of the leading manufacturers of trace heating products and accessories.

Our electrical engineers have over a century of experience between them and offer a comprehensive service that includes design and specification, along with installation, for a turnkey solution for business operations across all sectors. We have worked on some of the most prestigious buildings in the UK, including The Shard, along with many commercial and industrial operations across the South and East of the UK.

Find out more about our Trace Heating Systems and how they can help you prepare for the cold winter months.

One of the most common and effective locations for our leak detection systems is a plant or boiler room. This is where most pipework will originate from, your incoming main water supply, and where any water tanks or booster sets will be located.

Your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) facility, including any generators and boilers, are a high-risk area for water leaks. An early warning alert from a leak detection system can prevent costly damage and equipment failure and help you to maintain essential services in your building.

Alarm panels to create an early alarm and notification of a leak may also be able to connect through to your BMS (Building Management System) for ease of management. Or, for remote 24/7 notification, the Diamond Controls Speech Dialler is a vital accessory that provides automation via voice and SMS direct to your mobile phone.

There are many alarm panel options available that will work with both sensing cable and probes.

As an authorised installer for Aquilar and nVent Raychem, we have found the TraceTek, AquiTron, and Eco-Leak panels to be very effective and flexible.

Short on wall space in your plant room? Your panel and its sims (system interface modules) do not necessarily need to be positioned together. As part of our service, we will advise and support you on the best placement for your system within your available space.

A versatile leak monitoring tool that we often use in plant rooms is the Aquitron AT Probe from Aquilar. This liquid sensing probe is ideal for use in areas where using lengths of sensing cable would be impractical to install. It is installed directly to the floor, wall or within a tray mount and can detect even the smallest of liquid leaks.

For overhead pipework, the nVent Raychem TraceTek TT-1100 water sensing panel detects the presence of water along any point of its length. Its composition of absorptive synthetic braided fibre means there is no need for a drip tray to bring the cable into contact with any water as even the smallest drop will be detected, and an alarm raised.

You can view some of our leak detection products, and more about what we do for plant and boiler rooms on our Leak Detection page.