A prominent New Jersey office complex, previously recognized for averting significant water damage with Alert Labs solutions, recently faced two separate water incidents.

Thanks to the proactive measures and real time alerts provided by the AlertAQ™ water intelligence platform, the facility management team swiftly addressed both issues preventing potential damage estimated at $300,000.

The real time alerts from AlertAQ™ enable our team to quickly identify and address issues like clogged HVAC drain lines. This proactive approach has streamlined our maintenance processes, allowing us to prevent potential water damage more efficiently.

­- Property Administrator

Background: Proactive measures in high-rise office building

The 500,000 square foot dual tower office complex in New Jersey had previously implemented Alert Labs solutions and detected an HVAC-related water leak incident. The facility management team equipped critical areas with Alert Labs Floodie flood sensors and water leak detectors which communicate with the AlertAQ™ platform

Incident 1: HVAC condensate overflow detected

Late one evening, Floodie sensors in the 15th and 12th floor mechanical rooms detected water which triggered the AlertAQ™ platform to make a water leak phone call. The source was traced to a clogged condensate pan drain in an HVAC unit on the 26th floor. Blockage caused condensation to overflow, affecting multiple floors below.  

Understanding condensate pan issues:

HVAC systems remove humidity from the air, collecting the moisture in a condensate pan. If the drain line becomes clogged due to debris or mold, water can overflow, leading to potential damage.  

Incident 2: Water heater expansion tank leak

A few days later, a Floodie sensor in a 22nd floor kitchenette detected a leak. The facility team discovered a malfunction in the water heater's expansion tank, leading to water leakage. The building team promptly shut off the water supply and coordinated repairs.

Understanding water heater expansion tanks:

Water heater expansion tanks accommodate the thermal expansion of water as it heats, preventing excessive pressure in the plumbing system. A failure can result in leaks and potential system damage.

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Strengthening preventative maintenance

Thanks to these successes, the facility management team plans to:

• Increase the frequency of drain line inspections and cleanings
• Regularly assess the condition of water heater components  
• Expand the deployment of water leak detection solutions to other vulnerable areas