Water leaks are one of the most prevalent and costly threats to real property in high rise buildings. Since our building became occupied approximately two years ago, we have experienced many damaging leaks to units in our building and to common areas. These leaks resulted in residents being displaced – having to move from their homes. Significant costs (some estimate the average to be about $20,000) are often associated with water damage.

Because of water problems, in 2006 the Homeowners’ Association insurance premium went up $10,000/year and our deductible went to $15,000 per occurrence.

• Why does everyone have to participate?
• How does it work?
• How will I be notified if water is detected in my unit?
• List of benefits to you

Why does everyone have to participate?

Unfortunately protecting ourselves from water is not something we can do individually. Because water always seeks the fastest route down, the most water damage often occurs, not to the location that had the water leak, but to the units below. That is why the Board feels it so necessary that all homeowners participate. In essence if you support this proposal, you are ensuring that your neighbors above you are required to protect you from water damage.

How does it work?

When water is detected, the Dtect-100 System dispatches “Call to Action” phone, email and text messages to alert property owners, Managers, building engineers and security that water has been detected. Whether someone is on-site or away, the system is monitoring the areas where it is installed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The system consists of battery-operated “Base Stations” connected to a phone line. The base stations would be located in the common areas of our building.

These base stations communicate with wireless battery powered “Dtectors”. The Dtectors are discretely placed near areas where water leaks are most likely to occur: bathrooms, sinks, refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, water heaters, air conditioning units, and engineering cores.

How will I be notified if water is detected in my unit?

You will provide us with the contact information you would like us to use for water detection notification, e.g., cell phone, email, text messaging information.

• Helps protect the significant investment all homeowners have in their properties
• Can save you from losing your possessions to water damage
• Can save the hassles of replacing your possessions
• Can save you from losing your floors and walls to water damage
• Can save you from the hassles and expense of rebuilding your home
• Can save you from having to move from your home and the attendant expense that moving entails
• Can save you from losing your tenant and the resultant rental income
• Can save you the problems of having to collect on your insurance and the possibility of your insurance premiums going up
• Can save the Homeowners Association from insurance rate increases that inevitably occur when water problems occur in the building. Flood incidents can increase HOA insurance premiums by $10,000/year
• Can save untold frustration, anger and expense
• Has resale value for prospective buyers
• Keeps The Pinnacle competitive and on the forefront of amenities and services offered by similar downtown San Diego buildings
• Gives you a sense of confidence that your home is safe particularly when you are away.
• Gives you the pride of being a good neighbor