A recent example of Engaging on Linkedin

How engagement and trust building can work on LinkedIn 

I run and manage a small but growing building services firm that supports people that own / manage buildings and have a variety of concerns about water in their buildings. I'm fairly active on LinkedIn and am trying to improve in this regard on a regular basis to support my brand and reputation (corporate and personal). 

I recently received an invitation request to connect on LinkedIn.  Generally this happens to me a few times a day and a dozen or so times a week. No big deal right - we all get connection requests. 

Upon accepting the request I made a point of reaching out to engage with this particular person as they were in my industry (Property & Asset Management, Multi-Family).  I had read recently that LinkedIN algorithm likes it when you engage and “transact” with new connections so I figured I would give it a try. This action would ideally align with my effort to go deeper with fewer people rather than cast a wide and shallow net for a growing number of superficial relationships.

Here is what I wrote…

Thanks for reaching out and connecting on LinkedIn.

I am curious guy that likes to share about what I'm learning with a focus on water and how I'm helping people use technology to figure out stuff and then specifically to address how to fix the water related problem that we're uncovering.

I've tried a ton of new tech for monitoring water at building, suite and fixture level as well as using tech to capture before and after of successful conservation measures.

If you are curious about various water solutions that are being pitched or have a question about technology for leaks and/ or floods I would be happy to share and let you  pick my brain.

Thanks again for reaching out to connect.

This is the ANSWER / REPLY I got… (which was almost immediate)

Would love if you msg me the top tech solutions you highly tested and suggest…

To which I replied….

My default for multi res is to start with Alert Labs Flowie O and to put it on the main water meter.  In a very short window it provides peaks / lows during the day, details overnight use which is often indicative of leaks, provides an alert where there is High Usage (generally > 50% of norm for a period longer than 40  mins) and then calculates a "leak rate" which is equivalent to continuous flow (and in multi res settings is most often a by-product of leaking toilets).  Alert Labs also offers 'flood pucks' to flag where water has escaped.  These tools are easy to install, software / App is intuitive and easy to use and fairly cost effective.

I have recently done a project in a Student Res setting using an in-line smart meter from Saya Life.   In this case, it was installed on 1" cw supply to a 5 bed / 5 bath dorm unit where there was high consumption.  The smart meter measures temp, flow rate, pressure and alerts when daily usage has surpassed specific volume and also denotes where there is constant flow within the unit.   This meter is a billing grade meter and one which I expect to do a lot more of over time. It also has a significant insurance application bc these meters have a remote shut off that can be engaged by phone, desktop and done manually or with pre-defined thresholds to be automatic.   Ballpark for these installations is about $1,000 per meter (hardware, install) + annual monitoring. 

I have recently worked with an Ultrasonic Sensor from Keyence Technologies that was installed on 2" copper riser lines in a high rise.  We are tracking the flow through CW lines to the bathrooms and measuring Litres per Min over 24 hr period and can flag where specific lines are substantially > in flow than others and can identify the continued loss by line.  The flow pattern from the interface enables us to guess-estimate that the loss if from a toilet fill valve or phantom flushes.  This building has the standard Hennesy Henchcliffe  (Water Matrix) 3.0 L toilet.  In its current state (the hardware and software interface) its more aptly suited for a service provider that is going to chase the leaks than say a superintendent that would be following up on the data.  Its not perfect but certainly helps to isolate specific lines to narrow the search.   Ball park for this solution is approx  $2k / riser.  We  worked with a local plumbing company to assist with the internet based data loggers that had to be wired into the sensors that were affixed to the risers.

I am evaluating a new device to help  multi-res owners deal with leaking toilets. What I've learned is that its not enough to identify a riser line and/or a specific toilet that may be leaking (Fill Valve or Flapper or Flush seal)  bc the follow-up / maintenance and suite entry tend to be the biggest challenge.  This device which has been used in the US is a valve that gets installed between the supply line and the bottom of the tank.  It uses a motion sensor to detect if there is someone present in the bathroom and if so, the sensor engages a solenoid valve to open up the flow of water to the toilet. After the initial motion sensors is engaged, it keeps water supply to the toilet open for 12 mins after which the valve closes and no more water can be supplied to the toilet.  The rationale is that if the toilet is broken and calling for water, it will only do so for 12 mins and then the supply is stopped. Toilet still fills when resident is present but does not run after they leave.  There is no audible alert or reporting - its simply a motion activated valve (think of a light switch in common area washroom in an office building).  The sensor is itself is powered by a re-charging battery that uses the flow of water to charge the battery.

My expectation is that when we quantify the overnight water loss using the Flowie O (in volume and in $'s) and then deploy these Guard Dog Valves we will see substantial reduction in water loss which I'm expecting will translate into 12 mos paybacks.

Thank you will read all the details later. cheers.

No problem. I threw quite a bit at you. Our website has some other info under idea Corner, Client Stories and Blog

Thanks. Not at all! Day time is air traffic control. I will enjoy reading things this weekend. Thanks a lot for sharing your knowledge with me

This exchange took a total of about fifteen minutes and has what I believe to be a personal element to it that is part of the formula for establishing a relationship where I can offer something of value to others - in this instance some knowledge and insight from someone that has tried a bunch of stuff related to water in buildings.

About Bob....

Bob Langlois is the founder of Water Controls Management and provides support to a variety of different people across Canada and the US that are responsible for buildings and where these people have an interest in reducing, measuring and monitoring the water they consume.

bob.langlois@water-controls.com

Direct: 416.625.7801