How does a water sensor work and why use one with your Columbus smart home?

One small leak in your home can lead to big difficulties and thousands in damage. You have to safeguard against this risk; thankfully, there’s an easy way to achieve this. A water sensor is an affordable, simple, and effective solution. See how they work and why you might incorporate water sensors into your Columbus smart home.

How water sensors shield Columbus properties

Water penetrates homes in many ways, whether from a plumbing problem, storm-related incident, appliance breakdown, or simple human error. No matter how it takes place, you must know immediately, and this is why water sensors are important. But how precisely do they work? 

Many water sensors are conductive and function with a pair of electrodes. When water makes contact with the electrodes, an electrical connection is established, setting off your alarm. You’ll also find capacitive sensors that give off an electrical field. When water contacts the conductive areas of these components, the field is broken, and your alarm sounds. Optical sensors using infrared LED light are an additional option.

Some water sensors give you more

A few specialized water sensors offer even more defense as they use integrated temperature sensors. This is a helpful way to prevent pipe freezing. If there’s a severe drop in temperature, you’ll be notified right away. Taking measures before pipes burst will protect you from flooding and costly repairs.

Why incorporate water sensors into your Columbus smart home? 

When water issues happen, you have to be alerted immediately. You can attain this aim by incorporating water sensors into your smart home. Whether you’re home to hear the alarm or away, you’ll get an automatic update on your mobile device. As an additional backup, your 24/7 monitoring team will be alerted. Every second is critical in a water emergency to limit the destruction and interruption to your household.

Where should you put water sensors?

Any spot susceptible to water infiltration is an appropriate place for water sensors. Consider installing in these locations:

• Bathrooms: Attach near bathtubs or at the back of toilets.
• Basements: Water often infiltrates lower floors through cracked walls or as a result of excess rain or malfunctioning sump pumps.
• Near water heaters or appliances: Any water-using appliance could eventually leak.
• Under sinks: Water sensors are great for discovering leaky pipes in locations hidden from view.
• Attics: Identify roof leaks early and prevent costly damage.

Request water sensors with your Vivint smart home

Give your home the robust protection it needs with modern devices from Vivint. Our water sensors in Columbus link to your Vivint cell phone app to send you automatic updates any time your alarm goes off. You also enjoy built-in temperature sensors to prevent frozen pipes. Learn more about the smart home components available in Columbus by calling (614) 820-1364 today.