How does a water sensor work and why connect one to your Charleston smart home?

One minor leak in your home can cause significant issues and thousands of dollars in damage. You have to protect against this danger; luckily, there’s a simple way to achieve this. A water sensor is an effective, simple, and budget-friendly solution. See how they work and why you ought to integrate water sensors into your Charleston smart home.

How water sensors shield Charleston homes

Water penetrates homes in various ways, whether from an appliance breakdown, plumbing failure, storm-related event, or simple human error. Whatever way it occurs, you must know at once, and this is how water sensors help. But how do they really work? 

The majority of water sensors are conductive and function with a pair of electrodes. When water enters the space between the electrodes, an electrical circuit is created, setting off your alarm. You’ll also find capacitive sensors that give off an electrical field. When water contacts the conductive surfaces of these devices, the field is disrupted, and your alarm triggers. Optical sensors utilizing infrared LED light are an additional option.

Some water sensors give you more

Some innovative water sensors offer even more defense as they use incorporated temperature sensors. This is a smart way to prevent frozen pipes. If there’s a drastic reduction in temperature, you’ll know immediately. Taking steps before pipes break will save you from water damage and costly repairs.

Why integrate water sensors into your Charleston smart home? 

When water emergencies happen, you must be warned immediately. You can achieve this goal by connecting water sensors to your smart home. Whether you’re there to hear the alarm or away, you’ll be sent an immediate alert on your smartphone. As an added benefit, your 24-hour monitoring team will be informed. Every moment counts in a water emergency to minimize the damage and disruption to your life.

Where should you place water sensors?

Any spot prone to water infiltration is an ideal place for water sensors. Install them in these locations:

• Bathrooms: Position at the back of toilets or close to tubs.
• Basements: Water often seeps into lower levels through damaged walls or due to heavy rain or malfunctioning sump pumps.
• Near water heaters or appliances: Any water-utilizing appliance might ultimately leak.
• Below sinks: Water sensors are ideal for identifying plumbing leaks in place you can’t see.
• Attics: Identify roof leaks quickly and avoid costly repairs.

Request water sensors with your Vivint smart home

Give your home the robust protection it deserves with advanced devices from Vivint. Our water sensors in Charleston connect to your Vivint smartphone app to deliver immediate alerts whenever your alarm is triggered. You also enjoy integrated temperature sensors to avoid frozen pipes. Learn more about the smart home tools available in Charleston by calling (843) 892-5638 today.