How does a water sensor work and why install one with your Champaign smart home?

One minor leak at your house can lead to major problems and thousands in damage. You need to defend against this risk; luckily, there’s an easy way to accomplish this. A water sensor is a simple, effective, and affordable solution. Learn how they work and why you might connect water sensors to your Champaign smart home.

How water sensors safeguard Champaign homes

Water enters homes in numerous ways, whether from an appliance malfunction, plumbing issue, weather-related event, or simple human error. However it occurs, you must know right away, and this is where water sensors come in. But how do they really work? 

Many water sensors are conductive and operate with corresponding electrodes. When water reaches the electrodes, an electrical circuit is established, triggering your alarm. You’ll also discover capacitive sensors that release an electrical field. When water touches the conductive parts of these sensors, the field is broken, and your alarm activates. Optical sensors utilizing infrared LED light are another possibility.

Some water sensors give you more

Some innovative water sensors give you even more protection as they feature built-in temperature sensors. This is an excellent tool in preventing frozen pipes. If there’s an extreme decrease in temperature, you’ll know at once. Taking action before pipes burst will protect you from water damage and exorbitant repair costs.

Why connect water sensors to your Champaign smart home? 

When water emergencies occur, you have to be notified 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 receive an instant update on your mobile device. As an additional backup, your round-the-clock monitoring specialists will be notified. Each second counts in a water emergency to control the destruction and disturbance to your household.

Where should you install water sensors?

Any area susceptible to water infiltration is an ideal place for water sensors. Place them in these locations:

• Bathrooms: Position in back of toilets or next to bathtubs.
• Basements: Water often enters lower levels through leaky walls or due to excess rain or malfunctioning sump pumps.
• Next to water heaters or appliances: Any water-using appliance may leak in time.
• Below sinks: Water sensors are perfect for discovering pipe leaks in place not easy to see.
• Attics: Detect roof leaks promptly and avoid costly damage.

Request water sensors with your Vivint smart home

Give your home the robust protection it requires with advanced tools from Vivint. Our water sensors in Champaign link to your Vivint smartphone app to provide instant notifications when your alarm is triggered. You also enjoy built-in temperature sensors to avert frozen pipes. Explore the smart home tools available in Champaign by calling (217) 759-1212 today.