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

One minor leak in your home can lead to significant problems and thousands in damage. You need to protect against this danger; fortunately, there’s an easy way to do so. A water sensor is a simple, effective, and affordable solution. Explore how they work and why you should incorporate water sensors into your Boulder smart home.

How water sensors shield Boulder properties

Water penetrates homes in numerous ways, whether from a plumbing problem, weather-related event, appliance snafu, or simple human error. Whatever way it happens, you have to know immediately, and this is where water sensors come in. But how precisely do they work? 

Most water sensors are conductive and function with two electrodes. When water reaches the electrodes, an electrical circuit is created, activating your alarm. You’ll also come across capacitive sensors that give off an electrical field. Your alarm sounds when water contacts the conductive surfaces of these sensors and interrupts the field. Optical sensors using infrared LED light are an additional possibility.

Some water sensors give you more

Some advanced water sensors give you even more peace of mind as they have integrated temperature sensors. This is an outstanding feature in preventing frozen pipes. If there’s a drastic decrease in temperature, you’ll be notified at once. Taking action before pipes burst will save you from water damage and costly repairs.

Why connect water sensors to your Boulder smart home? 

When water problems happen, you have to be alerted immediately. You can achieve this goal by incorporating water sensors into your smart home. Whether you’re on site to hear the alarm or not, you’ll be sent an automatic update on your cell phone. As an additional backup, your 24-hour monitoring team will be alerted. Each moment is critical in a water emergency to limit the damage and disruption to your household.

Where should you install water sensors?

Any location at risk of flooding is a suitable place for water sensors. Install them in these locations:

• Bathrooms: Attach in back of toilets or next to bathtubs.
• Basements: Water often infiltrates basements through leaky walls or because of heavy rain or malfunctioning sump pumps.
• Near water heaters or appliances: Any water-connected appliance could leak over time.
• Under sinks: Water sensors are great for discovering plumbing leaks in locations hidden from view.
• Attics: Detect roof leaks early and prevent costly damage.

Install water sensors with your Vivint smart home

Give your property the comprehensive protection it deserves with innovative devices from Vivint. Our water sensors in Boulder link to your Vivint mobile app to deliver instant alerts any time your alarm is triggered. You also benefit from incorporated temperature sensors to prevent frozen pipes. Discover all the smart home components available in Boulder by reaching out to (720) 807-9203 today.