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

One small leak in your home can cause major problems and thousands in damage. You need to defend against this danger; fortunately, there’s a simple way to do so. A water sensor is a simple, effective, and affordable solution. See how they work and why you might integrate water sensors into your Gainesville smart home.

How water sensors protect Gainesville your home

Water enters homes in various ways, whether from a storm-related incident, plumbing issue, appliance breakdown, or human error. No matter how it happens, you have to know at once, and this is where water sensors come in. But how do they really work? 

Most water sensors are conductive and operate with corresponding electrodes. When water invades the area between the electrodes, an electrical circuit is created, triggering your alarm. You’ll also find capacitive sensors that give off an electrical field. When water touches the conductive areas of these devices, the field is broken, and your alarm activates. Optical sensors employing infrared LED light are another option.

Get more protection from water sensors

A few innovative water sensors provide even more defense as they feature built-in temperature sensors. This is an outstanding feature in preventing pipe freezing. If there’s a severe reduction in temperature, you’ll know at once. Taking steps before pipes rupture will save you from water damage and expensive repairs.

Why connect water sensors to your Gainesville smart home? 

When water issues happen, you have to be alerted right away. You can achieve this aim by incorporating water sensors into your smart home. Whether you’re home to hear the alarm or away, you’ll be sent an automatic update on your cell phone. As an additional backup, your 24-hour monitoring specialists will be alerted. Each moment matters in a water emergency to limit the damage and interruption to your family.

Where should you place water sensors?

Any spot susceptible to an influx of water is an ideal place for water sensors. Put them in these spots:

• Bathrooms: Attach behind toilets or near tubs.
• Basements: Water often enters basements through leaky walls or as a result of heavy rain or malfunctioning sump pumps.
• Near water heaters or appliances: Any water-connected appliance may over time leak.
• Below sinks: Water sensors are ideal for identifying pipe leaks in locations you can’t see.
• Attics: Catch roof leaks early and prevent expensive repairs.

Get water sensors with your Vivint smart home

Give your home the robust protection it needs with Vivint’s modern devices. Our water sensors in Gainesville connect to your Vivint mobile app to deliver automatic notifications any time your alarm goes off. You also get integrated temperature sensors to avoid pipe freezing. Explore the smart home devices available in Gainesville by calling (352) 922-3696 today.