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

One minor leak at your house can result in major issues and thousands of dollars worth of damage. You must protect against this danger; thankfully, there’s an easy way to do so. A water sensor is a simple, effective, and budget-friendly solution. Learn how they work and why you ought to incorporate water sensors into your Minneapolis smart home.

How water sensors protect Minneapolis your home

Water enters homes in various ways, whether from a plumbing problem, storm-related event, appliance malfunction, or human error. No matter how it takes place, you must know right away, and this is where water sensors come in. But how do they really work? 

The majority of water sensors are conductive and operate with a pair of electrodes. When water reaches the electrodes, an electrical circuit is formed, setting off your alarm. You’ll also find capacitive sensors that release an electrical field. Your alarm triggers when water touches the conductive surfaces of these sensors and interrupts the field. Optical sensors employing infrared LED light are an additional choice.

Get more from your water sensor

A few innovative water sensors give you even more protection as they use built-in temperature sensors. This is an outstanding tool in preventing pipe freezing. If there’s an extreme reduction in temperature, you’ll know immediately. Taking measures before pipes break will save you from water damage and costly repairs.

Why incorporate water sensors into your Minneapolis smart home? 

When water problems happen, you need 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 get an automatic alert on your smartphone. As an added benefit, your round-the-clock monitoring agents will be alerted. Every second matters in a water emergency to control the destruction and disruption to your household.

Where should you install water sensors?

Any area prone to an influx of water is an ideal place for water sensors. Install them in these locations:

• Bathrooms: Place close to bathtubs or at the back of toilets.
• Basements: Water commonly enters lower levels via damaged walls or due to excessive rain or faulty sump pumps.
• Next to water heaters or appliances: Any water-connected appliance might leak in time.
• Under sinks: Water sensors are perfect for identifying plumbing leaks in areas not easy to see.
• Attics: Catch roof leaks promptly and prevent costly damage.

Install water sensors with your Vivint smart home

Give your home the comprehensive protection it requires with Vivint’s modern tools. Our water sensors in Minneapolis integrate with your Vivint mobile app to provide automatic notifications any time your alarm is triggered. You also enjoy built-in temperature sensors to avoid frozen pipes. Learn more about the smart home tools available in Minneapolis by dialing (612) 662-1765 today.