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

One minor leak in your home can result in big issues and thousands in damage. You have to safeguard against this risk; luckily, there’s a simple way to achieve this. A water sensor is a simple, effective, and affordable solution. See how they work and why you might incorporate water sensors into your Blacksburg smart home.

How water sensors shield Blacksburg your home

Water penetrates homes in various ways, whether from a weather-related incident, plumbing problem, appliance malfunction, or simple human error. Whatever way it occurs, you need to know immediately, and this is why water sensors are important. But how do they really work? 

Most water sensors are conductive and function with two electrodes. When water enters the space between the electrodes, an electrical link is established, triggering your alarm. You’ll also discover capacitive sensors that emit an electrical field. Your alarm activates when water contacts the conductive parts of these sensors and disrupts the field. Optical sensors employing infrared LED light are an additional possibility.

Some water sensors give you more

A few specialized water sensors provide even more protection as they feature integrated temperature sensors. This is an excellent feature in preventing frozen pipes. If there’s a drastic drop in temperature, you’ll find out right away. Taking action before pipes burst will protect you from flooding and expensive repairs.

Why incorporate water sensors into your Blacksburg smart home? 

When water issues happen, you have to be warned immediately. You can achieve this objective by incorporating water sensors into your smart home. Whether you’re home to hear the alarm or not, you’ll get an instant alert on your mobile device. As an additional backup, your round-the-clock monitoring team will be informed. Each moment matters in a water emergency to minimize the damage and interruption to your household.

Where should you place water sensors?

Any area at risk of an influx of water is an ideal position for water sensors. Install them in these areas:

• Bathrooms: Position in back of toilets or near bathtubs.
• Basements: Water commonly infiltrates basements via cracked walls or because of excessive rain or faulty sump pumps.
• Next to water heaters or appliances: Any water-connected appliance could eventually leak.
• Underneath sinks: Water sensors are perfect for identifying leaky pipes in place you can’t see.
• Attics: Detect roof leaks promptly and prevent costly damage.

Request water sensors with your Vivint smart home

Give your residence the complete protection it requires with Vivint’s modern devices. Our water sensors in Blacksburg link to your Vivint cell phone app to send you automatic updates any time your alarm goes off. You also enjoy built-in temperature sensors to avert pipe freezing. Learn more about the smart home components available in Blacksburg by reaching out to (540) 340-9402 today.