Flood damage to a home can be expensive, and repairs and restoration can take considerable time. Luckily, there are ways to prevent water damage. One preventative measure homeowners can take is installing a smart leak detection system. These systems can alert you to leaky or frozen pipes before extensive damage occurs.
How Do Smart Leak Detection Systems Work?
Smart leak detection systems work by monitoring the water flow in your home. While exact leak detection systems will vary from one brand to the next, most smart leak systems consist of four basic components:
Water Sensors
These battery-operated sensors are placed in areas where leaks are common, including faucets, appliances, toilets, and water heaters. Sensors also monitor water temperature, which can help detect when a pipe is in danger of freezing.
Sensors typically have two metal feet to connect with the ground and a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capability to connect to your phone. The sensor is triggered when the feet become wet. Usually, this only takes a few drops of water, as most sensors are very sensitive. Once triggered, sensors will send a text notification or alert or sound an alarm depending on the chosen notification setting.
Note: Water can start to pool in an area adjacent to the sensor. This is why purchasing a system with multiple sensors or additional sensor packs is an excellent idea to extend your coverage area.
Smart Water Monitors
These monitors work similarly to sensors but track water flow throughout the home, not a specific area or appliance. They alert you to water leaks by tracking the plumbing throughout your house using ultrasonic sensor technology. When an ultrasonic sensor detects an abnormal fluctuation in water pressure, it will send an alert, warning you about a potential leak.
Shut Off Valves
Shut-off valves should be placed in strategic locations to ensure water is stopped in the proper place. A licensed plumber should perform installation since installing the shut-off valves often requires cutting a water line.
Main Hub
The central hub is the connection point between the sensors, monitors, and shut-off valves. It relays information between the two or more components and the system’s smartphone application.
Note: It may be worth investing in a system with backup power capable of transmitting information over a radio frequency. This will help you maintain the system in case the Wi-Fi goes out.
Different Types of Smart Water Leak Detection Systems
If you’re looking at how to prevent water leaks in your home, there are a few options for smart leak detection. As previously mentioned, most smart water leak detectors consist of the three components listed above. However, some leak detection devices have specific uses, including:
- Water leaks from appliances
- Water flow and water pressure fluctuations
- Freezing pipes