How does a water sensor work and why use one with your Portland smart home?

One tiny leak in your home can lead to big difficulties and thousands of dollars worth of damage. You must protect against this risk; fortunately, there’s a simple way to accomplish this. A water sensor is an affordable, simple, and effective solution. Learn how they work and why you might integrate water sensors into your Portland smart home.

How water sensors shield Portland homes

Water penetrates homes in numerous ways, whether from a plumbing issue, weather-related event, appliance malfunction, or simple human error. Whatever way it happens, you have to know at once, and this is why water sensors are important. But how do they really work? 

The majority of water sensors are conductive and work with two electrodes. When water invades the space between the electrodes, an electrical connection is created, setting off your alarm. You’ll also find capacitive sensors that give off an electrical field. Your alarm activates when water contacts the conductive areas of these components and interrupts the field. Optical sensors using infrared LED light are another choice.

Get more from your water sensor

Some specialized water sensors offer even more protection as they feature integrated temperature sensors. This is an outstanding tool in preventing frozen pipes. If there’s an extreme drop in temperature, you’ll find out immediately. Taking measures before pipes burst will shield you from water infiltration and expensive repairs.

Why incorporate water sensors into your Portland smart home? 

When water emergencies occur, you have to be notified immediately. You can reach this objective by integrating water sensors into your smart home. Whether you’re home to hear the alarm or away, you’ll get an immediate alert on your smartphone. As an added benefit, your 24/7 monitoring agents will be alerted. Every moment is critical in a water emergency to limit the damage and disruption to your household.

Where should you put water sensors?

Any spot susceptible to an influx of water is an ideal place for water sensors. Think about installing in these areas:

• Bathrooms: Place next to bathtubs or behind toilets.
• Basements: Water often enters lower floors via leaky walls or due to excessive rain or malfunctioning sump pumps.
• Near water heaters or appliances: Any water-using appliance might ultimately leak.
• Below sinks: Water sensors are perfect for discovering leaky pipes in locations you can’t see.
• Attics: Detect roof leaks promptly and avoid costly damage.

Request water sensors with your Vivint smart home

Give your home the robust protection it needs with Vivint’s innovative devices. Our water sensors in Portland connect to your Vivint mobile app to send you immediate alerts whenever your alarm is triggered. You also get integrated temperature sensors to avert frozen pipes. Explore the smart home components available in Portland by reaching out to (503) 213-9485 today.