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

One small leak in your home can result in significant issues and thousands of dollars in damage. You need to defend against this risk; luckily, there’s a simple way to do so. A water sensor is an economical, simple, and effective solution. Explore how they work and why you should incorporate water sensors into your Kansas City smart home.

How water sensors protect Kansas City your home

Water penetrates homes in numerous ways, whether from a storm-related event, plumbing problem, appliance breakdown, or simple human error. No matter how it takes place, you have to know at once, and this is how water sensors help. But how precisely do they work? 

Many water sensors are conductive and work with two electrodes. When water infiltrates the space between the electrodes, an electrical circuit is established, activating your alarm. You’ll also discover capacitive sensors that emit an electrical field. When water reaches the conductive surfaces of these sensors, the field is disrupted, and your alarm sounds. Optical sensors using infrared LED light are an additional option.

Get more protection from water sensors

A few specialized water sensors offer even more defense as they have built-in temperature sensors. This is a helpful way to prevent pipe freezing. If there’s an extreme drop in temperature, you’ll be notified immediately. Taking measures before pipes break will shield you from water damage and exorbitant repair costs.

Why integrate water sensors into your Kansas City smart home? 

When water problems arise, you need to be warned right away. You can attain this aim by incorporating water sensors into your smart home. Whether you’re there to hear the alarm or away, you’ll get an immediate alert on your mobile device. As an additional backup, your round-the-clock monitoring agents will be notified. Every second is critical in a water emergency to limit the destruction and disruption to your family.

Where should you put water sensors?

Any area prone to an influx of water is an ideal position for water sensors. Consider installing in these spots:

• Bathrooms: Position next to bathtubs or in back of toilets.
• Basements: Water frequently infiltrates lower floors via damaged walls or because of excess rain or malfunctioning sump pumps.
• Around water heaters or appliances: Any water-utilizing appliance could eventually leak.
• Underneath sinks: Water sensors are great for identifying leaky pipes in locations not easy to see.
• Attics: Identify roof leaks early and avert expensive repairs.

Request water sensors with your Vivint smart home

Give your home the comprehensive protection it needs with modern devices from Vivint. Our water sensors in Kansas City link to your Vivint smartphone app to send you immediate notifications when your alarm activates. You also get built-in temperature sensors to avoid pipe freezing. Explore the smart home devices available in Kansas City by calling (816) 357-9576 today.