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

One small leak at your property can cause significant issues and thousands of dollars worth of damage. You must safeguard against this threat; fortunately, there’s a straightforward way to achieve this. A water sensor is an economical, simple, and effective solution. Learn how they work and why you should integrate water sensors into your San Jose smart home.

How water sensors safeguard San Jose your home

Water infiltrates homes in many ways, whether from a storm-related incident, plumbing problem, appliance breakdown, or human error. Whatever way it happens, you need to know at once, and this is where water sensors come in. But how exactly do they work? 

Many water sensors are conductive and operate with a pair of electrodes. When water comes in contact with the electrodes, an electrical connection is formed, setting off your alarm. You’ll also find capacitive sensors that emit an electrical field. When water contacts the conductive surfaces of these devices, the field is disrupted, and your alarm activates. Optical sensors using infrared LED light are another possibility.

Get more from your water sensor

Certain innovative water sensors offer even more peace of mind as they use incorporated temperature sensors. This is an effective way to prevent pipe freezing. If there’s a drastic drop in temperature, you’ll be notified at once. Taking action before pipes break will shield you from water infiltration and exorbitant repair costs.

Why connect water sensors to your San Jose smart home? 

When water problems arise, you must be alerted at once. You can reach this goal by incorporating water sensors into your smart home. Whether you’re home to hear the alarm or not, you’ll be sent an automatic update on your mobile device. As an added benefit, your 24-hour monitoring agents will be informed. Every second is critical in a water emergency to limit the damage and interruption to your life.

Where should you install water sensors?

Any area susceptible to water infiltration is an ideal position for water sensors. Place them in these spots:

• Bathrooms: Attach close to bathtubs or behind toilets.
• Basements: Water frequently enters lower levels through leaky walls or because of excessive rain or broken sump pumps.
• Next to water heaters or appliances: Any water-utilizing appliance could leak in time.
• Under sinks: Water sensors are great for detecting leaky pipes in locations you can’t see.
• Attics: Catch roof leaks early and avert expensive repairs.

Get water sensors with your Vivint smart home

Give your property the comprehensive protection it needs with Vivint’s advanced devices. Our water sensors in San Jose integrate with your Vivint mobile app to provide immediate notifications any time your alarm goes off. You also benefit from built-in temperature sensors to avert frozen pipes. Learn more about the smart home devices available in San Jose by reaching out to (408) 790-0318 today.