Many people install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in their homes.
Some people even have sensors to detect changes in temperature and light. So here’s an important question: Is having water sensors worth the effort as well?
Water sensors are worth buying because they’re often cheap and alert you to leaks. They go off when water comes into contact with them. A leak left to its own devices can lead to water damage which can be problematic and hazardous. Sensors can help mitigate damage caused by water.
In this article, we’ll talk about what water sensors are and how they work. We’ll also discuss how to pick the best alarm for your needs. Our final topic will cover water damage and how it can negatively impact you.
What Is a Water Sensor?
Water sensors (aka water alarms or water leak sensors) sound like the less serious equivalent to fire alarms. Water isn’t that big a deal if you find a little around the house, is it?
Both flame and water can do a lot of damage; if anything, water damage can be more of an issue because it can go unseen.
Water alarms are the aquatic equivalent of fire alarms. A water sensor can detect water when the liquid comes into contact with the device. People place these sensors near potential intrusive water sources like washing machines and water pipes in case of leaks.
You can find water leak sensors very cheap. At most, they’ll run you about $12, but some models can run more than $900. Nevertheless, if you stick to the less expensive alarms, they serve as an added layer of protection for your home.
How Water Alarms Work
A water alarm won’t be much larger than a foot across and is placed near places that could spring a leak.
The sensor connects to a control panel manually or wirelessly. Water sensors aren’t very complicated machines.
You put the sensors in basement water pipes, washing machines, water heaters, and dishwashers.
Water sensors notify you in two ways: a loud noise or alerts via WiFi.
Once liquid finds its way onto the sensors, an alarm is either toggled inside the control panel that rings through the house or pushes a notification to your smartphone.
The types of water alarms include the following:
Passive Alarms
Passive alarms are almost exactly like smoke alarms in terms of functionality.
They emit a sound when exposed to water, much like smoke detectors when there’s smoke around.
A passive alarm can be a singular unit with one sensor inside or a series of sensors wirelessly connected.
These alarms can’t stop leaks, so they’re only effective when homeowners are on the scene. Smart alarms notify you regardless of location so someone can go check out the leak.
Active Alarms
Active alarms, unlike their passive counterparts, can stop leaks before they become an issue.
These types of sensors are attached to the main shut-off valve and prevent further water flow.
An active sensor is best for places without residents or lots of foot traffic.
DIY installation for a smaller active alarm is possible, but professionals need to handle the more extensive whole-house systems.
How To Select a Water Alarm
Choosing your alarm depends on where you’re most worried about, like the basement.
Consider your budget and how often you’re away from home when choosing a water sensor.
Hopefully, your ideal choice will be the most practical option.
Your pick of water detection alarm needs to center around your lifestyle.
Choose a single sensor alarm if you’re not made of money or are concerned with one spot.
An alarm with a shut-off feature will cost more but is best if you’re away from home often.
Singular sensor alarms are cheap and acceptable to supervise one spot.
More precautious readers may purchase a multi-sensor water alarm that connects to WiFi.
Multipack alarms often cost more but will tell you when there’s a leak at home from anywhere.
The exceedingly precautious (and those with a bit of money to spend) will want to take a look at the leakSMART Water Leak Detection Starter Kit.
It has an automatic water shut-off feature that shuts off your main water line after five seconds. An alarm like this is the safest option when you’re out.
Why You Should Consider a Water Alarm
Water can utterly destroy a home.
The damage becomes expensive and dangerous if the cause isn’t identified and taken care of promptly.
Water damage can even be hazardous to your health when it’s left alone long enough.
Water damage only gets worse until you take care of it.
In the meantime, mold can begin to grow, which can cause breathing problems and other health issues.
Water can cause structural issues and generally ruin your house.
Mold grows when the spores find water sources and begin to grow.
The fungus causes itchy eyes, nasal congestion, coughing, and wheezing.
Mold can cause respiratory complications like worsening asthma.
Water also causes direct damage to your house.
Wood weakens when exposed to water for too long.
Waterlogged wood can cause walls to cave in and floors to collapse.
Drywall, carpeting, and insulation are particularly susceptible to water as well.
The worst thing that happens in water-damaged homes is devaluation and extra spending.
Selling a house with water damage can be difficult, and you can expect to see an increase in insurance rates.
In Summary
Water leak sensors can be an invaluable part of your home’s maintenance.
These sensors activate when exposed to water and release a high-pitched noise through the house.
Alarms connected to WiFi send notifications to your phone when they get wet.
There are passive alarms and active alarms.
Passive sensors can detect leaks, but they can’t stop them.
An active alarm can sense and halt water flow through pipes to prevent damage.
Leaks left unchecked result in mold growth which leads to health issues.
Water damage eventually ruins drywall, damages your home’s support structures, and even raises insurance premiums.
