Here’s How Smart Water Leak Detectors Can Protect Your Home

Leaks from faulty couplings or freezing pipes can cause serious damage to your home. This can result in significant renovation and mould remediation costs. You may even have to leave your home for a period of time until repairs are completed. Read on to learn how Smart leak detectors can help keep your home and family protected.

Smart Leak Detector Features

Wi-Fi water sensors and flood sensors are available with a wide variety of features. Consider where you’ll be placing your sensors when choosing the features that best suit your needs: 

• Detachable probes that can extend into tight or hard to reach areas 

• Temperature change detection to alert you to the possibility of pipes freezing or rising humidity that could damage valuables 

• Water cable sensor to expand coverage outwards from the base of the unit 

• Audible alarm and flashing LED lights to alert you of a potential a water leak 

• Floatability: in the event of basement flooding the unit will float on top of the water and continue to work until the battery is depleted 

• Low battery indicator for improved safety and performance

Smart Leak Detector Apps

Whether you're out in the yard or away on vacation, Smart leak sensors will let you know if a water leak is occurring in your home. The sensor can communicate with your mobile device through your local Wi-Fi network, or through your home’s existing network hub if one is present. Most newer water leak detectors do not require the purchase of a separate hub. Look for the following features when choosing Smart leak detectors: 

• Leak notifications to be informed immediately of any leaks, freezing or humidity issues in your home 

• 24/7 remote monitoring 

• Security camera integration so you can see what's happening in the water leak area and take appropriate action 

• Integration with other Smart devices in your home 

• Programmability so you can plan for the weeks or months ahead and make adjustments as necessary 

• Dashboard control to easily monitor the status and control your connected devices from one place 

• Family access feature to allow other household members to monitor the dashboard and controls 

• Low battery level warnings 

• Event log reporting

Where to Place Water Leak Sensors

For optimal protection, water leak detectors should be placed strategically throughout your house. Depending on the size and layout of your home, you may want up to ten different sensors in various areas.

Behind Your Toilet

A leaking toilet could be the result of overflow while flushing, a supply line failure, or even a crack in the porcelain. Place your water leak detector behind the toilet. This keeps it out of view to help maintain your bathroom décor. More importantly, it allows the sensor to quickly identify any excess moisture even if you can’t see it yourself.

Under Your Sink

Your sink can leak from the tap, from the pipes below, or simply if someone forgets to shut the faucet off. Place your water leak sensor in the cabinet beneath the sink and below pipes so it will alert you to moisture from any source.

Under Your Refrigerator

If your refrigerator includes an ice maker, the water feeder lines are a potential source of leaks. In the event of a power failure, your freezer will defrost and leak water into the kitchen. Fortunately, the battery-powered Smart water sensor will not be affected. Look for a thin sensor unit that can be placed under your fridge safely away from foot traffic.

Under Your Dishwasher

Your dishwasher contains feeder lines and drain lines, both of which can leak and cause flooding. The door seal can also fail, so place your Smart sensor under the dishwasher near the front of the unit.

Under Your Washing Machine

Whether it is a top-load or a front-load, most washing machine leaks occur in the pipes behind the unit. So in this case, place your water leak detector under the washing machine, but towards the back.

Around Your Water Heater

Your water heater can leak from either the pipes or from the tank itself. Place your leak detector strategically between the tank and the pipes to catch any leaks that may occur.

Near Windows & Doors

Wind and rainstorms can compromise the seals around your windows and doors, allowing water to enter your home. Smart water sensors can alert you to a breach right away. Try to place them as close to the area as possible, but with minimal risk of being kicked or jostled.

Near Your Furnace Humidifier

Water can also leak from your furnace’s humidifier. This often occurs if the humidifier is left running when the furnace is off, causing the float valve or solenoid to get stuck in the open position. Place your water leak sensor as near to the humidifier as safety allows.

Whole Home Leak Detection Systems

A whole home leak detection system monitors the water flow and pressure throughout your home. If a leak is detected it will automatically shut off your water and immediately alert you to the issue. The shut off valve should be installed on the water main right where water enters your home. The system hub should be placed in a central location close to your Wi-Fi router to ensure good connection.

Installing water leak sensors is one of the most cost-effective safety measures you can take for your home. The initial investment will more than cover the potential expense of damage to your property. You’ll also have the peace-of-mind that comes with knowing your home is protected.