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How does a water sensor work and why connect one to your Erie smart home?

April 21, 2025
Cell phone app alerts homeowner of a water problem

One minor leak in your home can cause major difficulties and thousands in damage. You have to protect against this risk; thankfully, there’s a simple way to achieve this. A water sensor is an effective, simple, and budget-friendly solution. See how they work and why you ought to integrate water sensors into your Erie smart home.

How water sensors protect Erie your home

Water penetrates homes in many ways, whether from a weather-related incident, plumbing problem, appliance snafu, or simple human error. Whatever way it happens, you have to know at once, and this is how water sensors help. But how do they really work? 

Many water sensors are conductive and function with corresponding electrodes. When water infiltrates the area between the electrodes, an electrical connection is established, triggering your alarm. You’ll also find capacitive sensors that give off an electrical field. When water reaches the conductive surfaces of these devices, the field is disrupted, and your alarm triggers. Optical sensors utilizing infrared LED light are an additional possibility.

Some water sensors give you more

Certain innovative water sensors give you even more peace of mind as they feature integrated temperature sensors. This is an effective way to prevent frozen pipes. If there’s an extreme drop in temperature, you’ll be notified at once. Taking action before pipes rupture will protect you from water infiltration and costly repairs.

Why integrate water sensors into your Erie smart home? 

When water issues arise, you have to be notified right away. You can achieve this aim by integrating water sensors into your smart home. Whether you’re on site to hear the alarm or not, you’ll get an instant update on your mobile device. In addition, your 24/7 monitoring specialists will be alerted. Every moment matters in a water emergency to limit the damage and disruption to your life.

Where should you put water sensors?

Any location at risk of flooding is a suitable place for water sensors. Install them in these locations:

  • Bathrooms: Place in back of toilets or next to bathtubs.
  • Basements: Water commonly enters basements via damaged walls or due to excessive rain or malfunctioning sump pumps.
  • Next to water heaters or appliances: Any water-using appliance may eventually leak.
  • Under sinks: Water sensors are great for identifying plumbing leaks in areas hidden from view.
  • Attics: Detect roof leaks early and avert costly repairs.

Request water sensors with your Vivint smart home

Give your residence the robust protection it deserves with Vivint’s innovative devices. Our water sensors in Erie connect to your Vivint cell phone app to provide automatic alerts any time your alarm is triggered. You also benefit from integrated temperature sensors to avert pipe freezing. Learn more about the smart home components available in Erie by dialing (814) 992-4902 today.