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

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

One minor leak at your house can cause significant issues and thousands of dollars worth of damage. You need to safeguard against this danger; fortunately, there’s a simple way to do so. A water sensor is an effective, simple, and affordable solution. Learn how they work and why you should integrate water sensors into your Louisville smart home.

How water sensors shield Louisville homes

Water penetrates homes in many ways, whether from a storm-related incident, plumbing issue, appliance snafu, or human error. Whatever way it happens, you must know immediately, and this is how water sensors help. But how exactly do they work? 

The majority of water sensors are conductive and operate with two electrodes. When water makes contact with the electrodes, an electrical connection is formed, triggering your alarm. You’ll also come across capacitive sensors that release an electrical field. Your alarm triggers when water touches the conductive areas of these sensors and interrupts the field. Optical sensors employing infrared LED light are an additional possibility.

Some water sensors give you more

Some specialized water sensors give you even more defense as they use incorporated temperature sensors. This is an excellent feature in preventing pipe freezing. If there’s a drastic drop in temperature, you’ll know right away. Taking steps before pipes burst will protect you from water infiltration and expensive repairs.

Why incorporate water sensors into your Louisville smart home? 

When water issues happen, you have to be warned right away. You can attain this objective by integrating water sensors into your smart home. Whether you’re on site to hear the alarm or not, you’ll be sent an automatic notification on your cell phone. As an additional backup, your 24-hour monitoring team will be notified. Each second matters in a water emergency to control the destruction and disturbance to your life.

Where should you put water sensors?

Any area at risk of water infiltration is a suitable position for water sensors. Consider installing in these areas:

  • Bathrooms: Position at the back of toilets or close to bathtubs.
  • Basements: Water often enters lower floors via damaged walls or due to excess rain or malfunctioning sump pumps.
  • Next to water heaters or appliances: Any water-utilizing appliance may leak over time.
  • Underneath sinks: Water sensors are great for identifying plumbing leaks in locations hidden from view.
  • Attics: Identify roof leaks promptly and avert costly damage.

Get water sensors with your Vivint smart home

Give your property the complete protection it needs with advanced tools from Vivint. Our water sensors in Louisville integrate with your Vivint smartphone app to deliver immediate alerts when your alarm activates. You also benefit from integrated temperature sensors to avert frozen pipes. Explore the smart home components available in Louisville by calling (502) 483-0778 today.