What is a Water Leak Detection Sensor and its Usage?

What is a Water Leak Detection Sensor?

A leak detection sensor, also called a water detector, is a device that can monitor your home’s water systems and help prevent leaks. Some sensors have an audible alarm when a leak is detected, which means that they only work if you’re home to hear it. There are also “smart” sensors available, meaning they connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network and can send alerts to your mobile device if they detect a leak. If you’re at work, on holiday, or step out to pick the kids up from school, a push notification will alert you of a problem. Many of these devices can also automatically shut off your water in the event of a major leak.

Why use a Water Leak Detection Sensor?

The goal of water leak detection sensors is to find leaks before they can do significant damage. According to the Insurance Information Institute, water damage was the second most common cause of claims from 2013 to 2017 and the third most expensive. According to Home Advisor, cleanup costs can be anywhere from $3.75 to $7 per square foot, depending on the type and volume of damage, as well as on your location. A recent Chubb Insurance analysis also revealed that costly water damage is on the rise in Australia.

While most home insurance will cover some of the damage caused by sudden or accidental leaks, other costs may be involved with the repairs. Leak detection sensors can also help with water bills. If your bill has increased dramatically, you may have a potential leak, and a leak detection sensor if placed in the right location will alert you before too much water is lost, potentially saving you thousands of dollars. 

Where to use a Water Leak Detection Sensor?

There are a surprising number of places in your home that can potentially cause water damage. Other than the obvious, like the toilet and washing machine, here are some other areas of your home where you may need leak detectors:

• Cellar (if you have one) – If your home has a cellar, it’s likely below the water table and is therefore at risk of flooding - a Smart Water Detector also doubles as a device for monitoring humidity and temperature to assist in protecting anything stored here.
• Water heater – As hot water systems age, they’re more prone to leaks, broken lines, etc., and they can potentially leak large amounts of water in your home.
• Under the refrigerator (if you have an ice maker) – Ice makers are magical appliances. Having ice on demand is one of the best things about living in the 21^st century, but there’s potential for leaks. The lines used to connect your refrigerator to your water supply can be thin, cheap plastic that breaks down over time. Save yourself a possibly massive headache and put a water leak sensor under the fridge. 
• Under the kitchen sink – Water pipes burst. Flooding ensues. 
• Aircon – Air conditioners remove moisture from the air in addition to cooling. This moisture needs to go somewhere; usually, the water is routed out of the unit and drains safely away, but sometimes those systems fail. A malfunctioning aircon unit can produce a surprising amount of water, and that water can leak all over your home. 
• Washing machine – One small clog or broken line can mean litres of soapy water flow on your floor instead of cleaning your clothes. 
• The toilet – Arguably, this is the room in your home that’s most likely to be the source of possible water damage. Slow leaks or overflowing toilets can mean big trouble. If you’re only going to put one water sensor in your home, it should be in the bathroom. 
  
  

How Can WaterSecure help?

If you’re confused about what a water sensor does or nervous about what type you should buy, WaterSecure can help. Our water security systems prevent 96% of residential water damage claims. They can be tailored to your specific needs, whether you want every room monitored along with your water usage or you’re just looking for the basics. 

The Smart Home Water Security System is a comprehensive solution for your home, including Smart Water Detectors, Smart Water Shutoff, and a companion mobile app that monitors your water usage and any possible leaks. The app initiates daily Health Tests with MicroLeak technology to ensure that your home is leak-free, even when you’re away. You can see diagnostic information in the app, and you’ll receive real-time alerts if the system detects a problem with its built-in alarm. When partnered with a Smart Water Shutoff, in the event of a catastrophic water event, your home’s water will be shut off automatically. For less severe leaks, you have the option of manually shutting off the water from within the app saving your home from catastrophic damage. Your sensors can even integrate seamlessly with your smart home speakers, like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.

If you’re not sure if you need water detectors or need advice about how you should be monitoring your home, WaterSecure’s team is available via either phone or online chat. We can help you order products, set up installation, or offer other professional advice. Our goal is to provide you with the tools and support you need to keep your home and belongings safe from the ravages of water damage and minimising excess water bills.