Water damage is the most common cause of home insurance claims. There are multiple ways it can happen: through the roof, the plumbing system, or faulty appliances like dishwashers and laundry machines. This can cause significant damage. Moldy walls, damage to irreplaceable personal belongings, and warped floorboards are just some of the consequences of water leaks.
Within a typical home, there are several potential sources of water leaks, and they can worsen over time. Piping systems degrade and eventually develop leaks that can go undetected for a while. Copper pipes can pit and develop pinhole leaks. Piping material or thread sealant can break down, leading to a leak. Rubber hoses connected to washing machines can burst after sitting under constant pressure. It’s a common thing, and it’s also a costly thing.
What Are Water Leak Sensors?
To prevent serious damage and avoid the hassle of home repairs, your customers can set up water leak sensors, also known as detectors. These sensors detect the presence of water conditions and leaks. They also send a notification to the homeowner or business operator through an app on their smartphone. This helps especially when the owner is not at home or out of town, so they are aware and can call someone to help fix the issue to prevent further damage. Some detection systems have sensor-activated shut-off systems and can also be programmed to shut off the water in the house.
How Do You Use Water Leak Sensors?
There are numerous options available for sensors. Some devices work once before needing a replacement, and others are designed for long-term use.
Direct contact spot-leak sensors use electrical conduction to physically detect when water has met the sensor. These are best used in areas where there is a higher risk of a leak, and where water damage is most likely to occur. This includes areas near washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, hot-water heaters, sinks and toilets, and furnaces and boilers. Though these are effective, they can only monitor a limited amount of space.
Cable-style leak sensors have a cable with sensing wires. These wires alert you whenever it meets conductive fluid, much like the spot-leak sensor. However, cable-style sensors can cover a much wider area thanks to the extendable cable.
Other flow-leak sensors can be mounted on the main water supply line that feeds water into the facility. These monitor flow rate and water usage. They can then use this information to detect a leak. Depending on the sensor, the user can shut off the valve and cut off the water supply to prevent further damage from their phone.
Why Do You and Your Customers Need Water Leak Sensors?
Undetected water leaks can disrupt businesses, result in loss of property, and contaminate offices and homes, not to mention damage to personal property you’ll never get back. Water leak sensors help homeowners and businesses prevent and repair the issue before it gets out of hand. It’s also a simple way to save a lot of money in the long run.
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