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

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

One minor leak in your home can cause big difficulties and thousands of dollars in damage. You must safeguard against this threat; thankfully, there’s a straightforward way to accomplish this. A water sensor is an effective, simple, and economical solution. Learn how they work and why you ought to incorporate water sensors into your Houston smart home.

How water sensors protect Houston your home

Water penetrates homes in various ways, whether from a plumbing issue, storm-related incident, appliance snafu, or human error. No matter how it occurs, you need to know at once, and this is why water sensors are important. But how precisely do they work? 

The majority of water sensors are conductive and function with corresponding electrodes. When water invades the space between the electrodes, an electrical connection is created, setting off your alarm. You’ll also come across capacitive sensors that give off an electrical field. Your alarm activates when water touches the conductive areas of these components and disrupts the field. Optical sensors using infrared LED light are an additional option.

Get more protection from water sensors

A few specialized water sensors provide even more peace of mind as they use integrated temperature sensors. This is a helpful way to prevent frozen pipes. If there’s an extreme reduction in temperature, you’ll know at once. Taking measures before pipes break will save you from flooding and expensive repairs.

Why incorporate water sensors into your Houston smart home? 

When water issues happen, you have to be warned immediately. You can attain this objective by incorporating water sensors into your smart home. Whether you’re there to hear the alarm or away, you’ll receive an instant update on your cell phone. As an added benefit, your 24-hour monitoring team will be notified. Each moment counts in a water emergency to limit the destruction and disruption to your family.

Where should you place water sensors?

Any spot prone to water infiltration is a suitable position for water sensors. Put them in these locations:

  • Bathrooms: Attach at the back of toilets or near tubs.
  • Basements: Water often enters lower levels through leaky walls or as a result of excess rain or malfunctioning sump pumps.
  • Near water heaters or appliances: Any water-connected appliance may over time leak.
  • Underneath sinks: Water sensors are perfect for discovering plumbing leaks in areas hidden from view.
  • Attics: Detect roof leaks promptly and avert costly damage.

Install water sensors with your Vivint smart home

Give your property the robust protection it requires with advanced components from Vivint. Our water sensors in Houston link to your Vivint cell phone app to provide immediate notifications whenever your alarm goes off. You also get built-in temperature sensors to avert pipe freezing. Discover all the smart home components available in Houston by dialing (713) 597-3506 today.