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

April 21, 2025
Mobile app warns homeowner of a water concern

One tiny leak in your home can lead to major issues and thousands of dollars worth of damage. You must safeguard against this danger; luckily, there’s an easy way to achieve this. A water sensor is an effective, simple, and affordable solution. Explore how they work and why you ought to connect water sensors to your Columbia smart home.

How water sensors shield Columbia properties

Water enters homes in many ways, whether from an appliance breakdown, plumbing issue, storm-related event, or just human error. However it happens, you must know at once, and this is why water sensors are important. But how exactly do they work? 

Most water sensors are conductive and function with a pair of electrodes. When water infiltrates the area between the electrodes, an electrical connection is created, setting off your alarm. You’ll also find capacitive sensors that give off an electrical field. When water contacts the conductive surfaces of these sensors, the field is interrupted, and your alarm activates. Optical sensors using infrared LED light are another possibility.

Get more protection from water sensors

Some specialized water sensors give you even more defense as they have integrated temperature sensors. This is an excellent feature in preventing frozen pipes. If there’s an extreme decrease in temperature, you’ll be notified immediately. Taking action before pipes break will save you from flooding and expensive repairs.

Why connect water sensors to your Columbia smart home? 

When water issues happen, you have to be warned at once. You can achieve this objective by connecting water sensors to your smart home. Whether you’re home to hear the alarm or somewhere else, you’ll be sent an instant notification on your cell phone. As an added benefit, your 24-hour monitoring team will be informed. Each second is critical in a water emergency to minimize the damage and interruption to your life.

Where should you install water sensors?

Any location at risk of an influx of water is an ideal position for water sensors. Think about installing in these locations:

  • Bathrooms: Position behind toilets or near tubs.
  • Basements: Water commonly enters lower floors through damaged walls or due to excessive rain or faulty sump pumps.
  • Near water heaters or appliances: Any water-connected appliance could leak in time.
  • Underneath sinks: Water sensors are perfect for detecting leaky pipes in areas you can’t see.
  • Attics: Catch roof leaks quickly and avoid costly damage.

Request water sensors with your Vivint smart home

Give your residence the robust protection it needs with advanced tools from Vivint. Our water sensors in Columbia link to your Vivint smartphone app to send you instant updates whenever your alarm is triggered. You also get incorporated temperature sensors to avoid pipe freezing. Discover all the smart home devices available in Columbia by dialing (573) 641-8250 today.