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How does a water sensor work and why use one with your Jacksonville smart home?

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

One minor leak in your home can cause major difficulties and thousands in damage. You have to safeguard against this danger; luckily, there’s a simple way to achieve this. A water sensor is an economical, simple, and effective solution. See how they work and why you should connect water sensors to your Jacksonville smart home.

How water sensors shield Jacksonville properties

Water enters homes in various ways, whether from a plumbing issue, storm-related incident, appliance snafu, or human error. Whatever way it happens, you need to know at once, and this is how water sensors help. But how do they really work? 

The majority of water sensors are conductive and function with two electrodes. When water enters the area between the electrodes, an electrical link is created, setting off your alarm. You’ll also discover capacitive sensors that release an electrical field. Your alarm triggers when water touches the conductive parts of these devices and interrupts the field. Optical sensors employing infrared LED light are another option.

Get more from your water sensor

A few advanced water sensors give you even more protection as they have integrated temperature sensors. This is an excellent tool in preventing frozen pipes. If there’s a severe reduction in temperature, you’ll find out right away. Taking action before pipes rupture will protect you from water infiltration and exorbitant repair costs.

Why integrate water sensors into your Jacksonville smart home? 

When water problems arise, you need to be warned right away. You can attain this goal by incorporating water sensors into your smart home. Whether you’re on site to hear the alarm or away, you’ll get an immediate update on your smartphone. As an added benefit, your round-the-clock monitoring agents will be alerted. Each second matters in a water emergency to control the damage and disturbance to your household.

Where should you put water sensors?

Any area susceptible to water infiltration is an ideal position for water sensors. Think about installing in these areas:

  • Bathrooms: Place behind toilets or next to bathtubs.
  • Basements: Water frequently enters lower floors through cracked walls or as a result of heavy rain or broken sump pumps.
  • Near water heaters or appliances: Any water-using appliance may leak over time.
  • Underneath sinks: Water sensors are ideal for detecting pipe leaks in place not easy to see.
  • Attics: Detect roof leaks early and prevent expensive repairs.

Install water sensors with your Vivint smart home

Give your property the robust protection it requires with Vivint’s innovative devices. Our water sensors in Jacksonville integrate with your Vivint smartphone app to provide automatic updates any time your alarm activates. You also get incorporated temperature sensors to avert pipe freezing. Explore the smart home devices available in Jacksonville by reaching out to (904) 977-6139 today.