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How does a water sensor work and why use one with your St. Petersburg smart home?

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

One tiny leak at your house can result in big problems and thousands in damage. You must protect against this threat; fortunately, there’s an easy way to do so. A water sensor is an economical, simple, and effective solution. Learn how they work and why you might incorporate water sensors into your St. Petersburg smart home.

How water sensors protect St. Petersburg homes

Water enters homes in numerous ways, whether from a storm-related event, plumbing problem, appliance snafu, or simple human error. However it takes place, you need to know immediately, and this is how water sensors help. But how precisely do they work? 

The majority of water sensors are conductive and function with a pair of electrodes. When water reaches the electrodes, an electrical circuit is formed, activating your alarm. You’ll also discover capacitive sensors that release an electrical field. When water reaches the conductive parts of these sensors, the field is interrupted, and your alarm activates. Optical sensors using infrared LED light are another possibility.

Some water sensors give you more

A few innovative water sensors offer even more peace of mind as they feature incorporated temperature sensors. This is a helpful way to prevent pipe freezing. If there’s a drastic drop in temperature, you’ll be notified right away. Taking steps before pipes burst will protect you from flooding and exorbitant repair costs.

Why incorporate water sensors into your St. Petersburg smart home? 

When water emergencies happen, you must be alerted right away. You can reach this goal by integrating water sensors into your smart home. Whether you’re there to hear the alarm or somewhere else, you’ll get an automatic notification on your smartphone. As an added benefit, your round-the-clock monitoring specialists will be informed. Every moment matters in a water emergency to minimize the destruction and interruption to your household.

Where should you place water sensors?

Any spot at risk of flooding is an appropriate place for water sensors. Put them in these areas:

  • Bathrooms: Place behind toilets or near tubs.
  • Basements: Water commonly seeps into lower floors via cracked walls or because of excessive rain or broken sump pumps.
  • Near water heaters or appliances: Any water-utilizing appliance could leak at some point.
  • Under sinks: Water sensors are ideal for discovering leaky pipes in place you can’t see.
  • Attics: Identify roof leaks early and avert costly damage.

Get water sensors with your Vivint smart home

Give your home the robust protection it needs with advanced tools from Vivint. Our water sensors in St. Petersburg integrate with your Vivint smartphone app to deliver immediate alerts when your alarm is triggered. You also get incorporated temperature sensors to prevent frozen pipes. Discover all the smart home components available in St. Petersburg by calling (727) 353-8318 today.