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

April 21, 2025
Smartphone app notifies resident of water infiltration

One small leak in your home can cause major problems and thousands of dollars worth of damage. You need to safeguard against this risk; luckily, there’s an easy way to achieve this. A water sensor is an effective, simple, and economical solution. See how they work and why you ought to connect water sensors to your Fort Collins smart home.

How water sensors safeguard Fort Collins homes

Water enters homes in various ways, whether from an appliance breakdown, plumbing problem, weather-related event, or simple human error. However it takes place, you have to know at once, and this is why water sensors are important. But how do they really work? 

Most water sensors are conductive and operate with corresponding electrodes. When water infiltrates the area between the electrodes, an electrical link is formed, setting off your alarm. You’ll also discover capacitive sensors that give off an electrical field. When water reaches the conductive areas of these sensors, the field is broken, and your alarm activates. Optical sensors employing infrared LED light are another option.

Get more protection from water sensors

A few specialized water sensors offer even more peace of mind as they use built-in temperature sensors. This is an exceptional feature in preventing pipe freezing. If there’s an extreme drop in temperature, you’ll know immediately. Taking action before pipes break will protect you from water infiltration and costly repairs.

Why connect water sensors to your Fort Collins smart home? 

When water emergencies happen, you need to be alerted right away. You can attain this aim by integrating water sensors into your smart home. Whether you’re there to hear the alarm or somewhere else, you’ll receive an instant notification on your cell phone. As an additional backup, your round-the-clock monitoring agents will be informed. Each moment is critical in a water emergency to limit the destruction and disruption to your family.

Where should you put water sensors?

Any area at risk of water infiltration is an ideal place for water sensors. Install them in these spots:

  • Bathrooms: Position in back of toilets or next to tubs.
  • Basements: Water frequently enters lower levels through damaged walls or as a result of heavy rain or malfunctioning sump pumps.
  • Around water heaters or appliances: Any water-utilizing appliance may leak at some point.
  • Under sinks: Water sensors are great for discovering pipe leaks in locations you can’t see.
  • Attics: Detect roof leaks promptly and avert costly damage.

Install water sensors with your Vivint smart home

Give your property the complete protection it requires with Vivint’s advanced devices. Our water sensors in Fort Collins connect to your Vivint cell phone app to deliver instant notifications when your alarm is triggered. You also get built-in temperature sensors to prevent pipe freezing. Explore the smart home tools available in Fort Collins by dialing (970) 703-0718 today.