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How does a water sensor work and why install one with your Salinas smart home?

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

One tiny leak at your property can lead to major difficulties and thousands of dollars in damage. You need to safeguard against this risk; luckily, there’s a straightforward way to do so. A water sensor is a simple, effective, and economical solution. Explore how they work and why you might connect water sensors to your Salinas smart home.

How water sensors protect Salinas homes

Water penetrates homes in various ways, whether from a storm-related event, plumbing problem, appliance malfunction, or just human error. Whatever way it happens, you need to know at once, and this is why water sensors are important. But how exactly do they work? 

Most water sensors are conductive and work with two electrodes. When water enters the space between the electrodes, an electrical link is established, setting off your alarm. You’ll also find capacitive sensors that emit an electrical field. When water contacts the conductive parts of these devices, the field is disrupted, and your alarm triggers. Optical sensors utilizing infrared LED light are another possibility.

Some water sensors give you more

A few innovative water sensors give you even more defense as they use integrated temperature sensors. This is a helpful way to prevent frozen pipes. If there’s a drastic reduction in temperature, you’ll find out right away. Taking action before pipes break will shield you from flooding and exorbitant repair costs.

Why connect water sensors to your Salinas smart home? 

When water issues occur, you need to be warned immediately. You can attain this aim by incorporating water sensors into your smart home. Whether you’re home to hear the alarm or away, you’ll get an immediate notification on your mobile device. As an added benefit, your 24/7 monitoring specialists will be alerted. Each moment is critical in a water emergency to minimize the destruction and disturbance to your household.

Where should you put water sensors?

Any spot at risk of flooding is an ideal position for water sensors. Install them in these spots:

  • Bathrooms: Position close to bathtubs or behind toilets.
  • Basements: Water often seeps into lower levels through damaged walls or because of excess rain or broken sump pumps.
  • Next to water heaters or appliances: Any water-connected appliance could leak in time.
  • Below sinks: Water sensors are ideal for discovering leaky pipes in place not easy to see.
  • Attics: Detect roof leaks early and avoid costly damage.

Install water sensors with your Vivint smart home

Give your residence the complete protection it requires with Vivint’s advanced devices. Our water sensors in Salinas integrate with your Vivint mobile app to send you automatic notifications any time your alarm is triggered. You also get integrated temperature sensors to prevent pipe freezing. Discover all the smart home components available in Salinas by reaching out to (831) 400-5196 today.