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

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

One tiny leak at your property can cause big difficulties and thousands of dollars in damage. You must protect against this risk; fortunately, there’s an easy way to do so. A water sensor is a simple, effective, and affordable solution. Explore how they work and why you might integrate water sensors into your Des Moines smart home.

How water sensors protect Des Moines your home

Water infiltrates homes in many ways, whether from a plumbing failure, weather-related incident, appliance malfunction, or just human error. No matter how it happens, you must know right away, and this is why water sensors are important. But how precisely do they work? 

Most water sensors are conductive and operate with a pair of electrodes. When water infiltrates the area between the electrodes, an electrical link is established, triggering your alarm. You’ll also discover capacitive sensors that emit an electrical field. Your alarm sounds when water reaches the conductive areas of these devices and disrupts the field. Optical sensors employing infrared LED light are another choice.

Get more from your water sensor

Certain advanced water sensors give you even more peace of mind as they use integrated temperature sensors. This is an exceptional feature in preventing frozen pipes. If there’s a severe reduction in temperature, you’ll find out right away. Taking steps before pipes rupture will shield you from flooding and expensive repairs.

Why integrate water sensors into your Des Moines smart home? 

When water problems happen, you must be alerted at once. You can attain this objective by integrating water sensors into your smart home. Whether you’re on site to hear the alarm or not, you’ll get an immediate update on your mobile device. As an additional backup, your 24/7 monitoring specialists will be informed. Each moment counts in a water emergency to minimize the damage and interruption to your life.

Where should you place water sensors?

Any location prone to flooding is an appropriate place for water sensors. Put them in these locations:

  • Bathrooms: Place in back of toilets or close to tubs.
  • Basements: Water frequently enters basements via damaged walls or as a result of excess rain or broken sump pumps.
  • Next to water heaters or appliances: Any water-connected appliance could leak at some point.
  • Below sinks: Water sensors are perfect for discovering leaky pipes in areas not easy to see.
  • Attics: Identify roof leaks quickly and avert costly repairs.

Request water sensors with your Vivint smart home

Give your property the complete protection it requires with modern devices from Vivint. Our water sensors in Des Moines connect to your Vivint cell phone app to provide immediate updates whenever your alarm goes off. You also get integrated temperature sensors to prevent frozen pipes. Discover all the smart home devices available in Des Moines by reaching out to (515) 972-5232 today.