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

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

One tiny leak at your property can result in significant difficulties and thousands in damage. You have to protect against this threat; thankfully, there’s a simple way to accomplish this. A water sensor is an economical, simple, and effective solution. See how they work and why you should integrate water sensors into your Wausau smart home.

How water sensors safeguard Wausau homes

Water penetrates homes in numerous ways, whether from a broken appliance, plumbing problem, storm-related event, or human error. No matter how it occurs, you must know at once, and this is why water sensors are important. But how precisely do they work? 

Many water sensors are conductive and work with a pair of electrodes. When water infiltrates the area between the electrodes, an electrical connection is established, setting off your alarm. You’ll also discover capacitive sensors that emit an electrical field. When water touches the conductive surfaces of these devices, the field is broken, and your alarm sounds. Optical sensors employing infrared LED light are an additional option.

Get more protection from water sensors

A few advanced water sensors offer even more protection as they use built-in temperature sensors. This is an exceptional tool in preventing pipe freezing. If there’s an extreme drop in temperature, you’ll be notified at once. Taking steps before pipes break will protect you from water damage and exorbitant repair costs.

Why connect water sensors to your Wausau smart home? 

When water emergencies happen, you need to be warned right away. You can attain this objective by incorporating water sensors into your smart home. Whether you’re home to hear the alarm or not, you’ll receive an instant update on your mobile device. As an additional backup, your round-the-clock monitoring agents will be informed. Every moment counts in a water emergency to limit the destruction and disruption to your life.

Where should you place water sensors?

Any location prone to an influx of water is an ideal position for water sensors. Think about installing in these spots:

  • Bathrooms: Position in back of toilets or close to bathtubs.
  • Basements: Water commonly seeps into basements through leaky walls or because of heavy rain or malfunctioning sump pumps.
  • Around water heaters or appliances: Any water-utilizing appliance might ultimately leak.
  • Under sinks: Water sensors are great for discovering pipe leaks in locations you can’t see.
  • Attics: Catch roof leaks promptly and prevent costly repairs.

Install water sensors with your Vivint smart home

Give your residence the comprehensive protection it needs with modern components from Vivint. Our water sensors in Wausau link to your Vivint mobile app to provide automatic notifications any time your alarm is triggered. You also get incorporated temperature sensors to avoid pipe freezing. Learn more about the smart home tools available in Wausau by reaching out to (715) 662-6232 today.