How to detect a water leak in the house
How do you detect a water leak? There are multiple ways… all dependent on the type of leak and its origination point. You may first detect a leak by noticing an increase in your water bills. Others can be spotted by noticing musty smells, feeling extra humidity/moisture in the room, or finding unsightly stains on the ceilings or drywall.
Check the water meter. Your water meter should have an indicator that shows when water is moving through. In most units, this is a small wheel or triangle. If you’ve successfully turned off everything else that’s using water and yours is moving, you have a plumbing leak.
Many household appliances are connected to a water supply, and they can be sources of leaks if not properly maintained. Inspect the areas around your dishwasher, refrigerator (especially if it has an ice maker or water dispenser), washing machine and water heater. Look for pooling water, dampness or water stains around these appliances, as these could be signs of an appliance leak. Faulty hoses, connections or internal components may be to blame. Check the hoses regularly and replace them if they show signs of wear or deterioration.
Beyond visual inspections, there are several different home devices you can purchase that will detect, monitor and shut off your water. Here’s how they differ:
Water Leak Detection and Alerts
What is a water leak detector?
Leaks from pipes, appliances and the weather can happen anywhere in your home and Smart Leak Detectors can sense moisture quickly to help reduce the risk of damage. These sensors detect water that is where it shouldn’t be and send a real-time alert to a phone or emit an audible alarm.
Smart Leak Detectors are battery-powered, easy to install and come with a remote sensing disc for harder-to-reach areas like under sinks, behind toilets or under large appliances.
Leak detectors have several types of sensors that monitor for moisture issues in a variety of ways. They include:
Conductivity
Humidity
Temperature
But these sensors can only go so far.
When a water leak sensor, whether a detector or monitor, detects a leak, it will sound an audible alarm that beeps every few seconds and may display a flashing LED light. However, more modern models use technology that connects to your home’s Wi-Fi network to send notifications to your smartphone within seconds of detecting a possible leak.
The alert is an app notification, phone call, email or text. This way, you are notified instantly about any leak wherever you are — at home, at work or even on a vacation overseas.
Alerts, however, only go so far too. They can make you aware of a leak but can’t shut down the water to prevent damage. This is where smart water shutoff systems can help limit or prevent water from wreaking havoc on your property and causing costly repairs.
Water Leak Monitoring
Monitors track water usage and can alert you if water is running when it shouldn’t be. However, because these monitors can’t shut off automatically, someone needs to be home to address the concern. Leak monitoring system sensors typically use mechanical turbines or ultrasonic wavelengths to monitor the water flow or pressure in the pipes. The detector, either strapped onto the main water supply line or plumbed directly into it, continuously analyzes the water usage patterns. If something seems off, such as an increase in usage, the detector will react.
The science of sound is finding its way into leak detection, where acoustic sensors are used to listen for the distant sounds of water escaping from pipes. In addition, thermal imaging cameras can help “see” where silent leaks might occur.
Water Monitor and Shutoff
There are two types of smart shutoff systems: professionally installed units that are integrated into your home’s main water supply, and DIY systems that attach to the quarter-turn valve on the water line, using an electric motor to automatically open and close the valve if a leak is detected.
The Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff is an innovative device installed directly on the main water line, offering precise monitoring and the ability to automatically shut off the home’s water. You can also monitor and control your home’s water directly from your phone, if needed.
How to choose the best combination for your needs
Water monitors and leak detectors themselves only tell you how much water you are using and if there is a leak ... but they leave you vulnerable to damage unless you can immediately act.
As we know, a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t cut it when it comes to preventing water damage. While each home and environment are unique, it is recommended to select a device that not only detects water leak issues but also can automatically protect your home from damage when a leak is found.
